If You Can't Say No

"If You Can't Say No" is a song by Lenny Kravitz, released as the first single from his album 5. The song was written by Kravitz and reached number eight in Iceland, number nine in Spain and number 39 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Dance producer Brian Transeau remixed the track. All instruments on the track were played by Kravitz.

"If You Can't Say No"
Single by Lenny Kravitz
from the album 5
ReleasedApril 21, 1998
Genre
Length
  • 5:17 (album version)
  • 4:17 (radio edit)
LabelVirgin America
Songwriter(s)Lenny Kravitz
Producer(s)Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz singles chronology
"Circus"
(1995)		 "If You Can't Say No"
(1998)		 "Thinking of You"
(1998)
Music video
"If You Can't Say No" on YouTube

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "The first radio slice of Kravitz's long-anticipated new collection, "5", shows the chameleon-like artist in excellent form—and donning the role of forlorn soul belter. Working within an instrumental context that carefully merges elements of electronica, classic funk, and traditional blues, the artist belts with a heartfelt authority that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Holding the track together is a subtle, pop-framed chorus that gradually seeps into the brain and is ultimately unshakable. Though none of 'em match the raw intensity of the original recording, several jeep and electronic remixes are included. In the end, they should do the trick in drawing newcomers to the Kravitz fold."[1]

Music video

The music video for the song was directed by American filmmaker Mark Romanek. It consists of Kravitz performing in a futuristic blue room, while he is being illuminated by a floating lamp. Supermodel and actress Milla Jovovich made a notable appearance in the video as Kravitz's girlfriend. The music video won an award for Best Art Direction at the 8th Annual MVPA Awards in 1999.

Charts
Chart (1998) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[2] 55
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[3] 35
Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[4] 21
France (SNEP)[5] 97
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[6] 8
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[7] 52
Poland (LP3)[8] 10
Scotland (OCC)[9] 55
Spain (AFYVE)[10] 9
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[11] 39
UK Singles (OCC)[12] 48
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[13] 39

References
  1. Flick, Larry (April 25, 1998). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 69. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  2. "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 26 Jul 1998". ARIA. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Imgur. N.B. The HP column displays the highest peak reached.
  3. "Austriancharts.at – Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  4. "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3616." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  5. "Lescharts.com – Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  6. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (21.5. – 28.5. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). May 22, 1998. p. 42. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  7. "Dutchcharts.nl – Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  8. "Notowanie nr854" (in Polish). LP3. June 12, 1998. Retrieved February 26, 2019. Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  9. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  10. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  11. "Swisscharts.com – Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  12. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  13. "Lenny Kravitz Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2018.


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