Introduction
Kate Winslet is widely acclaimed for her acting prowess, but her musical talent is often overlooked. What If, her one and only chart-topping hit, is a powerful ballad that deserves recognition. Let's delve into the story behind this remarkable song.
A Ballad Born from a Christmas Love Story
What If was not intended to launch Kate Winslet's pop career. It was created as part of the soundtrack for the animated movie, Christmas Carol: The Movie. In this unique adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, Winslet portrays Belle, Scrooge's former love interest. Through her character, Winslet expresses the curiosity of what might have been through the medium of song.
The Reluctant Singer Reveals Her Talent
Initially, Winslet was open to having her character's voice dubbed by a professional singer. However, when she was persuaded to sing herself, she surprised everyone with her remarkable talent. The soaring Disney-esque ballad, What If, presented a challenge that Winslet aptly met. Recognizing the curiosity surrounding her singing debut, she agreed to release the single on the condition that the proceeds go to charity.
A Charming and Delicate Performance
What If showcases Winslet's ability to hold a tune and captivate listeners. The song unfolds delicately, with an air of cautious reservation. As the song progresses, Winslet effortlessly adds subtle vibrato, infusing the track with undeniable charm. The chorus, with its ebb and flow, exemplifies the classiest elements of pop music.
A Stirring Moment and a Key Change
The middle-eight section of the song brings a rousing instrumental, evoking a truly stirring experience. A moment of fragility follows, leading to a key change that showcases Winslet's remarkable vocal talent. This powerful finish would rival the excitement of an X Factor winner's single.
A Music Video that Complements the Song
Although a reluctant pop star, Winslet filmed a music video for What If that tastefully captures the essence of the song. The video draws parallels to A Christmas Carol as Winslet explores a Dickensian mansion, surrounded by ghostly apparitions. It pays tribute to her iconic work in Titanic, leaving an imprint on the mirror, and showcases her emotive performance.
Chart Success and Enduring Appeal
What If achieved success on the charts, peaking at #6 in the UK and spending two months in the Top 20. Despite the film's lackluster performance, the song crossed over to a wider audience. Even a decade later, it made a return to the charts after a performance on Britain's Got Talent. However, the song still deserves more recognition and appreciation for its timeless quality.
Conclusion
While Kate Winslet may not have pursued a pop career, her ballad What If remains a testament to her exceptional talent. This powerful, heartfelt song touched the hearts of many and continues to resonate with listeners. So, this year and every subsequent year, let's celebrate the holiday season by streaming this timeless classic. What If deserves all the recognition, accolades, and love it never received during its initial release.
