Introduction
“What Made You Say That” is the debut single by Canadian singer Shania Twain, released on March 6, 1993, as the lead track from her self-titled debut album. Co-written by Tony Haselden and Stan Munsey Jr., the song was produced by Harold Shedd and Norro Wilson.
Musically, the track is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, reflecting Twain’s early country-pop style. The accompanying music video, directed by Steven Goldmann and filmed in Miami, Florida, features Twain dancing on the beach with a male model. At the time, the video garnered attention for showcasing Twain’s midriff, a choice that defied the conservative norms of country music videos in the early 1990s. This bold move led to the video being banned by Country Music Television (CMT) initially, though the ban was later lifted.
Commercially, “What Made You Say That” achieved modest success. It debuted at number 74 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number 55, spending a total of 18 weeks on the chart.
In Canada, the song reached number 70 on the RPM Country Tracks chart.
Despite its limited chart performance, the song played a pivotal role in launching Twain’s career. Notably, the music video caught the attention of producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who was impressed by Twain’s talent and image. This encounter led to a collaboration that resulted in some of Twain’s most successful work in the years that followed.
“What Made You Say That” remains a significant piece in Shania Twain’s musical journey, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would see her become one of the best-selling female artists in country music history.
For a visual experience, you can watch the official music video below:
Video
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