In the US, the song entered the Hot Black Singles chart on September 1, 1984 and reached number 1.

[3] In January 1985 the song peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The lyrics depict a guy professing his love for a girl, despite growing concerns from his friends.

[4] With the group now signed to MCA Records, "Cool It Now" (and the album from which it came) was given more extensive and widespread promotion than any single from their previous album (which had been released through a smaller, independent label), and helped bring the group a bigger fan base.

[5] The song is notable for a midsection rap recited by Ralph Tresvant, which calls out the rest of the group: "Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike."