It was released on 10 November 1997 as the first single from her first greatest hits compilation, Paint the Sky with Stars (1997).

The song charted in several countries, and its accompanying music video was noted for its creative direction.

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Taken from her new best-of collection, "Paint The Sky with Stars", Enya delivers yet another great single.

"Only If" is as peaceful and memorably melodic as any other of her inspirational, soul-purifying songs, which traditionally are etched with a unique combination of background voices with drums and violin lines.

"[1] British magazine Music Week gave the song three out of five, noting that it "is the closest Enya has come to a traditional pop arrangement, though the trademark orchestral layers and oceanic sonics are still in place.