Simply Red's version of "If You Don't Know Me by Now" was recorded for their third studio album,
A New Flame (1989), and released in March 1989 by
WEA and
Elektra Records as the second single from the album. It was a commercial success, giving the band their second US number one and also topping the charts of Australia and New Zealand; in the latter country, it was the best-selling single of 1989. On the
UK Singles Chart, it peaked at number two, becoming the band's second top-10 hit in their home country. This version won the
Grammy Award for the
Best R&B Song of 1989. The single's music video, filmed in London, was directed by
Vaughan Arnell and
Anthea Benton. According to the producer,
Stewart Levine, he did not want too much orchestration on the record, and went with a two-part harmony instead of a three-part harmony.
Mick Hucknall admitted he loved Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' version, and stated he danced to their music when he was 13.
Critical reception Jerry Smith from
Music Week wrote, "Top-notch purveyors of smooth soul, Simply Red deliver this excellent version of the old Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes classic, lifted from their already platinum-selling
A New Flame LP. As a follow-up to their '
It's Only Love' hit, it's a sure fire winner. Expect mass exposure."
Track listings •
7-inch single • "If You Don't Know Me by Now" – 3:23 • "Move On Out" (recorded live Manchester on February 22, 1989) – 5:18 •
12-inch single • "If You Don't Know Me by Now" – 3:23 • "Move On Out" (recorded live Manchester on February 22, 1989) – 5:18 • "Shine" (recorded live Manchester on February 22, 1989) – 3:30 •
3-inch CD single • "If You Don't Know Me by Now" – 3:23 • "Move On Out" (recorded live Manchester on February 22, 1989) – 5:18 • "Shine" (recorded live Manchester on February 22, 1989) – 3:30 • "Sugar Daddy" – 3:30
Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Release history ==Other versions==