13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW

Reading Time: 15 min read

13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW features songs by Camila Cabello, CeCe Winans, Mario Winans, Medium Build, Shawn Mendes, and Yeat.

“How will I know if he really loves me?” The late, great Whitney Houston had a legitimate question on her 1985 classic, “How Will I Know”. As for Mary J. Blige, 16 years later, she asserted, “And he think I don’t know / He think I don’t know, oh”. Of course, Blige knew he was cheating! Both KNOW songs appeared on 15 Fantastic Songs Where You Just KNOW (2023). But, guess what? There are lots and lots of know songs, hence, the follow-up musical compendium, 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW. 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW features songs by Camila Cabello, CeCe Winans, Mario Winans, Medium Build, Shawn Mendes, and Yeat. So, without further ado, let’s ‘get in the know’ with 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW!

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1. Camila Cabello, “HE KNOWS” (Ft. Lil Nas X)

2. Shawn Mendes, “Nobody Knows”

3. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

4. Cory Stewart, “I Shoulda Known Better”

5. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

6. Yeat, “U Should Know”

7. Medium Build, “Knowing U Exist”

8. blink-182, “MORE THAN YOU KNOW”

9. Nick Rich, “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”

10. Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Ft. Kimbra)

11. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

12. Mario Winans, “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Ft. Enya & P. Diddy)

13. The Waitresses, “I Know What Boys Like”

1. Camila Cabello, “HE KNOWS” (Ft. Lil Nas X)

C, XOXO // Camila Cabello / Geffen / Interscope // 2024

“This is not a show.” WOO! In the intro, Camila Cabello sets the tone for “HE KNOWS”, the bold second single from her fourth studio album, C, XOXO. Cabello gets an assist from Grammy winner Lil Nas X (Montero Hill). The track was written by Cabello, Hill, Ojerime Smith, and producers Daniel Aged, El Guincho (Pablo Diaz-Reixa), and Jasper Harris. Sleekly produced, this pop banger runs a respectable three minutes in duration. Following the intro, Cabello follows up with a simple but infectious chorus:

“I think he knows

When I play with him like that

When I say it to him like that

Have my way with him like that…”

Following the chorus, she sings the bold first verse. “She’s a provocateur,” she asserts, adding, “Give him hell, yeah / Give these boys hell, yeah / She does it well…” In the pre-chorus, she “Tease(s) him and get(s) him off me.” Oh, snap! The ever-polarizing Lil Nas X is sexed TF up in the second verse. The freakiness commences with “He drippin’ down on my bustier like ice cream,” continuing with “He fuckin’ up my headboard, so I’m on my knees like, ‘Dear Lord, please pray for me.’” It doesn’t end there. “Brrt, baow, shoot in my mouth / Shoot in my shit like uh, and one,” he encourages, adding, “I’ma take him from his hoes / On the real, I think he knows.” And for good measure, in the bridge, Camilla asserts, “He’s wrapped around my pinky finger.” “HE KNOWS” is an edgy, hella fun pop banger.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: May 2024

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2. Shawn Mendes, “Nobody Knows”

Shawn // Island // 2024

“When you’re so in love / And your souls touch / But it’s still not enough / Where does it go? / Nobody knows.” Shawn Mendes – what a handsome, talented man. The short but sweet “Nobody Knows” marked the third single from Shawn, his fifth studio album. His voice is in top-notch form. Also, he wears his feelings on his sleeve, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Mendes, Mike Sabath, Scott Harris, and Eddie Benjamin penned “Nobody Knows.” Mendes, Benjamin, and Sabath produced it. Mendes delivers personal and vulnerable lyrics throughout “Nobody Knows.” Likewise, his vocal performance matches the spirit of the lyrics. Love is firmly planted in his mind. In the first verse, he captures a warm, meaningful feeling: “When your touch walks me home / When you taste this good.” Aww! In the second, he gets ‘saltier,’ dropping a bomb: “You’re an amateur drunk, and everyone knows it / But, fuck, you’re the one, and I live for those moments.” Word. Backed by a folk-rock backdrop (similar to singles “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough”), Mendes sings authentically, freely, and radiantly. This sound and vibe suits him. Amplifying this beautiful, ear-catching listening experience are celestial vocal harmonies (Sabath and Benjamin). “Nobody Knows” is another strong performance and song from the gifted Canadian.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: September 2024

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3. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

Come Away With Me // Capitol // 2002

Norah Jones was ‘kind of a big deal’ in the aughts. Her 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, exploded. Reaching no. 1 on the Billboard 200 nearly a year after its initial release, Come Away With Me would eventually become the rare diamond album, certified 12 times platinum as of 2021. Also, the album cleaned up at the 45^th Annual Grammy Awards winning five Grammys including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Two of those Grammys were attributed to the album’s pop hit, “Don’t Know Why” (Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance). “Don’t Know Why” spent 31 weeks on the pop charts peaking at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of just two entries on the pop charts from the incredibly successful artist, “Don’t Know Why” was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.

Would Norah Jones qualify as a one-hit-wonder? Technically, yes (only one Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100). However, despite her lack of success on the Billboard Hot 100, she’s secured gold and platinum singles. What makes “Don’t Know Why” the sugar honey iced tea is her unique, one-of-a-kind voice, and the chill, cool vibes. Jesse Harris penned this stellar joint and recorded it first in 1999. However, the cover by Norah Jones earned the accolades. Jones, Arif Mardin, and Jay Newland produced. Jones radiantly brings to life lyrics regarding a relationship. “I waited ‘til I saw the sun / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I left you by the house of fun / I don’t know why I didn’t come,” she sings in the first verse. The house of fun lyric is one of my favorites, seemingly referencing intimacy. There is a lack of commitment in play. Later, she sings, “Something has to make you run / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I feel as empty as a drum.” Oh, snap! The refrain is another top-notch lyrical moment, where Jones asserts, “My heart is drenched in wine / But you’ll be on my mind forever.” A pop gem from the 2000s, had Norah Jones recorded no other songs, she’d be forever remembered for the utterly sublime “Don’t Know Why”.

Appears in :

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4. Cory Stewart, “I Shoulda Known Better”

“I Shoulda Known Better” // Cory Stewart // 2024

“Buh bye / Buh bye…” Handsome and talented Canadian singer/songwriter Cory Stewart isn’t waving us off. Rather, he regrets a sus romantic endeavor. His annoyance with this toxic person is our listening pleasure. Stewart penned and produced “I Shoulda Known Better” alongside Gavin Bradley. The result of their musical union is a bop perfect for Pride and any time of the year! What makes “I Shoulda Known Better” the sugar honey iced tea? It starts with Stewart, who sounds fantastic. He sings incredibly smoothly. Also, when he sings, he evokes plenty of personality. Not only are you wooed by the tuneful melodies he’s penned, but you also buy what he’s saying because you feel the authenticity and artistry. Besides a stellar voice and awesome melodies, the lyrics are entertaining. Stewart criticizes the shallowness and superficial nature of this person, hence why he asserts, “I shoulda known better / Than to ever love you.” Damn, right! The chorus is lit, as is the bridge, but the second verse is epic:

“Babe, I know it’s cool to you

To be poor when you’re choosing to

But while you’re posting all those TikToks

The rest of us are working our ass off.”

Oh, snap! The final reason why “I Shoulda Known Better” is the bop we all need in our life… the instrumental is sick! The beat is groovy AF, while those synths are electric! Cory Stewart, you have delivered a surefire pop bop, PERIOD!

Appears in :

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5. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

More Than This // Pure Springs Gospel, Inc. // 2024

“When I look around and it all seems hopeless / I won’t fear / I won’t fear.” The reason why Grammy-winning, gospel artist CeCe Winans won’t fear is because of GOD! In “Be Still and Know” Winans testifies about the omniscience and wonderworking power of The Most High. Winans penned the second track from her 2024 album, More Than This with Alvin Love III, and producer, Kyle Lee. The spiritual, musical lift is REAL! Winans provides superb vocals on this inspiring, contemporary Christian/gospel song. Winans shows poise early on, rising to the occasion as the music grows more dynamic. The text is spot-on – relatable and speaking to the soul. The melodies are tuneful, particularly in the section to beat, the chorus:

“Be still and know

Know You are God

You’re right here with me

Through all my troubles

I’ll be still and know

Know You are God

You are the light and rest for my soul

You’re God and I’ll be still and know.”

Yes, yes, yes ! Beyond the chorus, the bridge is powerful, amplified by choral voices, pummeling drums, and, eventually, a timely key modulation that leads into the final chorus. Winans proclaims, “You are the well / That never runs dry / No valley too deep / No mountain too high.” In “Be Still and Know” CeCe Winans delivers a pitch-perfect message.

Appears in :

CeCe Winans, Be Still and Know: Music Lifts 19 (2024)

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6. Yeat, “U Should Know”

2093 // Field Trip Recordings / Capitol // 2024

“I know you know, you think you know, you know better / I think by now you, you should know better.” WOO! Yeat is ‘kind of a big deal’ in rap. He’s racked up gold singles, even earning a platinum plaque (“Monëy So Big”). “U Should Know” is the seventh track on the rapper’s 2024 LP, 2093. Dulio and Neile produced it. Colorful, mean-sounding synths and a hard-hitting beat fuel Yeat’s fire. Furthermore, “U Should Know” is set in a minor key. Yeat excels with a minor key behind him. His flow is unhurried. It’s relaxed, syrupy, and melodic. “I could help you see, I could help you breathe, I could,” he spits, continuing, unapologetically, “But I don’t give no fucks ‘bout nobody but me ‘cause I should.” Word. Fittingly, in the verse, Yeat asserts, “Don’t text me ‘bout shit, yeah, I don’t wanna know.” “U Should Know” doesn’t go deep or transcendent. That isn’t the intent. Yeat delivers a SELFISH vibe and nothing more (“Makin’ money, it feels good / Doing things that you never should”).

Appears in :

13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen (2024)

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7. Medium Build, “Knowing U Exist”

Country // Medium Build, LLC / Island // 2024

“Fuck, I just love laughin’ with you / The way your face gets all scrunched up.” What better way to start a song than the f-bomb? That’s how Medium Build (Nicholas Carpenter) rolls on “Knowing U Exist”. He adds in the first verse, “Fuck, I just love starin’ at you / When you’re chewin’ on your tongue.” Carpenter is having a fuckin’ blast, you might say! “Knowing U Exist” is the sixth track from his 2024 LP, Country. Medium Build, Abby Gundersen, Andy Park, and Laiko penned the country track. Medium Build, Laiko, and Park produced too. Short but sweet, “Knowing U Exist” clocks in under two-and-a-half minutes. That’s enough time for more f-bombs in the second verse.

“Fuck, I just love snackin’ with you,” Carpenter sings, adding, “Fuck, I just love teasin’ on you / And calling you a ‘bitch.’” Ooh, wee! Beyond being profane, Carpenter also seems to be turned on, judging by the refrain:

“And when the nasty thoughts come rushin’ into me

Knowing you exist takes a load off me.”

A load, huh? Clever word choice! The Anchorage-based queer musician delivers a surefire vibe with “Knowing U Exist”. He sings well, bringing a ‘cool energy,’ despite his potty mouth. The accompaniment is celestial, with the guitar as well as radiant strings. No deep analysis is necessary for this song. Its excellence speaks for itself!

Appears in :

Medium Build, Knowing U Exist: Bangerz N Bopz 73 (2024)

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8. blink-182, “MORE THAN YOU KNOW”

ONE MORE TIME // Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia // 2023

“Your bed is the last battlefield, a nuclear weapon.” Now that’s an opening lyric, blink-182! “MORE THAN YOU KNOW” marked the second single from ONE MORE TIME, the album reuniting Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker. The accompaniment is initially piano. Soon enough, the guitars roar, the drums pummel (Barker is ON as always), and the tempo is quick. Hoppus sings both verses, delivering an even-keel performance. Even so, his tone is fabulous. The lyrics are memorable. In verse one, he sings, “You bury your face underneath halfhearted confessions / You poison yourself with the thought I won’t love you to death.” Woo! Then there’s verse two where “The ivy starting to creep, it grows through the awnings / It’s dawning on me that I shouldn’t be trying at all.” As for DeLonge, he sings in the pre-chorus and chorus, bringing more of the angst and power to the track. Speaking of the chorus, it plays out a little something like this:

“I don’t feel pain, but I feel more than you’d ever know

I don’t feel shame, I don’t have highs, but I’ve got some lows

I feel a bit cursed, I’ve been numb and sinking down like a stone

I don’t feel pain, but I feel more than you’d ever know

More than you’d know.”

DeLonge + Hoppus perform the bridge. I love their chemistry, and how the voices overlap/layered. “MORE THAN YOU KNOW” features nice songwriting, strong vocals, and in-your-face music. Rock on !

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9. Nick Rich, “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”

“I Know You Are (But What Am I)” // Big Red // 2023

Who is Nick Rich – that is the question! The answer is that he is an American artist who patterns himself after British soul musicians. And let me tell you, folks, he patterns himself after them like a boss! “I Know You Are (But What Am I)” marked his first single of 2024. The guitar is the first sound heard in the intro, establishing a minor key (D minor to be precise). Rich offers up playful vocals during the intro, which draws the listener in and prefaces impending excellence. Soon enough, “I Know You Are” adds keys, and a light, soulful groove in the British soul/ pop-soul style. Beyond his fabulous vocals during the intro, Rich gives us gorgeous and refined vocals. He never over sings yet is potent with his emotional delivery. He has tuneful melodies to work with, particularly the chorus. I love how background vocals are used throughout, upping the ante, notably during that epic chorus. The bridge also deserves a shoutout, providing terrific contrast to the verses/chorus. Post-bridge, the instrumentation gets a slight tweak – subtle, mind you – bridging the retro-sound and the present. The talented Nick Rich nails it on “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”. Bravo – bravissimo!

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: January 2024

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10. Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Ft. Kimbra)

Making Mirrors // Republic // 2011

“But you didn’t have to cut me off / Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing / And I don’t even need your love / But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough.” Gotye (Wouter André De Backer) won two Grammys for his quirky, compelling record, “Somebody That I Used to Know”. Those two wins include Best Pop/Duo Group Performance and the most prestigious win, Record Of The Year. Gotye won a third Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album for its parent album, Making Mirrors. Before the Grammy wins, “Somebody That I Used to Know” peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks! Amazingly, this duet with Kimbra would be his sole pop hit. He wrote the record alongside Luiz Bonfá, who is sampled.

“No, you didn’t have to stoop so low

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number

I guess that I don’t need that though

Now you’re just somebody that I used to know.”

The chorus is the centerpiece – the biggest claim to fame with “Somebody That I Used to Know.” That said, the verses catch the ear too. Gotye performs the first two, while Kimbra delivers the third and final verse. Matters of the heart dominate, as Gotye asserts, “But felt so lonely in your company / But that was love and it’s ache I still remember.” In the second verse, he concludes, “Well, you said that we would still be friends / But I’ll admit that I was glad it was over.” Oh, snap! As for Kimbra, she’s fiery at the top of the third: “Now and then, I think of all the times you screwed me over / But had me believing it was always something that I’d done.” Oh, the plight of love! Gotye may be known for just one song, but “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a stellar one!

Appears in :

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11. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

Notes On A Hopeless Romance // Benedict Cork // 2024

“He comes at midnight / He promises the world and all that / But he can leave his shoes on.” Why, Benedict Cork? “‘Cause I know he’ll be gone in a little while.” Oh, snap! The English singer/songwriter shines on “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”, the 10^th and final track from his 2024 debut album, Notes On A Hopeless Romance. But, he’s pessimistic regarding the relationship. Bummer! Cork penned and produced the record alongside Hoost. The second verse is similar to the first. “He says he’ll call me / When he’s flying through my city,” Cork sings, adding “But I let the promise die.” Word. It’s not happening. In the chorus, Benedict had high hopes, but, it’s a case of ‘same shit, different day,’ or ‘another boy, same result’: “I thought things might be different / But Lord knows I’ve been through this one too many times.” The situation is relatable regardless of how you identify sexually. Love and relationships are hard. In the LGBTQ+ community, they can be far more challenging. Despite another failure for Benedict, he sings angelically, barely breaking a sweat. His falsetto is ripe, and the overall vibe of the performance is cool. The accompaniment is delightful too, despite that “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”. It is a bloody brilliant way to conclude Notes On A Hopeless Romance!

Appears in :

Benedict Cork, I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While: Beaming with Pride ️‍ 59 (2024)

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12. Mario Winans, “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Ft. Enya & P. Diddy)

Hurt No More // Bad Boy // 2004

“Somebody said they saw you / The person you were kissing wasn’t me…” In 2004, Mario Winans experienced the biggest moment of his career: “I Don’t Wanna Know”. The single propelled his sophomore album, Hurt No More, to no. 2 on the Billboard 200 and gold certification. “I Don’t Wanna Know” was certified gold and peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It marked his sole entry on the pop charts. Winans produced the track. Fueling the fire of the production are two 1980s samples: “Boadicea” by Enya (hence her writing credit and guest appearance), and “You’re a Customer” by EPMD. The repurposing of an Enya song is crucial to the success of this single, contributing an enigmatic vibe and lushness. With Winans being a modest vocalist, the sample complements his chill, smooth, and soft instrument. The melodies are lovely and tuneful, in the verses, chorus, and bridge. The chorus, of course, is where his bread is buttered – the part everyone remembers!

“I don’t wanna know

If you’re playin’ me, keep it on the low

‘Cause my heart can’t take it anymore

And if you’re creepin’, please don’t let it show

Oh, baby

I don’t wanna know.”

Thematically, Winans finds out his lady is stepping out on him, and while it’s bothering him, he don’t wanna know! By the bridge, he’s NOT okay with it telling her to “Don’t come back to me” and “Stay away from me, baby.” Diddy serves up the third and final verse, which fits the vibe yet doesn’t step on Mario’s toes. Ultimately, the sound and the chorus make “I Don’t Wanna Know” the stellar one-hit wonder it is.

Appears in :

Mario Winans, I Don’t Wanna Know: 1 Hit WONDERful 4 (2023)

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13. The Waitresses, “I Know What Boys Like”

Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful? // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1982

Per The Waitresses – specifically Patty Donahue: “I know what boys like / I know what guys want / I know what boys like / I’ve what boys like.” Word. “I Know What Boys Like” is the sole hit by the American new-wave band. As infectious as the song is, it didn’t ignite the pop charts, peaking modestly at no. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Still, this Chris Butler-penned gem is considered a classic from the 1980s, appearing as the fifth track on their 1982 album, Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful?. The lyrics aren’t deep. Donahue continues singing in the first verse, “I see them looking / I make them want me / I like to tease them / They want to touch me / I never let them.” The second verse is similar to the first, where sassy Patti mentions her “cat moves,” singing, “Fun to frustrate them / They get so angry / Like pouty children / Denied their candy / I laugh right at them.” In the bridge, she acts as if she’ll let the boys indulge, but it’s hard to believe anyone who asserts, “You can trust me / Sucker.” Besides the simple but entertaining lyrics, and Donahue’s fun, tongue-in-cheek performance, the instrumental delivers the goods too. It’s the prickly guitar, the big bass line, the quirky groove, and the unconventional phrases. There’s also a raucous saxophone in the mix enhancing the timbre. “I Know What Boys Like” is a classic that deserves wider recognition.