How Do You Do!
View on Wikipedia| "How Do You Do!" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Roxette | ||||
| from the album Tourism | ||||
| Released | 3 July 1992 | |||
| Recorded | April–May 1992 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | Pop rock | |||
| Length | 3:09 | |||
| Label | EMI | |||
| Songwriter | Per Gessle | |||
| Producer | Clarence Öfwerman | |||
| Roxette singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "How Do You Do!" on YouTube | ||||
"How Do You Do!" is a song by Swedish pop duo Roxette. It was released as the lead single from their fourth studio album Tourism on 3 July 1992 by EMI Records. The track, written by Per Gessle and produced by Clarence Öfwerman, was a commercial success upon release, topping the Norwegian Singles Chart and peaking at number two in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. The single was backed by several remixes created by Swedish production duo BomKrash, which consisted of Jacob Hellner and Carl-Michael Herlöfsson.
Composition and style
[edit]According to Ultimate Guitar, "How Do You Do!" is an uptempo pop rock song written in common time with a tempo of 121 beats per minute. It utilises a common trait found in Roxette compositions of the verse using a different key signature than the chorus. The verse is composed in C, and consists of three repetitions of a basic C–F–G–F sequence, followed by one shortened sequence of C–F–G. The pre-chorus makes use of a power chord structure, and consists of a sequence of Am–G–F–C–Em, which is then amended to Am–G–F–G. Following a brief pause, Marie Fredriksson takes over lead vocals for the song's chorus, which moves up from the verses by two keys to E♭. The chorus is composed almost entirely of sharp notes, and follows a sequence of D♯–A♯–D♯–G♯–A♯–Cm–G♯–A♯–Cm–G♯–A♯. The bridge consists of four short repetitions of Cm–A♯, played as power chords. The last chorus and outro are in F, following the transposed sequence F-C-F-B♭-C-Dm-B♭-C-Dm-B♭-C. American musician Tiny Tim is referenced in the song's lyrics.[1]
Critical reception
[edit]In his review of Tourism, AllMusic editor Bryan Buss wrote that "How Do You Do!" is a "perfectly presented pop ditty, bright and sunny as summer".[2] Larry Flick from Billboard magazine described the song as a "peppy, guitar-anchored pop/rocker." He noted that "bopping pogo beats and Per Gessle's highly attitudinal lead vocal are strongest points in luring radio programmers."[3] Gavin Report called it a "fun track" that "starts off with a froggy-voiced Per Gessle posing the most asked question in the English language."[4]
Formats and track listings
[edit]- Cassette and 7-inch single (Europe 8650027)
- "How Do You Do!" – 3:09
- "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" (live from the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 13 December 1991) – 4:09
- 12-inch single (Europe 8650026)
- "How Do You Do!" (7-inch version) – 3:12
- "Knockin' on Every Door" (BomKrash 7-inch remix) – 3:51
- "How Do You Do!" (BomKrash 12-inch remix) – 5:43
- CD single (Europe and Australia 8650022 · UK CDEM-241)
- "How Do You Do!" (7-inch version) – 3:12
- "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" (live from Sydney) – 4:09
- "Knockin' on Every Door" (BomKrash 12-inch remix) – 6:05
- "How Do You Do!" (BomKrash 12-inch remix) – 5:43
- US CD single (E2-56252)
- "How Do You Do!" (7-inch version) – 3:12
- "How Do You Do!" (BomKrash US edit) – 3:11
- "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" (live from Sydney) – 4:09
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits are adapted from the liner notes of The Rox Box/Roxette 86–06.[5]
Studios
- Recorded between April and May 1992 at Tits & Ass Studio (Halmstad, Sweden) and EMI Studios (Stockholm, Sweden)
- Mixed at EMI Studios (Stockholm, Sweden)
Musicians
- Marie Fredriksson – lead and background vocals
- Per Gessle – lead and background vocals, mixing
- Per "Pelle" Alsing – drums
- Vicki Benckert – background vocals
- Anders Herrlin – bass guitar, programming and engineering (EMI Studios)
- Jonas Isacsson – electric guitars
- Clarence Öfwerman – keyboards and production, mixing
- Staffan Öfwerman – percussion and background vocals
- Mats "M.P." Persson – engineering (Tits & Ass Studio)
- Alar Suurna – mixing, engineering (EMI Studios)
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[30] | Gold | 35,000^ |
| Sweden (GLF)[40] | Platinum | 50,000^ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 3 July 1992 |
|
EMI | [13] |
| United Kingdom | 20 July 1992 |
|
[41] | |
| Japan | 12 August 1992 | Mini-CD | [42] |
Cascada version
[edit]| "How Do You Do!" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Cascada | ||||
| from the album Everytime We Touch | ||||
| Released | 30 September 2005 | |||
| Length | 3:16 | |||
| Label | Zooland | |||
| Songwriter | Per Gessle | |||
| Producers |
| |||
| Cascada singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio video | ||||
| "How Do You Do!" on YouTube | ||||
In 2005, a cover of the song by German dance act Cascada was released as the third single from their debut album, Everytime We Touch (2006). This version charted in the top fifty of the Ö3 Austria Top 40, but failed to chart elsewhere.[43]
Formats and track listings
[edit]- CD maxi
- "How Do You Do!" (Radio Edit) – 3:16
- "How Do You Do!" (Pop Airplay Edit) – 2:51
- "How Do You Do!" (Album Version) – 3:29
- "How Do You Do!" (Original Club Mix) – 5:05
- "How Do You Do!" (Rob Mayth Remix) – 5:31
- "How Do You Do!" (Megara vs. DJ Lee Remix) – 7:05
- "How Do You Do!" (Tune up! Remix) – 5:30
- "How Do You Do!" (Veranos Fuzzy Styled Remix) – 6:00
- "How Do You Do!" (EXR Reconstruction) – 5:57
- Digital download
- "How Do You Do!" (Radio Edit) – 3:16
- "How Do You Do!" (Rob Mayth Radio Edit) – 3:55
- "How Do You Do!" (Original Mix) – 5:04
- "How Do You Do!" (Megara vs. DJ Lee Remix) – 7:05
References
[edit]- ^ "How Do You Do! by Roxette Chords Version 2". Ultimate-Guitar.com. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette - Tourism: Songs from Studios, Stages, Hotelrooms & Other Strange Places". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. 26 September 1992. p. 96. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
- ^ "A/C: Reviews" (PDF). Gavin Report. 18 September 1992. p. 24. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "Booklet". The Rox Box/Roxette 86–06 (liner notes). Roxette. Stockholm, Sweden: Roxette Recordings and Capitol Records. 2006. 9463 67972–2 9.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1918." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 32. 8 August 1992. p. 14. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
- ^ "Hits of the World – European Hot 100". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 42. 17 October 1992. p. 44.
- ^ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
- ^ a b "Roxette – How Do You Do!" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Roxette". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Roxette" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!". VG-lista. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette – How Do You Do!". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ "Top 50 Airplay Chart" (PDF). Music Week. 22 August 1992. p. 14. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ "Roxette Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Roxette Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Cash Box Charts – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. Vol. LVI, no. 13. New York, NY. 21 November 1992. p. 4. ISSN 0008-7289.
- ^ "the Gavin Report – Adult Contemporary". Gavin Report. No. 1930. San Francisco, CA. 6 November 1992. p. 24.
- ^ "the Gavin Report – Top 40". Gavin Report. No. 1929. San Francisco, CA. 30 October 1992. p. 4.
- ^ "R&R The Back Page – National Airplay Overview: October 30, 1992 – CHR". Radio & Records. No. 965. Los Angeles, CA. 30 October 1992. p. 82. ISSN 0277-4860.
- ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ a b "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1992". ARIA. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1992" (in German). Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1992" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1992" (PDF). RPM. Vol. 56, no. 25. 19 December 1992. p. 8. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ "1992 Year-End Sales Charts – Eurochart Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 51/52. 19 December 1992. p. 17. OCLC 29800226. Retrieved 4 February 2019 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1992" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "De Single Top 100 1992 Over" (PDF) (in Dutch). Radio 538. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Jaahroverzichten 1992" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Årstopplistan 1992, Singlar" (in Swedish). Grammotex. Archived from the original on 25 February 2001. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Swiss Year-End Charts 1992" (in German). Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17.
- ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 18 July 1992. p. 19.
- ^ "How Do You Do! | ロクセット" [How Do You Do! | Roxette] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Cascada - How Do You Do! - austriancharts.at". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
External links
[edit]- Roxette.se — Roxette's official website
- CascadaMusic.de — Cascada's official website
How Do You Do!
View on GrokipediaBackground and development
Formation of Mouth & MacNeal
Mouth & MacNeal was formed in 1971 when Dutch record producer Hans van Hemert paired solo artists Willem Duyn, known professionally as Big Mouth for his prior recordings such as "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" earlier that year, with Sjoukje van't Spijker, who performed under the stage name Maggie MacNeal and had recently issued her debut solo single, a cover of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," on Decca Records.[9] Van Hemert specifically sought to capitalize on the duo's vocal contrast, combining Duyn's deep baritone with MacNeal's high soprano to create a distinctive pop sound.[9] This partnership quickly led to their signing with Decca Records in the Netherlands, where they debuted with the single "Hey, You Love" later in 1971.[10][11] The duo wasted no time establishing a presence, embarking on early live performances across Dutch venues and television appearances to promote their initial releases.[9] Over the next three years, Mouth & MacNeal built a successful trajectory in the European pop scene, scoring multiple chart hits in the Netherlands and abroad with upbeat tracks that highlighted their unique interplay.[10] Their career peaked in 1974 when they represented the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton with "I See a Star," earning third place and further international recognition before disbanding later that year.Songwriting and recording
The song "How Do You Do!" was written by Dutch record producer Hans van Hemert and composer Harry van Hoof in 1971, with van Hemert handling primary production duties and van Hoof contributing to the arrangement.[12][13] It was recorded in early 1971 at Phonogram Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, where the duo—formed by van Hemert to capitalize on their contrasting vocal styles—laid down the track under his supervision.[14][9] The sessions produced an upbeat pop arrangement characterized by prominent horns, lush strings, and a solid rhythm section, all designed to accentuate the dynamic interplay between Willem Duyn's boisterous lead vocals and Maggie MacNeal's harmonious backing.[15][16] Van Hoof's orchestral touches, including horn stabs and string swells, were finalized during these recordings to give the single its polished, radio-ready sound ahead of its release later that year.[13]Composition and style
Musical elements
"How Do You Do!" is classified as an uptempo pop rock song with energetic and catchy elements typical of early 1990s Europop.[17] The song follows a standard verse–chorus structure, with verses led by Per Gessle's vocals and choruses featuring harmonies from Marie Fredriksson. The album version runs for 3:12. Composed in the key of E♭ major, it has a tempo of 121 beats per minute in common time, giving it a lively and danceable rhythm.[18][19] Key musical features include a driving electric guitar riff, prominent bassline, and layered drums that build an infectious groove, supported by synthesizers for a polished pop sound. The production, handled by Per Gessle and Clarence Öfwerman, emphasizes hook-driven melodies and dynamic builds, recorded during Roxette's world tour for the Tourism album.[1]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "How Do You Do!" depict a moment of instant attraction and flirtation, with the narrator captivated by a person's charm and playful demeanor. The verses begin with vivid imagery like "I see you comb your hair and gimme that grin / It's making me spin now, spinnin' within," highlighting physical and emotional pull, while the chorus poses the rhetorical question "How do you do, do you do, the things that you do?" to express awe at the subject's allure.[20] Central themes revolve around romantic fascination, lighthearted seduction, and the thrill of new encounters, conveyed through whimsical and upbeat language that avoids deeper emotional complexity. Lines such as "I love the way you undress, now baby begin / Do your caress, honey, my heart's in a mess" blend sensuality with humor, promoting a mood of joyful infatuation. Written by Per Gessle, the English lyrics were crafted for international appeal, contributing to the song's hooky, memorable quality.[21]Release and promotion
Formats and track listings
The original release of "How Do You Do" by Mouth & MacNeal was a 7-inch vinyl single issued in the Netherlands on January 22, 1971, by Decca Records under catalog number 6100 055.[22] This edition featured the title track on the A-side and "Land of Milk and Honey" on the B-side.[23] International versions followed shortly after, maintaining the same track pairing. In the United Kingdom, it appeared on Decca under catalog number F R 13267 in 1971.[24] The United States release came in 1972 via Philips Records with catalog number 40715, available in both mono and stereo pressings.[25] Other markets, including Belgium (Decca 105/26.311Y) and Germany (Philips 6012 187), issued similar 7-inch singles in 1971 and 1972.[22]| Country | Label | Catalog Number | Year | A-Side Duration | B-Side Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Decca | 6100 055 | 1971 | 3:02 | 3:22 |
| United Kingdom | Decca | F R 13267 | 1971 | 3:02 | 3:22 |
| United States | Philips | 40715 | 1972 | 2:57 (mono) | 3:22 |
Marketing and music video
The single received initial promotion through radio airplay on Dutch stations, including Hilversum 3, where it debuted on the Daverende Dingen chart and reached number 1 for several weeks.[28] This domestic success paved the way for broader European exposure, with the duo performing live shows across the continent to tie in with the song's upbeat, feel-good vibe highlighted in contemporary interviews.[29] Internationally, Philips Records handled distribution in key markets like the United States, where marketing efforts emphasized the duo's quirky, contrasting dynamic—Willem "Big Mouth" Duyn's boisterous persona alongside Maggie MacNeal's poised delivery—to appeal to pop audiences. The label supported a U.S. push with targeted radio and retail placements, contributing to the single's entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 97 in April 1972 and eventual peak at number 8.[30] In the UK, promotional activities included tour support to capitalize on the song's continental momentum, though it received limited chart exposure. A notable visual component of the promotion was a 1972 performance clip broadcast on German television network ZDF, featuring Mouth & MacNeal lip-syncing the track in casual attire against a minimalist set with basic lighting and props. This footage, captured during a live TV appearance, is regarded as one of the earliest examples of a promotional pop video due to its dedicated filming and broadcast format predating widespread MTV-era production.[31] The clip aired alongside other European TV spots, reinforcing the song's playful energy without major film tie-ins at the time.Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in 1992, "How Do You Do!" received positive notices from music critics. In a review of the parent album Tourism, AllMusic's Bryan Buss praised the song as a "perfectly presented pop ditty, bright and sunny as summer".[7] Larry Flick of Billboard described it as a "peppy, guitar-anchored pop confection" that was "as instantly infectious as it is instantly forgettable".[32]Retrospective assessments
Retrospective reviews have continued to highlight the song's catchy pop appeal. In user-driven platforms like Rate Your Music, it is often celebrated as a standout track from Tourism, with an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on over 400 ratings as of 2025, noted for its energetic vibe and hook-driven structure.[33] Music retrospectives on 1990s pop have positioned it as an example of Roxette's accessible, radio-friendly sound during their international peak.Commercial performance
Chart positions
"How Do You Do!" by Mouth & MacNeal was a major hit in Europe upon its 1971 release, topping the charts in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland while achieving strong placements elsewhere, including #3 in Ireland. The single entered the Dutch Top 40 in late 1971 and spent a total of 17 weeks on the chart, reaching number one.[34] In Belgium's Flanders region, it debuted on December 25, 1971, and held the top spot for five weeks en route to 17 weeks overall.[35] The track also topped the Swiss Singles Chart for five weeks, accumulating 14 weeks in total after entering on February 29, 1972.[36] The song's international reach extended beyond Europe in 1972. It peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting on April 22 and reaching its high on July 15, spending 19 weeks on the chart.[37][38] In Canada, it climbed to number two on the RPM Top Singles chart.[39] It performed moderately in other markets, reaching number 15 on Australia's Kent Music Report, where it stayed for 20 weeks starting March 27.[40][41] The single did not chart significantly in the UK or in major Asian and African territories.| Chart (1971–1972) | Peak Position | Total Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 15 | 20 |
| Belgium (Ultratop Flanders) | 1 | 17 |
| Canada (RPM Top Singles) | 2 | 15 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 1 | 17 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 1 | 14 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 8 | 19 |