"If Only" is a 2008 single released by Scottish singer KT Tunstall,and released as the third single from her second studio album Drastic Fantastic (2007). The song was written by Tunstall and Jimmy Hogarth,and was released as the album's third and final single (not counting "Little Favours" which was released as a promotional single in Brazil only)[1] in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2008.[2] In her native Scotland,"If Only" debuted at No. 15 on the Scottish Singles Charts,[3] and reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart.[4]
"If Only" first appeared as a track on Tunstall's second unreleased demo album,Toons March '03. The demo version of "If Only" is markedly different from the version found on Drastic Fantastic,with a mellower sound and slightly slower tempo and Tunstall having a slightly higher tone to her voice. For a period of time,prior to the release of Eye to the Telescope,the demo versions of "If Only" and "Other Side of the World" were available for download free of charge on Tunstall's website. In 2018 it was used in the Hallmark Channel movie "Winter's Dream" starring Dean Cain. The songs lyrical composition is largely around the "what if" scenario people may face when trying to make a decision,or indeed for something.[5] Additionally,it also suggests a lyrical meaning of someone reflecting on a life event which could have had a different outcomes entirely,"if only" fate allowed it do so.[5]
"If Only" is reportedly one of KT Tunstall's favourite songs on Drastic Fantastic.[6] Rowan Collinson of the BBC commented that "If Only",along with album track "Little Favours",seemed to be performed in such a style which would be beneficial during live performances,and marked a shift in direction from her debut album Eye to the Telescope (2004).[7]
In 2023,Classic Rock History magazine listed "If Only" at number six in their list of Top 10 KT Tunstall songs.[5] Millie Zeiler of Classic Rock History described the song as "mellow",and credited is as being "the perfect daydreamer-type song that allows the listener to embark on a musical journey of their own".[5]
Music video
The music video for "If Only" was directed by James Caddick and filmed at the Olympic Ski Jumping Hill (Lysgårdsbakken) in Lillehammer,Norway.[8] The video features Tunstall as a ski jumper who fails to complete an important jump. The video concludes with an injured Tunstall bleeding from the nose being helped up,smiling to the camera.
Commercial performance
In the United Kingdom,"If Only" spent two weeks within the UK Singles Charts Top 100,following its debut at number forty-five on 15 March 2008. In its second and final week on the chart,it fell to sixty-eight before falling out of the UK Top 100.[9] Additionally,it spent two weeks within the Top 100 of the UK Singles Downloads Charts,following a debut chart position of number fifty-three,and four weeks within the Top 100 of the UK Physical Singles Charts,following a debut appearance at number twenty-five.[9] In her native Scotland,it debuted at number fifteen on the Scottish Singles Charts.[3]
Critical reception
"If Only" has received mixed reviews from music critics. Reviewers for Channel 4 praised the song for its "chirpy chorus and beaming harmonies" and gave it eight stars out of ten.[10] Christopher Hammer of AllGigs.co.uk gave it three stars out of five,calling it an "[almost] perfect song for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive".[11] Sarah Walters of the Manchester Evening News was less impressed,viewing the song's "chart-ready pop" sound and "bah-bah-bah backing vocals" as a step backwards from her earlier hits such as "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree",and gave it two stars out of five.[12] It was chosen as an album highlight by Allmusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine.[13]
Track listing
These are the formats and track listings of single releases of "If Only".
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