B-side "Fine" Format CD single Genre R&B | Released August 8, 2000 Recorded March 2000 | |
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Length 4:33 (US/International Album Version)
4:04 (Radio Edit) | ||
"If I Told You That" is a 2000 duet by American singer Whitney Houston and British singer George Michael. The song was released as the first UK single and the second US single from Houston's Whitney: The Greatest Hits album. The song first appeared on Houston's 1998 multi-Platinum My Love Is Your Love album, where she sang it solo. George Michael's vocals were later recorded and added to the song when it was being included on Houston's greatest hits package. In addition to adding Michael's vocals to the newer version of the song, the arrangement of the song was also modified, albeit only very slightly. The song was originally to feature Michael Jackson.
Contents
While Houston performed the song in concert, the two never collaborated on a live version. Michael never performed the song live at any of his concerts. Although "If I Told You That" was a hit, it did not appear on Michael's compilation album Twenty Five.
Critical reception
Billboard wrote that "whatever magic might be found in this effort most certainly is going to come from the fine vocal performances. Houston scats and offers shout-outs that give "If I Told You That" a spontaneity and energy [...], while Michael still stands tall as one of the finer soul men to step in front of the mike. This pairing is mightily inspired[.], adding that "the track's instrumental palette is definitely of the moment, with a driving shuffle beat and layered vocals[.] The hook is catchy enough, with a chorus that's simple and easy to sing along with." J. D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun felt that "If I Told You That" is a song on which Houston is "faking attraction with George Michael". LA Weekly in its review for Whitney: The Greatest Hits commented that "[o]n paper, the Houston-Michael coupling is inspired[.] But Michael simply adds his pinched, nasal vocals to the track [...], the result of which is two people singing at one another and daring the listener to care". The Baltimore Sun wrote: "when she sings in "If I Told You That" about giving in to temptation and having a fling with a friend, we shouldn't suppose she's thinking of any friend in particular."
Music video
The music video directed by Kevin Bray features Houston and Michael in a nightclub, eventually meeting on the dance floor, similar to that of Mary J. Blige and Michael's UK hit "As". The US DVD single for Houston's song "Fine" includes the music video for "If I Told You That". The video is also included on George Michael's video compilation Twenty Five.
Live versions
Track listings and formats
- "If I Told You That" (album version) — 4:33
- "Fine" (album version) — 3:35
- "If I Told You That" (Johnny Douglas Mix) — 4:48
- "I'm Your Baby Tonight" (Dronez Mix) — 5:05
- "If I Told You That" (album version) — 4:33
- "If I Told You That" (Johnny Douglas Mix) — 4:48
- "Fine" (album version) — 3:35
- "If I Told You That" (radio edit) — 4:05
- "If I Told You That" (album version) — 4:38