Do You Know (What It Takes)

In an 1995-interview, Robyn told about the song, "'Do You Know (What It Takes)' is about respect. The girl in the song is asking her boyfriend if he's as much into the relationship as she is, because if he's not he can just get out of there. You shouldn't stick with someone because you don't want to be alone."^[2]

AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "dynamite" in his review of the Robyn Is Here album.^[3] Larry Flick from Billboard magazine named it 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."^[4] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report noted that "rarely does word about a record spread as quickly as it has for this Swedish production."^[5] Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated that the 16-year old Robyn "has mastered the R&B genre to a T", noting that she "supplies the sassy rhymes, while master-producer [Denniz] Pop takes care of the perky beats and poppy arrangements."^[6]

A reviewer from Music Week gave "Do You Know (What It Takes)" a score of four out of five, adding that the singer "delivers a slick uptempo number which could see her make the Top 40".^[7] It was also described as "irresistible".^[8] Kirstin Watson from Smash Hits also gave it four out of five, naming it a "happy ditty" and a "right catchy little number".^[9] 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."^[10] David Sinclair from The Times called it a "pouting, pop-soul confection".^[11]

There were made two different versions of the music video for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"; a European^[12] version and a US^[13] version. The latter was directed by American director Kevin Bray.^[14] The European version was later made available on Robyn's official YouTube channel in October 2009, and had generated more than 3.2 million views as of March 2026.^[15] In the European version Robyn is depicted in multiple different outfits and sitting on a metallic silver sofa. In the American version Robyn is diving a large black van, riding in the back which is covered in shag carpet and she is sitting in an egg chair. She then climbs on top on the van in a traffic jam and sings on the roof with a microphone stand.

• Swedish CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) – 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar Short) – 3:58

• Swedish maxi-CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) – 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar Main & Rap) – 4:59
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Paradise Garage Mix) – 4:59
4. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce Mix Edit) – 4:05

• UK CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) - 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar mix – main and rap) - 4:59
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce mix) - 4:05
4. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Paradise Garage mix) - 4:59
5. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (125th Street mix) - 4:07

• US CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (LP version) – 3:43
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce Mix Edit) – 4:06
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Dee's Full Mix Edit) – 4:02

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

Source:^[16]