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If We Had Your Eyes

From Alfawiki
Light Records
Company typeRecord label
IndustryMusic
Headquarters
United States
ParenteOne Music

If We Had Your Eyes is a track performed by American vocalist Michelle Williams, composed by Harmony Samuels, Courtney Harrell, and Al Sherrod Lambert for her fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom (2014). The song, produced by Samuels, was digitally launched as the album's lead single on June 24, 2013. An official remix featuring Fantasia became available on November 5, 2013.

Background

In June 2012, Williams transitioned to Light Records and eOne Music after parting ways with Columbia Records. Following her Destiny's Child reunion performance at the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in February 2013, she announced that her fourth solo project—her first since 2008's Unexpected—was nearing completion. The album was characterized as an "inspirational/gospel project" infused with R&B and pop elements. Harmony Samuels took on the primary production role, with additional input from Warryn Campbell and Adam Blackstone. Williams aimed for a modern vibe, noting that Samuels delivered tracks akin to those crafted for artists such as Chris Brown and Kelly Rowland, steering clear of outdated gospel conventions.

On June 14, Williams revealed "If We Had Your Eyes" as the lead single, accompanied by a preview and release date announcement. The album's title, Journey to Freedom, was disclosed on June 29. The song draws inspiration from an experience of songwriter Al Sherrod Lambert, who encountered a homeless man initially requesting money but then imparting a meaningful message. Subsequently, a remix featuring R&B artist Fantasia Barrino was released in November 2013.

Composition and lyrics

The song "If We Had Your Eyes" blends elements of R&B and contemporary gospel. Brad Stern of MTV Buzzworthy described it as a fusion of gospel and classic R&B influences. Jeff Benjamin from Fuse referred to the track as "soul-stirring," emphasizing its lyrics that explore divine perspective: "People judge from what they see / But Lord, you see the whole heart / If we had your eyes / We'd see things right." The song concludes with a spoken-word segment underscoring themes of patience and spiritual awareness, echoing the style found in Williams' earlier gospel albums Heart to Yours and Do You Know. Christine Thomasos of The Christian Post observed that the lyrics portray two situations where outward appearances are misleading—offering aid to someone in need and a woman concealing personal hardships behind an immaculate exterior.

Critical reception

Brad Stern from MTV Buzzworthy commended both the song’s arrangement and Williams’ vocal delivery, highlighting her commanding performance. Sam Lansky of Idolator labeled it a "jazzy, soul-inflected throwback" featuring an uplifting chorus well-suited to Williams’ unique voice. Michelle Ryan of Dropout UK praised Williams' storytelling prowess and vocal skill showcased in this "powerful, thought-provoking song." Mike Wass from Idolator described Williams as "a child of destiny," lauding the track’s message centered on compassion and faith, deeming it fitting for urban radio formats. Wass also gave favorable remarks about the remix with Fantasia Barrino, noting how their voices blend seamlessly to produce an inspiring mid-tempo ballad highlighted by "spine-chilling" vocal exchanges.

Music video

A lyric video for the single was unveiled on July 1, with Mike Wass from Idolator describing it as "appropriately righteous" for the "gospel-influenced soul ballad." Wass commended its straightforward concept and elegant color palette, noting the video's focus on the song’s uplifting message and referring to Williams as the "new Queen of social media."[1] On July 30, 2013, Williams revealed on Instagram that shooting for the official music video was scheduled to start on August 1.[2]

Directed by Derek Blanks, the official music video debuted on September 3, 2013, on YouTube, featuring appearances by producer Harmony Samuels and former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett.[3][4][5]

Characterized as "reflective," the video delivers a compelling narrative through three vignettes depicting individuals facing unjust judgments.[6][7] Luckett portrays a supportive friend to a woman grappling with self-doubt. Another segment shows a homeless man requesting spare change but being refused. In a third scene, Michelle encounters a lesson learned from this homeless man.[8] Additionally, the video pays homage to Trayvon Martin.[7]

Mike Wass observed that although the visual incorporates conventional hip-hop imagery, it conveys a more profound message. He highlighted that expressions of love and compassion are frequently confined to religious music, yet Williams successfully bridges this divide with impact and sincerity.[9]

Charts

Chart (2013) Peak
position
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) 19
US Hot Gospel Songs (Billboard) 22
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales (Billboard) 2
US Hot Singles Sales (Billboard) 5


Release history

Country Date Format
Worldwide June 24, 2013 Digital download
United States 2013 CD
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Idolator lyric
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  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MV Concrete Loop
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MV BWW
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named thedrop
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MV Idolator
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