What If (Tommy Shaw album)

What If is the fourth solo studio album by American rock musician Tommy Shaw, best known as a guitarist and vocalist for the band Styx. Released in 1985 on A&M Records, the album diverged from Shaw's previous solo work, incorporating elements of progressive rock and hard rock while maintaining a pop sensibility.

The album's concept centered around hypothetical scenarios and philosophical questions, reflected in song titles and lyrical themes. What If features contributions from several notable musicians, including Journey drummer Steve Smith and session guitarist Alan Pasqua.

While What If did not achieve the same commercial success as some of Shaw's other projects, it is considered by many fans to be a musically ambitious and creatively diverse work within his discography. Notable tracks include "Jealousy," "Reach for the Sky," and the title track, "What If." The album reflects a period of experimentation for Shaw, exploring different musical textures and lyrical depths. It remains a notable entry in his solo career and a point of interest for fans of Styx and progressive rock music.