Mario Winans, I Don’t Wanna Know | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 4^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight “I Don’t Wanna Know” performed by Mario Winans featuring Enya and Diddy.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy ! On 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  To be fair, it is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, it’s that ONE hit that earned them recognition. So, in the 4^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we dive into “I Don’t Wanna Know”, the one hit wonder by Mario Winans.

“Somebody said they saw you / The person you were kissing wasn’t me…” 2004 was an awesome year for music.  The big names were dominating pop music including Alicia Keys, Green Day, Kanye West and Usher. However, there was also space for the sophomore album by Mario Winans, the secular member of the Winans’, renowned for gospel.  Mario’s first album, Story of My Heart (1997) was unsuccessful.  His second album, Hurt No More, debuted strongly at no. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold.  Why did Hurt No More perform so well? It’s simple: “I Don’t Wanna Know”.

“I Don’t Wanna Know” was a huge hit. Like Hurt No More, “I Don’t Wanna Know” earned gold certification.  Also, it peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Winans’ sole entry on the pop charts. Winans produced the track himself. 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, truly contributing an enigmatic vibe as well as lushness.  Given the fact that Winans is a modest vocalist, the sample complements his chill, smooth, and soft instrument.

Of course, it’s not all the sound of the record. Mario Winans was made for this particular record.  The melodies are lovely and tuneful, on 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 something fierce, he don’t wanna know! Well… by the bridge, however, he’s definitely 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 (“Made you hot like the West Indies (That’s right) / Now it’s time you invest in me / ‘Cause if not, then it’s best you leave / Holla, yeah”).  Ultimately, it is the sound and the chorus that make “I Don’t Wanna Know” the 1 Hit WONDERful it is. There were other fine songs on Hurt No More but unfortunately, they failed to catch on.  One hit is better than none, though.

Mario Winans • Hurt No More • Bad Boy • 2004

Mario Winans, I Don’t Wanna Know: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 4 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Julia Larsen, Kurchakto, RDNE Stock project, Victor Terrell from Pexels; Andrew Martin from Pixabay]