Know by Now

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]

Upon its release as a single, Andrew Hirst of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner named it 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 magazine 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."^[1]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Still sweaty from the two-minute rocker 'Girl U Want', Palmer has adapted his gentleman pose again with an elegant ballad to match his position. May radio be his servile butler."^[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]

The music video for "Know by Now" was directed by Russell Young and filmed on location in Barcelona, Spain.^[3] Joe Dyer directed photography and Joseph Uliano produced the video.^[9]

• 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

Production

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