Upon its release, "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. With many praising both Aaliyah's voice and production of the song. Due to a limited release, it only peaked at number 70 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales. It fared better internationally, peaking at number 22 in the United Kingdom and within the top 40 in Australia and Switzerland.
Music and lyrics
Musically, "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" was described as having a "noir-funk feel that evokes Blade Runner".[1] While, Joseph Patel from Blender labeled the song as a "syncopated dance marvel".[2] The song sample's the Egyptian Arabic song "Batwanes Beek" by Warda. Originally its composer Salah El Sharnouby had not been credited for his work.[3][4][5] Lyrically on the record, Aaliyah discusses a failing relationship.[6] In her book Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah (2021), author–journalist Kathy Iandoli, further explained that the lyrics talks about, "Aaliyah refusing to be tied down by a controlling relationship, as she compares it to incarceration".[7]
Release
"Don't Know What to Tell Ya" was released as the second international single from I Care 4 U on February 11, 2003, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.[8] In the United States, it was released as the fourth and final single from the album, as a double A-side single with the remix of "Got to Give It Up", on September 9.[9]
In August 2021, it was reported that Aaliyah's recorded work for Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and, for the first time ever, streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution.[10]I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah, both including "Don't Know What to Tell Ya", were re-released on October 8.[11]
Critical reception
While reviewing "I Care 4 U" Nekesa Mumbi Moody from the Associated Press described "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" as "dramatic" and felt that it was the best song out of the new material featured on the album.[12] Bianca Gracie from Fuse stated a similar statement as she felt that the song's "Middle Eastern" inspired production made it more "dramatic".[6]Music Week gave a mixed review the publication felt that the song "sounds a bit like work in progress", but "it is still head and shoulders above most other R&B releases out there".[13] Also, they labeled the production as "edgy" and said that Aaliyah's voice "just serves to remind us all what the world has lost".[13] Arion Berger from Rolling Stone praised Aaliyah's vocals on "Don't Know What to Tell Ya", saying: "Her sweet, strong voice whips around the ambivalence" on the song.[14] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine called the song a "cool midtempo number" and described it as "Aaliyah-lite".[15]
Commercial performance
In Europe "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" achieved moderate success, peaking within the top 40 in several countries. In Switzerland the song debuted and peaked at 30 on the Swiss Hitparade chart on May 18, 2003; it remained on the charts for 6 consecutive weeks.[16] In the United Kingdom the song debuted and peaked at number 22 during the week of 9 April 2003 - 25 April 2003.[17] It also peaked at number 5 on the UK Hip Hop/R&B chart.[18] Outside of Europe the song peaked at 34 in Australia on the singles chart.[19] On the Australian Urban chart it peaked at number 14.[20]
1 2 "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" contains a sample from "Batwannis Beek" by Warda Al-Jazairia. Salah El Sharnouby, who composed the music for "Batwanes Beek", was uncredited prior to the 2021 reissue of I Care 4 U.
1 2 3 4 5 Thomas Eriksen Remix was titled Handcuff Remix on the UK editions of "Don't Know What to Tell Ya".
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