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"Last to Know"
Single by Pink
from the album Try This
ReleasedApril 13, 2004
Studio
  • Steakhouse (North Hollywood, California)
  • The Transplants' Bus[1]
GenreRock
Length4:03
Label
Songwriters
ProducerTim Armstrong
Pink singles chronology
"God Is a DJ"
(2003) 		"Last to Know"
(2004) 		"Stupid Girls"
(2006)
Music video
"Last to Know" on YouTube

"Last to Know" is a song by American recording artist Pink. It was written by her and producer Tim Armstrong for her third studio album Try This (2003). The track was released in some parts of Europe as a single in 2004, peaking just outside the top 20 in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (her first single in the UK not to reach the top 20). In Austria and Switzerland, the single peaked inside the top fifty. In places such as Australia, the song was released to radio and digital download but never had a physical single release.

Critical reception

[edit]

The Guardian panned the song: "The Last to Know spends four minutes howling ferocious obscenities because someone has committed the unpardonable sin of turning down complimentary tickets to a Pink gig."[2]

Music video

[edit]

The promotional music video for "Last to Know" consists of a montage of shots from some of Pink's concerts during her Try This Tour in Europe. The video, directed by Russell Thomas with footage of the concerts in the Netherlands and London shows Pink performing the song. Other moments from the concert are also shown.

Track listings and formats

[edit]
  • UK CD single
  1. "Last to Know" – 4:30
  2. "Last to Know" (D Bop's Club Edit) – 5:30
  • European CD single
  1. "Last to Know"
  2. "God Is a DJ" (Robbie Rivera Main Vocal Mix)
  3. "God Is a DJ" (Robbie Rivera Juicy After Hour Dub)
  4. "God Is a DJ" (Hyper Remix)
  5. "Last to Know" (Music Video)

Charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for "Last to Know"
Chart (2004) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[3] 48
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[4] 3
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[5] 12
CIS Airplay (TopHit)[6] 147
Germany (GfK)[7] 66
Hungary (Single Top 40)[8] 10
Ireland (IRMA)[9] 23
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[10] 22
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[11] 40
Russia Airplay (TopHit)[6] 112
Scotland Singles (OCC)[12] 17
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[13] 46
UK Singles (OCC)[14] 21
Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)[6] 142

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Last to Know"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Denmark April 13, 2004 CD
[15]
Germany Sony BMG [16]
United Kingdom April 19, 2004 RCA [17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Last to Know

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Last to Know" is a song by American singer-songwriter P!nk, serving as the fourth and final single from her third studio album, Try This (2003). Written and produced by P!nk alongside Tim Armstrong of the punk rock band Rancid, the track is a mid-tempo rock ballad that delves into themes of romantic betrayal, with lyrics expressing frustration over being the last to learn of a partner's infidelity and departure. Clocking in at 4:03, it features prominent piano and guitar elements, marking a shift toward a more introspective sound compared to the album's lead singles. Released commercially on April 13, 2004, by exclusively outside , "Last to Know" achieved moderate success internationally, peaking at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart and spending six weeks in the top 100. Despite promotional efforts, including a promotional directed by Russell Thomas consisting of a montage of live performances from her in Europe, the single did not enter the Hot 100. The song's B-side and remixes, such as those of the album track "God Is a DJ" by Robbie and DJ Hyper, were included on various formats to bolster radio and club play. In the context of Try This, which debuted at number nine on the and was certified platinum by the RIAA, "Last to Know" exemplified P!nk's collaboration with Armstrong, contributing to the album's punk-infused aesthetic that earned her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the "Trouble." The track has been noted for its emotional depth, resonating with fans as one of P!nk's more vulnerable compositions amid her evolving of over 60 million albums sold worldwide.

Background and recording

Development

"Last to Know" was co-written by , born Alecia Beth Moore, and , the singer and guitarist of the punk band Rancid. The track emerged during the songwriting sessions for Pink's third studio album, , released in November 2003. These sessions took place from 2002 to 2003. Pink met Armstrong through a mutual friend at a Transplants video shoot and joined them on tour with the in early 2003, where they co-wrote ten songs in a week, eight of which appeared on the album. Inspired by Pink's interest in delving deeper into punk-rock influences following the rock-leaning elements of her previous album M!ssundaztood (2001), she partnered extensively with Armstrong to help pivot toward a more rock-oriented sound. The song was conceptualized as an exploration of personal betrayal and emotional vulnerability, aligning with the album's overall raw and autobiographical tone that drew from Pink's life experiences.

Recording process

The recording of "Last to Know" primarily took place at Steakhouse Studios in North Hollywood, California, with supplementary work conducted on The Transplants' Bus, a mobile studio used by Armstrong and his bandmates. The track was produced by Tim Armstrong, who brought his punk-rock production approach to the sessions, focusing on raw energy and live-band dynamics to suit the song's rock foundation. It was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge at South Beach Studios in Miami, Florida, known for his high-impact rock mixes that enhance instrumental drive and vocal presence. These sessions formed part of the album production, which spanned 2002–2003 leading up to the November release. Armstrong's contributions extended to arranging the instrumentation, layering guitars and rhythms to amplify the track's energetic vibe while co-writing the song with .

Composition and lyrics

Musical style

"Last to Know" is classified as a track with punk influences, blending pop sensibilities through its accessible melodies and energetic delivery. Produced by of the punk band Rancid, the song exemplifies the album 's shift toward a rock-oriented sound, incorporating elements of contemporary pop/rock while drawing on Armstrong's punk roots for its raw edge. The song runs for a duration of 4:03 and adheres to a conventional verse-chorus structure, featuring two verses that build tension leading into an explosive chorus, followed by a bridge that intensifies the emotional peak before returning to the final chorus. This format allows for dynamic progression, with the chorus serving as the song's through its anthemic repetition and rising intensity. Instrumentation centers on prominent electric and riffs crafted by , providing a driving punk-inflected backbone, alongside programmed and electric bass by Dave Carlock for rhythmic propulsion. Keyboards and loops add textural layers, enhancing the track's feel, while P!nk's distinctive raspy vocals deliver the performance with gritty authority, underscoring the song's defiant tone. These elements reflect Armstrong's punk background, contributing to the track's aggressive yet melodic sonic characteristics.

Themes and interpretation

"Last to Know" centers on themes of and emotional within a romantic context, where the narrator grapples with being the final person informed about a partner's disinterest or abandonment. The song depicts a scenario stemming from a promising initial date that leads to disappointment when the partner fails to attend an important event, such as the singer's performance, leaving tickets unused and highlighting a lack of reciprocity and . This narrative underscores raw anger and vulnerability, as the lyrics confront the pain of unreciprocated investment in the relationship, with lines like "You could have called me back, you stupid " capturing unfiltered frustration and hurt. Key lyrics emphasize the sting of being sidelined, such as the recurring chorus question "Why was I the last to know?" which encapsulates the shock of discovering hidden truths about the partner's commitment. In the second verse, the narrator asserts boundaries, stating "I wouldn't put my heels in the air for you," rejecting further and critiquing the partner's conditional affection. Interpreted as an empowerment anthem, the track critiques dishonesty and emotional neglect, with the bridge affirming self-worth through "You thought you knew me / I guess you didn't," positioning the narrator as resilient against betrayal. Pink's vocal delivery amplifies this emotional intensity, blending raspy aggression with vulnerable cracks to mirror the song's dual tones of rage and .

Release and promotion

Single formats

"Last to Know" was released as the fourth and final single from Pink's third studio album, Try This. The single launched in limited physical formats primarily in Europe, alongside digital downloads and radio promotion globally. It debuted on April 13, 2004, in markets including Denmark and Germany, with a UK release following on April 19, 2004. In Australia, the track received radio airplay and was made available via digital download without a physical single. Formats included limited-edition CD singles and promotional vinyl, featuring the original radio edit running 4:03 alongside remixes such as the D Bop’s Club Edit at 5:30. The UK CD single track listing comprised the original version and the D Bop’s Club Edit. European CD editions similarly highlighted remixes, with some enhanced versions incorporating additional video content, though B-sides were minimal or absent in official releases. Promotion emphasized radio play to support the album's rollout, positioning the single as a key track from Try This.

Music video production

The music video for "Last to Know" was directed by Russell Thomas and produced by Natalie Johns for the production company Done + Dusted. Filmed as a live performance montage, the video compiles clips from P!nk's concerts during the European leg of her 2004 , capturing the high-energy rock atmosphere with shots of the singer on stage, crowd engagement, and dynamic performance antics. There is no scripted narrative or storyline, emphasizing instead the authenticity of the live show experience. The video premiered in alongside the single's European release and runs for approximately four minutes. It is currently available for viewing on via P!nk's official channel and was included as an enhanced multimedia feature on the formats.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release as the third single from P!nk's album , "Last to Know" received a range of critical responses, often reflecting divided opinions on the album's shift toward a punk-infused rock sound co-produced by of Rancid. Critics praised elements of the song's energetic delivery and rock edge, noting how P!nk's vocal intensity brought a raw, confrontational quality to the track's electro-punk groove, which contributed to the album's sharper, more rebellious aesthetic. For instance, retrospective analyses have highlighted the song's "groovier electro-punk" style as a standout example of this evolution, emphasizing P!nk's ability to channel fury and attitude effectively. However, contemporary reviews were frequently negative, critiquing the song's execution and thematic approach as overly aggressive and lacking subtlety. of described "Last to Know" as spending "four minutes howling ferocious obscenities" over a scenario involving a lover rejecting complimentary concert tickets, dismissing it as an overblown response tied to self-promotional gimmicks rather than genuine emotional depth. Similarly, Nekesa Mumbi Moody in The Today Show called it a "boring, unmelodic rocker" where P!nk "whines" about a no-show partner, suggesting the lyrics felt more like an " rant" than compelling songwriting. Mixed opinions emerged around how well the track embodied 's punk pivot, with some acknowledging its rock tinges but faulting the mundane lyrics and formulaic pop elements. Spence D. of noted that the song "mixes toss away pop with tinges of rock," but found P!nk's bordering on the ordinary, failing to elevate the material beyond standard fare. Retrospectively, the song and album have been viewed as underappreciated, with critics like Sal Cinquemani of arguing that Try This represented a bold but commercially overlooked experiment in P!nk's catalog amid the era's pop dominance.

Commercial performance

"Last to Know" achieved moderate success primarily in following its release as a single in 2004. In the , the song peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent a total of six weeks. It also reached number 22 on the , marking its highest position in the after seven weeks on the chart. Further afield, the track entered the Austrian at number 48 and the at number 46, reflecting more limited traction in those markets; it also peaked at number 66 in Germany. The single saw no significant entry on major United States charts, such as the , due to its primary promotion in and lack of a widespread domestic release. This regional focus contributed to its overall modest commercial footprint, with no reported certifications or substantial sales figures available, as physical single formats were limited to select European markets and digital downloads were not yet dominant in 2004. Compared to preceding singles from Pink's album , "Last to Know" underperformed; for instance, "Trouble" had reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and number 68 on the US , benefiting from broader international promotion. The constrained release strategy for "Last to Know" likely hindered its potential for higher sales and deeper chart penetration.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/release/1471990-Pnk-Last-To-Know
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/pink-last-to-know/
  3. https://imvdb.com/video/pink/last-to-know
  4. https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Tim%2BArmstrong&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  5. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/ea7a01f4-ea84-36ab-8a80-0258a61f8eaf
  6. http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/11/music.pink.reut/
  7. https://www.eonline.com/news/886649/just-like-fire-how-pink-has-made-a-career-out-of-telling-it-just-like-it-is
  8. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/pink-try-this/
  9. https://www.allmusic.com/album/try-this-mw0000325851
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/464231-PNK-Try-This
  11. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/p_nk/last-to-know/
  12. https://genius.com/P-nk-last-to-know-lyrics
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/2055561-PNK-Last-To-Know
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/251039-Pnk-Last-To-Know
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6906354/
  16. https://www.intomore.com/culture/a-definitive-ranking-of-pinks-music-videos/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwaJbRBdoTU
  18. https://tinnitist.com/2023/11/14/classic-album-review-pnk-try-this/
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/07/popandrock.shopping1
  20. https://www.today.com/popculture/pink-s-try-mixed-bag-wbna3475715
  21. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/19/pink-try-this
  22. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/pink-the-truth-about-love/
  23. https://www.top40.nl/top40-artiesten/pink
  24. https://hitparade.ch/song/P%21nk/Last-To-Know-6089
  25. https://acharts.co/song/1538
  26. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/pink-trouble/
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