What Would Happen


"What Would Happen" is a song by American singer-songwriter Meredith Brooks from her second studio album, Blurring the Edges. The song was released to radio as the third single from the album on October 7, 1997, by Capitol Records. Brooks is credited as the sole writer of the song, while production was helmed by David Ricketts.

Critical reception

Larry Flick of Billboard noted the contrast between "What Would Happen" and its parent album, in which he described the song as a "far-more-subtle rocker." He further praised the song's memorability and claimed it would lessen comparisons between Brooks and Alanis Morissette. A reviewer from Music Week gave the song four out of five, adding, "A mellow offering from the Brits nominee. This is a soulful melodic tune that reinforces the songwriting skills first heard with 'Bitch'."

Music video

David Hogan directed the music video for "What Would Happen". Chuck Taylor of Billboard gave the video a B grade; he referred to it as " satisfying steam bath of seduction and fantasy with an overture of rich colors."

Track listings and formats

Australian CD single
  1. "What Would Happen" – 4:30
  2. "What Would Happen" – 5:16
  3. "Bitch" – 6:58
  4. "Every Time She Walks Away" – 3:40European CD 1
  5. "What Would Happen" – 4:04
  6. "Come Undone" – 4:27
  7. "What Would Happen" – 5:17
  8. "Stop" – 5:00European CD 2
  9. "What Would Happen" – 4:04
  10. "Come Undone" – 4:27United Kingdom CD and cassette single
  11. "What Would Happen" – 4:04
  12. "Come Undone" – 4:26
  13. "Stop" – 5:01
  14. "Bitch" – 3:58United States 7" vinyl
  15. "What Would Happen" – 5:16
  16. "My Little Town" – 3:59United States cassette single
  17. "What Would Happen" – 5:19
  18. "Every Time She Walks Away" – 3:44United States CD single
  19. "What Would Happen" – 5:19
  20. "Every Time She Walks Away" – 3:44
  21. "Bitch" – 3:22
  22. "What Would Happen" – 5:33

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel are adapted from the Blurring the Edges album liner notes.