If You Can't Say No

"If You Can't Say No" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, released as the first single from his fifth studio album, 5 (1998), in April 1998. 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, and also topped the airplay charts in Italy. Dance producer Brian Transeau and electronica band Zero 7 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
Released	April 20, 1998 (1998-04-20)
Genre	Trip hop[1]
Length	5:17 (album version) 4:17 (radio edit)
Label	Virgin
Songwriter(s)	Lenny Kravitz
Producer(s)	Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz singles chronology
"The Resurrection" (1996) "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."^[2]

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)[3]	55
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[4]	35
Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[5]	21
France (SNEP)[6]	97
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[7]	8
Italy Airplay (Music & Media)[8]	1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[9]	4
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[10]	52
Scotland (OCC)[11]	55
Spain (AFYVE)[12]	9
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[13]	39
UK Singles (OCC)[14]	48
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[15]	39

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
United States	April 20, 1998	Alternative radio	Virgin	[16]
	April 21, 1998	Rhythmic contemporary contemporary hit radio		[17]
Europe	April 27, 1998	CD		[10]
United Kingdom	May 4, 1998	12-inch vinyl CD cassette		[18]

References

1. Molanphy, Chris (July 15, 2023). "Lenny on Mars Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
2. Flick, Larry (April 25, 1998). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 69. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
3. "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.
4. "Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
5. "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3616." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
6. "Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
7. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (21.5. – 28.5. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). May 22, 1998. p. 42. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
8. "Major Market Airplay: Italy" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 26. June 27, 1998. p. 23. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
9. "Tipparade-lijst van week 21, 1998". May 23, 1998. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
10. "Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
11. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
12. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
13. "Lenny Kravitz – If You Can't Say No". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
14. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
15. "Lenny Kravitz Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
16. "Be on the Lookout". Gavin Report. No. 2201. April 10, 1998. p. 38.
17. "New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1244. April 17, 1998. pp. 38, 45.
18. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. May 2, 1998. p. 31.