"If Only" is a song performed by American actress and singer Dove Cameron in her role of Mal from

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's 2015 television film '' Descendants'', whose music and lyrics were composed by Adam Anders, Nikki Hassman and

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. The song debuted at number 99 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked at 94. The song was included on the film soundtrack of the same name.

Composition

A midtempo slow-jam

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song, "If Only" exhibits elements of ballad. Multi-tracked harmonies, the song's instrumentation includes slow-bouncing piano tones and keyboard. The song was written by Adam Anders, Nikki Hassman and

and produced by the duo Twin. The critics of Fictively noted that part of the song is an internal monologue, meant to be fluid in the story. Lyrically, the song talks about an internal conflict over a love interest ("Should I let my heart keep listenin'? / Which way should I go?").

Chart performance

On August 11, 2015, "If Only" debuted at number 99 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Then it jumped 5 spots on the chart and peaking at number 94 in its second week before falling of the chart the following week. On August 22, the song peaked at number two on the ''

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'' Kid Digital Songs. Internationally, the song reached number 186 in France.

Live performances

On August 17, 2015, Cameron performed the song at D23 Expo. On August 28, she and

Ryan McCartan Ryan Jerome McCartan (born June 14, 1993) is an American actor and singer. As an actor, he is known for playing Jason "J.D." Dean in the original off-Broadway production of '' Heathers: The Musical'' (2014) and for playing Brad Majors in the 201 ...

released an acoustic live video of the song as The Girl and the Dreamcatcher, their band. On October 19, she also performed the song at Downtown Disney during the Descendants Fan Event.

Critical reception

The song has received positive reviews from music critics. Daynah of Disney Geek He commented that "If Only" is sweet, filled with emotions and "one of the best songs on the album". Marshal Knight of Laughing Place was positive and compared the Cameron's song to "Gotta Go My Own Way", by Vanessa Hudgens and

Zac Efron Zachary David Alexander Efron (; born October 18, 1987) is an American actor. He began acting professionally in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role as Troy Bolton in the ''High School Musical'' trilo ...

from '' High School Musical 2'' (2007) and "the good times" of ''The Cheetah Girls'' film series, saying "her voice really breaks through and shows emotion, while also belting her face off". Gary Wright of Rotoscopes said that "If Only" is the best of the album in terms of angst and emotion and one of the best works from Disney Channel Original Movies. He also compares the song to " Part of Your World", by Jodi Benson from '' The Little Mermaid'' (1989), and " I Won't Say (I'm in Love)", by Susan Egan and Cheryl Freeman from '' Hercules'' (1997). Shirley Li of '' Entertainment Weekly'' said that although ''Descendants'' is far from perfect, "If Only" is worth it. The critic of Fictively was positive, saying that the song is the best on the album and comparing Cameron's voice to the American singer Jewel. JS Magazine said the song is "amazing" and the best along with " Rotten to the Core".

Music video

The video was directed by Kenny Ortega and released on July 31, 2015. In the video, taken from a film scene, Cameron sings in a forest clearing.

Track listings

*Digital download # "If Only" – 3:49 # "If Only (Reprise)" – 0:41

Charts

Certifications

Release history

References

{{authority control 2010s ballads 2015 singles 2015 songs Dove Cameron songs Songs written by Adam Anders Songs written by Peer Åström Walt Disney Records singles Pop ballads Songs from Descendants (franchise)