Know by Now explained

Know by Now
Cover:	Robert Palmer Know By Now Single 1994 1.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Robert Palmer
Album:	Honey
B-Side:	In the Stars
Released:	^[1]
Genre:	Pop rock
Length:	4:11 (album version) 4:01 (single version)
Label:	EMI
Producer:	Robert Palmer Stephen Hague
Prev Title:	Girl U Want
Prev Year:	1994
Next Title:	You Blow Me Away
Next Year:	1994

"Know by Now" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robert Palmer, released in August 1994 by EMI as the second single from the singer's twelfth studio album, Honey (1994). The song was written by Palmer and co-produced by Palmer alongside Stephen Hague. "Know by Now" reached number 25 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for five weeks.^[2]

Background

Speaking to The Canadian Press in 1994, Palmer said of the song, "I happen to think that it is probably the best song I've written for many reasons – first of all, it's three songs in one, in that each piece of it was a separate inspiration at a different time, not merely a reason to get from A to C."^[3]

Music video

The song's music video was shot in Barcelona.^[3]

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single, Andrew Hirst of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner picked it as the "single of the week" and wrote, "Every now and then Palmer releases a single of quality and distinction. This is another one."^[4] In the US, Larry Flick of Billboard described the song as "a breezy pop/rocker" and added, "His distinctive delivery glides with friendly ease and warmth over an arrangement of plucky guitar lines and a steady, synth-coated beat. He brings colors and tones to this track that haven't turned up on one of his records in years – what a pleasure. A toe-tapper that sticks to the brain after one spin."^[5]

In the review for the album Honey, Leslie Mathew of AllMusic commented: "Highlights include "Know by Now," a tasty mid-paced rocker."^[6] CD Review said: "In a classier vein "Know by Now" reworks that percolating "Every Breath You Take" groove one more time."^[7] In the 1997 book The Virgin Encyclopedia of Seventies Music, Colin Larkin commented: "Honey was another credible release with notable tracks such as "Know by Now" and the title song."^[8]

Track listings

• 7-inch single

1. "Know by Now" (radio edit) – 4:01
2. "Mercy, Mercy Me" / "I Want You" – 5:58

• CD single (UK CD1)

1. "Know by Now" (radio edit) – 4:01
2. "In the Stars" – 4:51
3. "Simply Irresistible" – 4:14
4. "Mercy, Mercy Me" / "I Want You" – 5:58

• CD single (Europe; UK CD2)

1. "Know by Now" (radio edit) – 4:01
2. "In the Stars" – 4:51
3. "Know by Now" (Pinaxa mix) – 5:26
4. "She Makes My Day" – 4:15

• CD single (Australia)

1. "Know by Now" (radio edit) – 4:01
2. "In the Stars" – 4:51
3. "Know by Now" (Pinaxa mix) – 5:26
4. "She Makes My Day" – 4:15
5. "Girl U Want" – 2:24

Personnel

Production

• Robert Palmer – producer, arranger
• Stephen Hague – producer
• Pino "Pinaxa" Pischetola – mixing, remixer of "Pinaxa Mix"

Charts

Chart (1994)	Peak position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)^[9]	23
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)^[10]	18
Europe (European AC Radio)^[11]	7
Germany (Official German Charts)^[12]	51
UK Singles (OCC)	25

Notes and References

1. Single Releases . . 20 August 1994 . 27.
2. Web site: Robert Palmer; full Official Chart History . . 6 October 2023.
3. News: Davidson . Neil . On his new album, Robert Palmer says exactly what he means . . 27 October 1994 . C9 . . subscription . 6 October 2023.
4. News: Hirst . Andrew . 2 September 1994 . Beyond the Beat: Singles . . 12.
5. Flick . Larry . Single Reviews . . 10 September 1994 . Billboard Publications, Inc. . 106 . 37 . 89 . 0006-2510.
6. Web site: Mathew . Leslie . Honey – Robert Palmer . AllMusic . 8 May 2012.
7. Web site: CD Review – Google Books . 1994 . 10 March 2018.
8. Book: The Virgin Encyclopedia of Seventies Music – Google Books . 9780753501542 . 10 March 2018. Larkin . Colin . 1997 .
9. Web site: Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada . Collectionscanada.gc.ca . 8 May 2012.
10. Web site: Results – RPM – Library and Archives Canada . Collectionscanada.gc.ca . 8 May 2012.
11. Adult Contemporary Europe Top 25. Music & Media. 12 November 1994. 30. 28 May 2023.
12. Web site: Home – Offizielle Deutsche Charts . Officialcharts.de . 26 February 2018 . 10 March 2018.