Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know

by

Britney Spears

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"Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. The song was written by Robert Lange, Shania Twain, and Keith Scott, and produced by Lange for Spears' second studio album, Oops!... I Did It Again (2000). The song was released on January 17, 2001, as the fourth and final single from the album. The teen-pop ballad, speaks of a woman wanting to hear her boyfriend say that he needs her all the way and that he loves her.

"Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" received positive reviews from music critics, with some considering the song a sweet ballad where Spears showcase her vocals, while noticing its similarity to David Bowie and Iggy Pop's song "China Girl" (1983). "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" achieved moderate success, reaching number one in Romania, and peaking inside the top-ten in Austria, Europe and Switzerland, while reaching top-twenty positions in many European countries. However, the song failed to chart in the United States' Hot 100, peaking at number twelve on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.

An accompanying music video, directed by Herb Ritts, was released on March 2, 2001. It portrayed Spears in love scenes with her boyfriend, played by French model Brice Durand, saying the words she wants him to say. Spears boyfriend at the time, Justin Timberlake, was said to be miffed at Spears' kissing scenes with French model. The original video was considered too racy at the time by Spears mother, Lynne, who ordered that parts of the video be edited for content before its release to the public in the spring of 2001. The music video debuted at the top of MTV's TRL.