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"Let Them Know"
Single by Mabel
from the album About Last Night...
Released18 June 2021
Genre
Length2:28
LabelPolydor
Songwriters
Producers
Mabel singles chronology
"Tick Tock"
(2020) 		"Let Them Know"
(2021) 		"Take It Home"
(2021)
Music video
"Let Them Know" on YouTube

"Let Them Know" is a song by English singer Mabel. It was released by Polydor Records on 18 June 2021 as the lead single from her second studio album About Last Night... (2022).[1] The song was written by Mabel, Raye, MNEK, and its producer SG Lewis. It was a top 40 hit in Mabel's home country of the United Kingdom as well as five additional European countries.

Music and lyrics

[edit]

"Let Them Know" is an uptempo, dance-pop, synth-pop and 1980s-style disco song with dancehall undertones.[2][3][4][5] It is 2 minutes and 28 seconds long,[6] and has a 1990s house rhythm reminiscent of RuPaul's 1992 song "Supermodel (You Better Work)".[7]

Inspired by obsessively watching 1990 film Paris Is Burning, and American television series Pose and RuPaul's Drag Race, Mabel wrote the track as a reflection on dance music's generational themes of expression, liberation and inclusion.[8] According to the singer, "Let Them Know" is "dedicated to anyone who's ever felt scared to truly be themselves."[9] The lyrics include a reference to Doja Cat and her 2020 song "Say So".[7][5]

Release

[edit]

Mabel first teased the single's release on 9 June 2021 with a 30-second teaser trailer titled "Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself".[10] The clip shows the singer performing and filming a music video, and ends with a preview of "Let Them Know".[11] On 10 June, she shared the release date, cover art and a link to pre-save the single on streaming services.[12][10] The official TikTok audio was released on 12 June. Within a week, more than 52,000 videos were uploaded under the audio by users of the social networking service.[2]

"Let Them Know" was released by Polydor Records on 18 June.[6] It was promoted with its own lens filter on Instagram and Snapchat,[13][14] and added it to rotation by British radio stations BBC Radio 1 and Capital FM the same day.[15][16] A remix by English DJ Riton was released on 9 July.[17]

Critical response

[edit]

In his review for The Sunday Times, Dan Cairns likened the track to music by the Spice Girls, describing it as "sassy, savvy, precision-tooled pop perfection".[18] Isaac Chiew of NME regarded the "bombastic floor-filler" as a welcome comeback from Mabel, complimenting its disco production and "anthemic" chorus.[19] Clash reviewer Robin Murray called it "an unashamed addition to the pop banger canon."[20] The Guardian's Luke Holland viewed the song as "wholly edgeless yet undeniably enjoyable glitter-pop" and "daft fun in all the ways pop should be".[21]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Let Them Know" debuted at number 38 on the UK Singles Chart with first-week sales of 10,368 units.[22] It has since ascended to a new peak of number 19 on the chart dated August 26, 2021. In Ireland, the song entered the Irish Singles Chart at number 48; it has peaked at number 19.

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Let Them Know" was directed by Isaac Rentz.[23] A 25-second teaser trailer was shared on Mabel's YouTube channel on 16 June 2021.[24] The music video live premiered on YouTube at 8 a.m. BST on 18 June, preceded by a live chat with the singer.[25][26] A behind the scenes segment was released by MTV UK on 28 June.[27]

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download and streaming[6]
  1. "Let Them Know" – 2:28
  • Digital download and streaming – Riton remix[17]
  1. "Let Them Know" (Riton Remix) – 3:00

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Qobuz.[6]

  • Mabel – vocals, background vocals
  • SG Lewis – producer, drums, engineer, keyboards, bass, synthesizer, programming
  • Raye – co-producer, vocal producer
  • Cameron Gower Poole – vocal producer
  • Josh Gudwin – mixing
  • Heidi Wang – mixing assistance
  • Stuart Hawkes – mastering

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Let Them Know"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Croatia International Airplay (HRT)[28] 21
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[29] 4
Hungary (Single Top 40)[30] 28
Ireland (IRMA)[31] 19
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[32] 1
Netherlands (Single Tip)[33] 11
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[34] 46
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[35] 12
UK Singles (OCC)[36] 19

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Let Them Know"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[37] Gold 400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Let Them Know"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label(s) Ref.
Various 18 June 2021
Original Polydor [12]
Italy Contemporary hit radio Universal [38]
Russia 27 June 2021 [39]
Various 9 July 2021
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Riton Remix Polydor [17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Let Them Know

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Let Them Know" is a by English , released on 18 June 2021 as the lead single from her second studio album, About Last Night.... The track is an upbeat pop that promotes self-confidence and , featuring about dressing up boldly and owning one's presence without needing external validation. The song was written by , alongside collaborators , , and , who also served as the primary producer. Its creation was influenced by Mabel's experiences during the , including living with her parents and binge-watching shows like , which inspired themes of drag culture, fearlessness, and performative confidence. An official , directed by Isaac Rentz, accompanied the release and depicts Mabel in vibrant, club-inspired settings that echo the song's energetic vibe. "Let Them Know" achieved commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 15 weeks in the top 40. It also charted in several European countries and was certified silver in the UK by the BPI (200,000 units). The song marked Mabel's return to music following a period of personal reflection during lockdown. Critics praised its anthemic quality and Mabel's vocal delivery, positioning it as a standout in her discography that blends pop with elements of dance and R&B.

Background and development

Conception

Following a period of burnout and self-doubt after her breakthrough success with the 2019 album High Expectations, took a break from music in 2020 to focus on her amid industry pressures and personal struggles with confidence. She later described feeling exhausted from the rapid rise, stating, “I was really tired, I kind of needed a minute,” which allowed her to reflect on her experiences and channel them into creating empowering music. This hiatus inspired her to craft a confident anthem that addressed self-assurance, emerging as a response to the emotional toll of fame and external expectations. In early 2021, began writing sessions for what would become the from her second album, About Last Night..., co-writing "Let Them Know" with collaborators including , , and . The process emphasized themes of self-empowerment and through nightlife, capturing a desire to reclaim joy and boldness after isolation. explained that the song stemmed from envisioning post-pandemic freedom: “I just got really inspired by thinking about wanting to be out again, that sense of freedom that we’re all going to have when we’re able to meet up, and enjoy together.” These sessions positioned the track as an unapologetic declaration of self-worth, blending personal vulnerability with celebratory energy. The song drew specific inspirations from 1990s and 2000s R&B and pop, infused with elements of ballroom and voguing culture to evoke nostalgic yet modern vibes. Mabel cited her repeated viewings of the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning as a key influence, alongside artists like Madonna, CeCe Peniston, and Whitney Houston, aiming to nod to house rhythms and the empowering spirit of those eras while updating them for contemporary production. She sought to blend these nostalgic sounds with fresh, dance-oriented elements to create a track that celebrated confidence and communal release. Released in June 2021, "Let Them Know" was positioned as the lead single heralding her sophomore album About Last Night..., which explores broader themes of relationships and empowerment.

Recording and production

The recording of "Let Them Know" primarily took place at Sarm Music Village in , with additional sessions at Angelic Studios, during the spring of 2021. This timeline aligned with the track's teasing on in May and its release as a single in . served as the primary , handling the beats and arrangements through programming drums, keyboards, bass, and synthesizers to craft the song's energetic foundation. acted as co- and vocal producer, contributing background vocals alongside , who recorded her lead vocals and ad-libs to emphasize the track's confident delivery. These elements combined to produce a glossy pop-R&B sound characterized by layered synths, punchy basslines, and a bold, bombastic chorus. In , the track was mixed by Josh Gudwin at Henson Recording Studios in , with assistance from Heidi Wang, ensuring a polished, radio-ready finish suitable for its single release. Mastering was completed by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Mastering in .

Composition

Music

"Let Them Know" is classified as with influences from R&B and . The track runs at 125 beats per minute, in the key of , contributing to its energetic and club-ready feel. The song follows a verse-chorus form, featuring pre-chorus refrains that build tension leading into the chorus, a bridge for variation, and an extended outro with repeated chorus elements designed for extended club play. includes prominent synth hooks that drive the , a four-on-the-floor beat characteristic of , and vocal processing that incorporates chopped effects to enhance the anthemic, upbeat vibe. Stylistically, "Let Them Know" draws comparisons to contemporaries like , evoking the disco-infused pop of her work, while echoing the summery, escapist energy of early club tracks through its confident, dancefloor-oriented production.

Lyrics

The of "Let Them Know" center on themes of female empowerment and self-expression, portraying a of unapologetic in one's identity. Mabel dedicates the song to "anyone who's ever felt scared to truly be themselves," emphasizing the bravery required to embrace personal authenticity despite external judgments. This is evident in lines such as "Nails shine like / Heels on six inches / Waist cinched, Mugler fit," which celebrate bold through vivid of glamorous self-presentation. The song's narrative unfolds in a nightlife scenario, where the dresses up and moves through a like a club, focusing on self-admiration rather than seeking validation from others. Phrases like "You can't have this, you can't hit this / Go 'head and envy, but you can't end me" underscore resilience against criticism, framing the act of getting ready as an empowering ritual of liberation. Inspired by 1980s New York drag culture—as seen in documentaries like Paris Is Burning and shows such as Pose and —the draw on motifs of voguing and to evoke , inclusion, and the shedding of inhibitions on the dance floor. Poetic devices enhance the song's catchiness and symbolic depth, with repetition of the chorus hook "Let them know" creating an anthemic call to assert one's presence. Metaphors of luxury fashion, such as the "Mugler fit," symbolize unshakeable confidence and high-status self-worth, while playful references like "You can call me Khaleesi / I stay up on my queen shit" blend pop culture with regal imagery to reinforce empowerment. This track marks an evolution in Mabel's songwriting, shifting toward more assertive personal narratives following her 2019 debut album High Expectations. In interviews, she describes it as part of a "new era" where she reintroduces herself with greater confidence, moving away from past preoccupations with perfectionism to embrace unapologetic fun and self-reinvention.

Release and promotion

Release

"Let Them Know" was released on 18 June 2021 by as the from Mabel's second studio album, About Last Night.... The track marked Mabel's first solo release of 2021, following her collaboration "Tick Tock" with featuring in August 2020. It was distributed primarily through digital download and streaming platforms, with no physical vinyl edition issued at the time of launch. Polydor Records, under , positioned the single as a key part of 's relaunch following a quieter period in 2020 amid the . The label's strategy emphasized empowering pop anthems to reestablish her presence in the music scene after her debut album High Expectations in 2019. began building anticipation with teasers starting on 11 May 2021, sharing cryptic posts and snippets to generate hype. An official announcement followed on 10 June 2021, confirming the release date and accompanying .

Marketing and promotion

The promotion of "Let Them Know" began with its radio premiere on shortly after the June 18, 2021 release, where it received airplay on shows such as Arielle Free's program, helping to build early buzz among listeners. The track was subsequently featured on Spotify's New Music Friday , including international editions that amplified its visibility to global streaming audiences. Mabel drove a robust social media campaign leading up to and following the launch, teasing snippets of the song on platforms like for weeks in advance, which sparked a viral trend with over 52,000 user-generated videos incorporating the audio. These fan creations often tied into the song's confident, style-centric —such as references to heels, cinched waists, and designer fits—encouraging recreations of bold outfits inspired by the track's empowering message of self-assurance. complemented this by sharing personal statements on about embracing authenticity, aligning the promotion with the song's thematic core. To extend reach, Mabel performed the single on major UK TV platforms, including a live set on ITV's Love Island in August 2021, where she energized the audience during a villa event and boosted the song's exposure to the show's young demographic. The campaign also included targeted digital efforts, such as streaming links and social integrations, focused on and European markets to capitalize on her established fanbase. A notable came later in 2021 through Levi's Music Project, a initiative that paired with mentors for a reimagined acoustic performance of the song, emphasizing its vogue-inspired aesthetics and amplifying the track's fashion-forward narrative across denim-themed content. This collaboration highlighted the song's style-focused ethos, drawing parallels to its lyrical nods to high-fashion elements like Mugler fits.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, "Let Them Know" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its empowering message, catchy hooks, and club-oriented production as a confident return for following her debut album High Expectations. hailed it as "one of the biggest, ballsiest pop songs of the year," highlighting its rhythms and sparkling hooks in a four-star live performance review, while also including it in their 50 best songs of 2021 list for the chorus's "empowering pay-off." echoed this sentiment in their album review, calling it the standout track with an "empowering message and catchy chorus" that positioned it as a potential hit. The Guardian offered mixed feedback, describing the single as "wholly edgeless yet undeniably enjoyable glitter-pop" that evokes carefree dancing, though noting its lack of edge in a new tracks roundup; the outlet later acclaimed 's vocal delivery in the context of the album's opening tracks, including "Let Them Know." Clash Music praised its "flirty, bombastic" energy as a bold evolution, pushing toward greater pop stardom while retaining her relatable charm. Overall, the consensus positioned "Let Them Know" as a solid pop comeback for , often drawing comparisons to her breakthrough hit "Don't Call Me Up" but with a more mature, unapologetic edge focused on self-empowerment and authenticity. uDiscover Music characterized it as an "anthemic pop track" emphasizing and owning one's power, underscoring its club-ready appeal.

Commercial performance

"Let Them Know" achieved moderate commercial success in the , debuting at number 38 on the UK Singles Chart before climbing to a peak of number 19, where it spent one week in the top 20 and a total of 15 weeks on the chart. The track's performance was bolstered by strong streaming activity, which helped it secure a Silver from the (BPI) in October 2021 for sales and equivalent streams exceeding 200,000 units, later upgraded to in October 2025. By the end of 2021, the song had accumulated over 100,000 chart units in the UK, with sales further boosted by the release of Mabel's About Last Night... in 2022. Internationally, the single reached the top 20 in Ireland, peaking at number 19 on the and spending 10 weeks there. It experienced limited impact in the United States but gained traction on global playlists, contributing to its broader digital reach. Promotional efforts, including performances on television shows, aided its chart climb and streaming momentum.

Music video and visuals

Music video

The music video for "Let Them Know" was directed by Isaac Rentz and premiered on Mabel's official YouTube channel on June 18, 2021. Produced by Kode Media, a London-based company, it features Mabel as the central figure in a high-energy narrative reflecting on a chaotic night out. The production incorporated sleek choreography led by Amber Rimell, with dancers performing synchronized routines amid dynamic set pieces. The video's concept revolves around glamorous, surreal party environments that capture the song's themes of and resilience, using vibrant colors, flashing lights, and fluid transitions between intimate close-ups and wide shots. appears in bold, fashionable outfits that echo the ' focus on self-assurance and dismissing negativity, blending retro club with modern for a glossy, immersive feel. These elements emphasize the track's vibe through seamless integration of performance and storytelling. Upon release, the video received praise for its dazzling energy, ultra-modern design, and Mabel's confident presence, which critics described as a "no-holds-barred affair" full of slick execution. It quickly amassed over 10 million views by the end of 2022 and has since surpassed 11 million, highlighting its enduring appeal on streaming platforms. While some noted familiar tropes in the party motif, the overall reception celebrated its polished production and alignment with Mabel's evolving pop .

Other visuals

A behind-the-scenes video for "Let Them Know" was released by on June 28, 2021, offering a glimpse into the production of the music video, including details on wardrobe selections and set design that aligned with the song's confident, club-inspired theme. In December 2021, performed an acoustic rendition of the track for the Levi's Music Project, presented in a minimalist video format that highlighted a stripped-down, intimate delivery while incorporating double styling to evoke a casual yet empowered vibe. Mabel encouraged fan engagement by uploading the official audio snippet to on June 11, 2021, sparking user-created content such as dance and lip-sync challenges, which amassed over 52,000 videos by the time of the song's full release. Complementing these efforts, an official Studio Performance video was made available in 2022, capturing a live studio version of the song tailored for quick consumption and featuring 's dynamic vocal delivery in a controlled, professional setting.

Credits and formats

Track listing

The digital single release of "Let Them Know" features the title track with a duration of 2:58. Promotional formats for the single do not include any B-sides. An acoustic version was released as a separate digital single with a duration of 2:36. Several remix singles were also issued, including the Riton Remix (3:00) and Majestic Remix (2:17).

Personnel

Mabel performed the lead and backing vocals on "Let Them Know." The song was written by (Mabel McVey), (Rachel Keen), (Uzoechi Emenike), and (Samuel George Lewis). Primary production was handled by , who also contributed drums, keyboards, bass, synthesizer, programming, and engineering. RAYE served as co-producer and vocal producer, in addition to providing backing vocals. Vocal production was additionally overseen by . The track was mixed by Josh Gudwin, assisted by Heidi Wang. Mastering was performed by Stuart Hawkes. All was programmed by the producers, with no live band elements featured.

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

"Let Them Know" experienced moderate success primarily in following its June 2021 release, with gradual climbs driven by streaming and radio play. In the , the track debuted at number 38 on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending July 1, 2021, before ascending over subsequent weeks to a peak of number 19, which it held for one week on the dated August 26, 2021; it remained on the for a total of 15 weeks. The song's trajectory in Ireland mirrored its UK performance, entering the at number 48 in early July 2021 and peaking at number 19 after several weeks, with a total chart run of 12 weeks. In the , "Let Them Know" demonstrated solid reception in preliminary charts, reaching number 1 on the Tipparade after six weeks and peaking at number 11 on the Single Tip, though it did not enter the main Single Top 100. It also peaked at number 4 on 's Rádiós Top 40 . It did not chart on the US Hot 100.
Chart (2021)Peak positionWeeks on chart
Airplay (Rádiós Top 40)4—
Irish Singles (IRMA)1912
Netherlands Tipparade (MegaCharts)1—
Netherlands Single Tip (MegaCharts)116
Singles (OCC)1915

Certifications

"Let Them Know" by has been certified by the (BPI) in the . The single received a certification on October 15, 2021, for 200,000 units, encompassing and streaming equivalents. On October 17, 2025, the BPI upgraded the certification to , recognizing and equivalent streams exceeding 400,000 units. These units include contributions from streaming platforms, where the track has amassed over 72 million global plays on as of late 2025. As of November 2025, "Let Them Know" has not received certifications from other major industry bodies, such as the (RIAA) or the (BVMI). Following the conclusion of the song's promotional cycle in 2022, the 2025 Gold upgrade marks the only subsequent development in its certification status.

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-them-know-single/1570515599
  2. https://open.spotify.com/album/2DX0Tyq5e8CtsoncXWEWPm
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/mabel/let-them-know
  4. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/mabel-let-them-know/
  5. https://genius.com/Mabel-let-them-know-lyrics/q/writer
  6. https://www.pmstudio.com/music/music.html?page=20210618-14136
  7. https://graziamagazine.com/articles/mabel-interview-let-them-know/
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehcRu2xPXHU
  9. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/mabel-let-them-know/
  10. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/17700-XXXXX-XX
  11. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Mabel-3/Let-Them-Know
  12. https://www.nme.com/big-reads/mabel-cover-interview-2022-about-last-night-3273763
  13. https://theface.com/music/mabel-musician-pop-artist-interview-let-them-know
  14. https://genius.com/Mabel-let-them-know-lyrics
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/23884547-Mabel-About-Last-Night
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0ljz2WkU68
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/19199944-Mabel-Let-Them-Know
  18. https://www.clashmusic.com/news/mabels-let-them-know-is-an-out-and-out-banger
  19. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/mabel/let-them-know/
  20. https://tunebat.com/Info/Let-Them-Know-Mabel/2lw3naleLuf81Si3tuFVak
  21. https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/mabel/let-them-know-chords-3765581
  22. https://www.liveone.com/artist/mabel/7340764
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/16/mabel-about-last-night-review-tears-and-cheers-on-the-dancefloor
  24. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/mabel-returns-with-new-anthem-let-them-know
  25. https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/mabel-returns-with-brand-new-single-let-them-know-available-now/
  26. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/mabel-announces-new-single-let-them-know
  27. https://www.1001tracklists.com/tracklist/2mbz9zs9/arielle-free-bbc-radio-1-2021-06-24.html
  28. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3bblbDxGvu3FOh6UjBirnM
  29. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/mabel-love-island-2021-special-guest/
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGQnIYDZyqs
  31. https://www.nme.com/reviews/mabel-live-at-reading-festival-2021-3031352
  32. https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/nme-best-songs-of-the-year-2021-3112636
  33. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/mabel-about-last-night-album-review
  34. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/02/milyma-we-could-have-track-of-week
  35. https://www.clashmusic.com/news/mabels-let-them-know-is-an-out-and-out-banger/
  36. https://www.nme.com/features/radio-roundup-28-june-tyler-the-creator-her-little-simz-mabel-2980003
  37. https://www.buzzjack.com/forums/topic/242170-2021-bpi-certifications/
  38. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/10974988-brit-certified-bpi-highest-certified-female-artists-of-all-time-in-uk
  39. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/mabel-announces-new-single-let-them-know__33325/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14914512/
  41. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/06/23/mabel-let-them-know-isaac-rentz/71559
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pt5VGxRiZM
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKroxO9bLnA
  44. https://open.spotify.com/track/2lw3naleLuf81Si3tuFVak
  45. https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-them-know-acoustic-single/1576667417
  46. https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-them-know-riton-remix-single/1573905765
  47. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/let-them-know-majestic-remix-single/1587004701
  48. https://raye.fandom.com/wiki/Let_Them_Know_%28song%29
  49. https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Mabel+%5BUK%5D&titel=Let+Them+Know&cat=s
  50. https://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=56042&sort=chartid
  51. https://www.billboard.com/artist/mabel/
  52. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/10974988-brit-certified-bpi-highest-certified-female-artists-of-all-time-in-uk?p=11816528
  53. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/1MIVXf74SZHmTIp4V4paH4_songs.html
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