Composition
"When You Believe" is a slow tempo ballad, which incorporates pop and contemporary R&B genres. Carey and Houston's parts in the song are written in different keys, both musically and vocally. During the last bridge and chorus, gospel inspired background singers join the song, giving it a "layered sound" while Carey and Houston's voice switch off belting the bridge. After "When You Believe" was written, Babyface added additional instrumentation, as well as a final bridge. The song is set in signature common time. Houston's verses are written in the key of B minor and features a basic chord progression of A♭-G♭1. Her vocals in the song range from the note of F♯3 to F♯5. Carey's verses are set in the higher key of E minor and is set in common time as well. Her vocal range in the song spans from the low note of G3 to the high note of G6, spanning more octaves than Houston's voice in the song. Steve Jones from USA Today called the song a "soaring duet" and felt that the song would be able to appeal to many types of listeners and "cross all genres."
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