Should’ve Known Better

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Should’ve Known Better" by Richard Marx from his self-titled debut album! This rock hit, released in September 1987, is a fan favorite with a juicy backstory. According to Genius, the song is about a woman Marx fell in love with, only to discover she was married the whole time, leaving him heartbroken and unable to move on. The track’s infectious energy and raw emotion helped it climb to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Album Rock Tracks chart, making it a standout from his debut. Marx shared on X in 2020 that his son and co-producer inspired a modern track with a “2020 ‘Should’ve Known Better’ vibe,” showing the song’s lasting influence on his work. He also posted a throwback in 2019 about filming the music video in 1987, directed by Dominic Sena, giving fans a nostalgic peek behind the scenes.

Another cool tidbit comes from Marx’s persistence with the song. In a 2021 X post, he revealed that “Should’ve Known Better” was part of a demo tape rejected by every label for years before Manhattan Records signed him. Both this track and “Endless Summer Nights” became top three hits, proving the naysayers wrong. Marx even shared a funny moment on X in 2018, recalling a fan who thanked him for a song at her wedding, to which he jokingly replied, “Should’ve Known Better?”—a nod to the song’s theme of romantic regret. The track’s enduring appeal is evident in fan discussions on Reddit’s r/80smusic, where users praise lines like “The radio won’t let you leave my mind” for capturing the pain of lingering love.

Richard Marx kicked off his music career in the early 1980s in Los Angeles, grinding as a background singer and songwriter for big names like Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie. Born on September 16, 1963, in Chicago, Marx was determined to make it as a solo artist, refusing to give away his best songs. His big break came in 1984 when he co-wrote “What About Me?” for Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, and James Ingram, hitting number one on the Adult Contemporary charts. By 1987, he landed a deal with Manhattan Records, and his debut album, Richard Marx, went triple-platinum, spawning four top three singles, including “Should’ve Known Better.” Marx’s knack for crafting pop-rock hits and his multi-instrumental talent set him apart, leading to a career with over 30 million albums sold worldwide.

Stay connected with Richard Marx through his official website, where you can find tour dates and updates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for personal insights and throwback posts. Fans can dive deeper into his music on sites like Richard Marx Online, a dedicated fan hub, or join discussions in the Richard Marx Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for his timeless hits. Keep spinning those records, and let’s hold on to the nights with Marx’s music!