The Singles Jukebox

Pop, to two decimal places.

Coco Jones – Let ‘Em Know

Tell’em!


[Video][Website]
[5.17]

Jonathan Bogart: An energetic, maybe even overenthusiastic, performance is let down badly by the plodding midtempo whoosh of the production. I kept wanting something percussive to come in and give her some support — those middle-eight fingersnaps are far too little, far too late.
[5]

Natasha Genet Avery: I assume that “Let Em Know” was pitched as a breezy summer hit that would launch Jones’ career. I don’t think it’s going to work. “Let Em Know” should have been transposed down: while Jones is a proficient singer (and I suspect, an alto), she struggles to belt those Fs in the chorus (“LA-dies go hang up your halos”) and loses pitch, deflating the chorus’ lift. The track itself is similarly uninspired. Only one synth line differentiates the chorus from the verse, and while great songs have ridden on much less, the melody is not strong enough to keep me engaged. Lyrically, “Let Em Know” is lazy, failing to carry through its fairly straightforward concept by cramming in a bunch of non-sequiturs in the verses. While there is nothing egregiously wrong here, “Let Em Know” is a half-assed effort all around.
[4]

Will Adams: A hook that powerful requires a bit more explosives in the production. Coco’s commanding performance is a saving grace, but the track’s lack of dynamics lets her down.
[6]

Thomas Inskeep: Former kiddie-pop R&B vocalist becomes less kiddie-pop (at 17!), but no more distinctive.
[5]

Ramzi Awn: “Let ‘Em Know” would not be out of place on a Danity Kane album — but that’s not a bad thing.
[5]

Alfred Soto: This Nickelodeon Kids Award winner sports a decent voice that sounds commanding over “Simon Says” beats. Even better: the chorus hints at one of the melodies threaded through Ledisi’s great “I Blame You.” She lets’em know.  
[6]

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