"What If" is a song performed by English actress Kate Winslet, recorded for the animated film Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001). Winslet provided the voice of Belle in the feature, which is based on the Charles Dickens classic 1843 novel and also stars Nicolas Cage, Jane Horrocks and Simon Callow. "What If" was written by Wayne Hector and Steve Mac, while production was helmed by the latter. The song is a ballad that follows the film's theme, as Belle laments the end of her and Scrooge's relationship and wonders what could have been. It was the only song to be released from the official movie soundtrack.
"What If" was released as a single in Germany on 12 November 2001 and was issued in the United Kingdom two weeks later. News that Winslet was secretly recording the one-off single to vie for the 2001 UK Christmas number one spot was reported in the Daily Mirror. In the event, the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number six, its peak. Elsewhere, "What If" became a number-one hit in Austria, Flanders, and Ireland whilst also reaching the top 10 in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Critically acclaimed, the song won the 2002 OGAE Song Contest. At Winslet's request, the proceeds from the single were given to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children.
Critical reception Can't Stop the Pop described "What If" as a "ballad of epic proportions", and a "huge, soaring Disney-esque ballad". Barbara Ellen from The Observer said it is "a sweet, trilling, sub-Celine little ditty."Ellen, Barbara (2 December 2001). "Stars in their guises". p. 14. The Observer. British trade paper Music Week noted that "Winslet's new romance [following a divorce] might make the lyrics ... less poignant" but deemed it "a good song [sung] well".
Music video An accompanying music video, which was directed by Paul Donnellon and produced by Chris Horton, shows Winslet walking around an old Victorian house, haunted by the ghost of a girl, along with clips from the film.
Track listings UK CD single "What If" "The Coventry Carol" "What If" (film version) "What If" (enhanced video)
UK cassette single "What If" "The Coventry Carol" "What If" (film version)
European CD single "What If" (full version) "What If" (film version)
Credits and personnel Credits are adapted from the UK CD single liner notes.
Studios Recorded at Air Lyndhurst and Rokstone Studios (London, England)
Personnel
Kate Winslet – vocals Steve Mac – writing, production Wayne Hector – writing Chris Laws – engineering Matt Howe – engineering Daniel Pursey – engineering assistant Jason Bell – cover photography The Red Room – cover design Graeme Perkins – music supervisor for Christmas Carol: The Movie soundtrack
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2001–2002)PeakpositionCroatia (HRT)6Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)8Romania (Romanian Top 100)69UK Airplay (Music Week) 35
Year-end charts Chart (2001)PositionIreland (IRMA)12UK Singles (OCC)94 Chart (2002)PositionAustria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)17Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)23Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)29Germany (Media Control)35Ireland (IRMA)39Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)29Netherlands (Single Top 100)23Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)25UK Singles (OCC)152
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Germany12 November 2001CDEMIUnited Kingdom26 November 2001Liberty UK
Cover versions In 2004, a dance remake of the song was released by Dutch producer Ronald Vos (under the moniker of Ronny V), with Nanda Philipse (from the Dutch gothic metal band Infinite Dawn) providing the vocals. In 2008, the 2007 X-Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts included a duet of the song with American singer and Broadway actress Idina Menzel on his debut album Rhydian. Britain's Got Talent 2010 semi-finalist Olivia Archbold performed this song. She came in third place in the semi-finals and lost the judges' votes to Tobias Mead. Due to the performance, "What If" re-entered the UK Singles Charts at number 76 on 6 June 2010.
Notes
References
External links "Winslet Records a Single" (IMDb news article) "Winslet Launches Festive Chart Bid" (BBC News story)