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"Do You Know (What It Takes)" is a song by Swedish singer and songwriter Robyn, released as the third single from her debut studio album, Robyn Is Here (1996). In the United Kingdom, it was issued as Robyn's second single in November 1996, while in the United States, it was released as her debut single the following year. The song was written by Robyn, Herbie Crichlow, Denniz Pop, and Max Martin, and it was produced by Pop and Martin.

"Do You Know (What It Takes)"
Swedish CD single cover
Single by Robyn
from the album Robyn Is Here
Released	1996 (1996)
Studio	Cheiron (Stockholm, Sweden)
Genre	Dance-pop R&B
Length	3:43
Label	Ariola Ricochet BMG
Songwriter(s)	Robyn Herbie Crichlow Denniz Pop Max Martin
Producer(s)	Denniz Pop Max Martin
Robyn singles chronology
"Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)" (1995) "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (1996) "Show Me Love" (1997)
Music video
"Do You Know (What It Takes)" on YouTube
Robyn UK singles chronology
"You've Got That Somethin'" (1996) "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (1996) "Show Me Love" (1997)
Robyn US singles chronology
"Do You Know (What It Takes)" (1997) "Show Me Love" (1997)

In Robyn's native Sweden, "Do You Know (What It Takes)" was her second top-10 hit, peaking at number 10. It was her first top-10 single in the United States, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. In August 1998, the single was certified Gold in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 copies. The single was slightly less successful in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 26 after a re-release in August 1997.

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "dynamite" in his review of Robyn Is Here.[1] Larry Flick from Billboard declared it as a "bright'n'bouncy ditty" and a "youth-driven smash". He complimented the singer's "oh-so-charming presence, which is sorta a hybrid of Brandy and Monica with a pinch of Mariah Carey", adding that Robyn "makes the most of the song's irresistibly sweet chorus and finger-poppin' funky backbeat."[2] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report noted that "rarely does word about a record spread as quickly as it has for this Swedish production."[3] Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated that the 16-year old Robyn "has mastered the R&B genre to a T." They noted that she "supplies the sassy rhymes, while master-producer [Denniz] Pop takes care of the perky beats and poppy arrangements."[4]

A reviewer from Music Week rated it four out of five, adding that the singer "delivers a slick uptempo number which could see her make the Top 40".[5] It was also described as "irresistible".[6] Kirstin Watson from Smash Hits viewed it as a "happy ditty" and a "right catchy little number".[7] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror gave it nine out of ten, commenting, "Exploding the myth that Swedish popsters are all Paul Calf haircuts and Magnum moustaches, the girl Robyn shows she sure can funk. Large summer chorus in the house."[8] David Sinclair from The Times called it a "pouting, pop-soul confection".[9]

Music video

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2014)

There were made two different versions of the music video for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"; a European version and a US version. The latter was directed by American director Kevin Bray.[10] The European version was later published on Robyn's official YouTube channel in October 2009. It has amassed more than 2,1 million views as of September 2021.[11]

Track listings

Personnel

• Lyrics – Robyn, Herbie Crichlow
• Music – Robyn, Denniz Pop, Max Martin, Herbie Crichlow
• Arrangement, production, recording and mixing – Denniz Pop, Max Martin

Source:[12]

Charts and certifications

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
Sweden	1996 (1996)	CD	Ariola Ricochet BMG
United Kingdom	4 November 1996 (1996-11-04)	12-inch vinyl CD cassette	RCA BMG	[33]
United States	6 May 1997 (1997-05-06)	Rhythmic contemporary radio		[34]
	13 May 1997 (1997-05-13)	12-inch vinyl CD cassette		[35]
Europe	July 1997 (1997-07)	Radio CD		[36]
United Kingdom (re-release)	4 August 1997 (1997-08-04)	12-inch vinyl CD cassette		[37]

References

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