and cassette as a commercial single in Australia on November 23, 1992. Following its release, promotion for Carey's second studio effort Emotions was halted. Reception Upon release, "If It's Over" garnered generally positive critical appreciation from contemporary music critics. Bill Lamb from About.com commented that the song "stands with Carey's best," and complimented its gospel infusion. AllMusic's Ashley S. Battel wrote "it will take you on a musical journey," while describing the song's vocals and instrumentation. Jan DeKnock from The Chicago Tribune compared it to "the style of the great soul ballads of the `60s." People Magazine stated that the singer "does bank her pyrotechnics" for the "sultry" song. Rob Tannenbaum from Rolling Stone gave it a mixed review, comparing it to the work of Aretha Franklin, but said it "translates into such excesses as the falsetto whoops." The song only managed to chart at number 80 in the Netherlands, lasting five weeks in the chart. Track listing Netherlands/European CD single "If It's Over" (Live) – 3:47 "If It's Over" – 4:38 European CD maxi-single "If It's Over" (Live) – 3:47 "If It's Over" – 4:38 "Someday" (New 12" jackswing) – 4:13 Japanese CD single "If It's Over" (Live) – 3:47 "Emotions" – 3:59 Credits and personnel Recording Recorded and mixed at Right Track Recording, NYC. Personnel Lyrics – Mariah Carey Music – Mariah Carey, Carole King Production – Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff Recording and mixing – Dana Jon Chappelle Keyboards and Synthesizers, Hammond B-6 Organ, Synclavier Strings and Tambourine – Walter Afanasieff Guitar – Cornell Dupree Bass – Will Lee Trumpet – Earl Gardner Trombone – Keith O'Quinn Tenor Saxophones – George Young, Larry Feldman Baritone Saxophone – Lewis Delgatto Drums – Steve Smith Akai Programming – Ren Klyce Macintosh programming – Gary Cirmelli Assistant engineer – Bruce Calder Vocal arrangement – Mariah Carey Background vocals – Mariah Carey, Trey Lorenz, Patrique McMillan, Cindy Mizelle Credits adapted from the liner notes of Emotions. Charts References Further reading 1990s ballads 1992 singles Mariah Carey songs Songs written by Mariah Carey Songs written by Carole King Live singles Song recordings produced by Walter Afanasieff 1991 songs Columbia Records singles Sony Music singles Downtempo songs Soul ballads