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About BFF from United States:

How Much remix (106,650) by BFF from United States Maybe "How Much" was a possible single from "Rainbow" and they recorded a remix version in 1999 in addition to the JD-produced original version with Usher? (Thursday 13 June 2024; 14:37) this is a reply to message 106,646

How Much remix (106,646) by Robert-Anthony from United States I am wondering that too about How Much. The original already samples Makaveli's (Tupac) Me and My Girlfriend. What more could have been done to make it a remix? Maybe JD and MC sped up the tempo with a new verse from Usher. (Thursday 13 June 2024; 05:04)

Rainbow 25 (106,640) by BFF from United States It looks like we will be getting a So So Def remix of "How Much", the new Morales collaboration "Rainbow's End", the live performances of "Heartbreaker" and "Can't Take That Away" from VH1 Divas Live 2000, and an a capella version of "Bliss". Would be nice if she included "There For Me" but maybe she considers that part of the "Glitter" sessions since it was a b-side on the Never Too Far/Hero Medley single? (Wednesday 12 June 2024; 21:43) this is a reply to message 106,638

Rainbow 25 (106,638) by Nick G from Germany The anniversary edition of Rainbow will be released on Friday. What do you expect? Tracks 21-23 are known, the normal version only had 14 tracks, I hope we get [There for me] or [After tonight] with Miguel. I'm looking forward to Rainbows End. (Wednesday 12 June 2024; 18:23)

Mariah queen of remixes (106,626) by BFF from United States 1. Always Be My Baby (Always Club Mix) 2. Fantasy (The Boss Mix) 3. My All/Stay Awhile (So So Def Remix) 4. The Roof (Morales Funky Club Mix) 5. Anytime You Need a Friend (Boriqua Tribe Mix) 6. Honey (Def Rascal Anthem) 7. Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise) (Def B Fly Mix) 8. Butterfly (Meme Club Remix) 9. I Still Believe/Pure Imagination (Damizza Remix) 10. One Sweet Day (Chucky's Remix) (Monday 10 June 2024; 17:58) this is a reply to message 106,622

Mariah queen of remixes (106,622) by jaker20 from US Mariah Carey's 10 Greatest Remixes according Slant Magazine: "Mariah Carey is the quintessential crossover artist, with a catalog of hits that bridges the gap between pop, R&B, hip-hop, and house music." 10. "My All/Stay Awhile (So So Def Remix)" 9. "Heartbreaker (Remix)" 8. "I Still Believe (The Kings Mix)" 7. "H.A.T.E.U. (So So Def Remix)" 6. "Someday (New 12" Jackswing)" 5. "Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme) (Morales Revival Triumphant Mix)" 4. "Butterfly (Def B Fly Mix)" 3. "Fantasy (Bad Boy Mix)" 2. "Dreamlover (Def Club Mix)" 1. "Anytime You Need a Friend (C+C Club Version)" Do you agree with this list?? I think it is missing I Still Believe / Pure Imagination (Damizza Remix), Breakdown (The Mo' Thugs Remix) and many others. (Monday 10 June 2024; 00:09)

The-Dream (106,604) by BFF from United States Sex trafficking, misogyny, violence, etc. were baked into the image projected by many popular R&B and hip-hop artists - both male and female - in the 1990s and 2000s. It's hardly surprising that these types of accusations would be brought against the likes of R. Kelly, The-Dream, Sean Combs, etc. They pretty much told the public directly in their songs, albums, videos, et cetera what they were about. People were either not paying attention or decided that the behavior was permissible. It's pretty rich at this point that Mariah has told this story of "escaping" from controlling men like Tommy but then went on to work with people engaged in far worse than anything Tommy has ever done. She could not have known the extent but she could see clear as day the type of image that these people were projecting. (Thursday 6 June 2024; 17:14) this is a reply to message 106,601

The-Dream (106,601) by Robert-Anthony from United States I guess MC won't be working with The-Dream anymore after these allegations. I don't understand why music producers like R.Kelly, Sean "Diddy" Combs", and The-Dream allow fame and money to overtake their moral judgement to use and mistreat women in such horrific ways. No heart emoji today. (Thursday 6 June 2024; 02:35)

Caution is probably better than TEOM (106,576) by BFF from United States I never really warmed to TEOM as an album. As a fan, it feels like we are required to over-praise it simply because it was a commercial comeback for Mariah. It was nice to see songs like "We Belong Together" perform well, but I personally would have left off "One and Only" and "To the Floor". The ballads like "Mine Again", "I Wish You Knew", "Circles", and "Joy Ride", though decent, were lower quality than those recorded during the 1990-2001 period. "Caution" works better as an album than TEOM but needed maybe one more song on the original track listing (i.e. "Runway"). The final product proves that Mariah can produce a good album in a time crunch. (Saturday 1 June 2024; 16:35) this is a reply to message 106,573

Caution is probably better than TEOM (106,573) by Robert-Anthony from United States That was my statement after listening to the Caution album and some 2017-2021 voice analysis YouTube videos today. My statement got me thinking after hearing how Lambs in the YouTube comments section just adore Caution. Before Caution, TEOM is a fan favorite post Butterfly. Lambs say that Caution is MC's most critically album and so many just love how MC's musicality just shines on Caution. Fan favorites like Giving Me Life, 8th Grade, and The Distance prove that MC was a bit hard on herself for saying that Caution was rushed. What she produced and delivered was further from the truth what fans would consider a rushed album. How many artists are able to go back and revisit an album track and recreate it into a marvelous world-class dance track? There are not many artists who can or are willing to do that like MC does so effortlessly with her catalogue. It is a great time to be a Lamb. I guess MC won't be able to say that MC16 was rushed. Lol. I am going to put down Mariah book until next weekend. Lol. (Saturday 1 June 2024; 00:59)

The Rarities 2 expectations (106,567) by BFF from United States I would like to hear Mariah's original recordings of songs that other artists ended up recording: 1. "I Lose Control" 2. "Help Me Find A Way to Your Heart" 3. "Someone to Hold" 4. "Always in Love" 5. "Last Chance" 6. "Head Over Heels" 7. "After" 8. "Make You Happy" 9. "Where Are You Christmas?" I'd also love to have b-sides, international bonus tracks and other odds and ends in one place (i.e. "There for Me", "Right to Dream"). I'd like to hear unreleased songs from the Glitter and MIAM sessions. There seems to be quite a bit of music leftover from this those periods. The "Glitter" sessions really extend from 1997-2001 because she was working on the project at various times throughout that period. And, of course, "Me I Am Mariah" was originally "The Art of Letting Go" and those sessions went from 2011-2014. I'd also love to hear unreleased material from the debut sessions as well. Ditto for any sessions from 1990-1997 if anything else exists from other albums. (Friday 31 May 2024; 15:49) this is a reply to message 106,563

The Rarities 2 expectations (106,563) by Libra Lamb from USA Hi guys and gals and everyone in-between. What are you most expecting or hoping for on the unconfirmed Rarities 2 project? Myself, I am looking forward to There For Me to be officially released for streaming. It is such an amazing song, worthy of many people's wedding song from what I've read online. At this point I don't know if it belongs in the Rainbow album or the Glitter soundtrack, but whatever, irregardless, it is a fantastic song and the vocal prowess it took to deliver those notes leave me weak at the knees sometimes. Wow. So what song(s) would you like to see the light of day? Happy Friday's Eve. BTW I love the Portrait remixes, in case you missed it. (Thursday 30 May 2024; 21:49)

Aruba performance (106,541) by BFF from United States I am watching some of the videos posted to YouTube. I love the dress and the hairstyle. Glad she mixed it up a bit. Still seems like a lot of the vocals are pre-recorded as with the Mimi residency. (Sunday 26 May 2024; 13:31)

Me. I Am Mariah (106,532) by BFF from United States The album is full of great songs, but the weird title kind of ruined it for a lot of people. I think the album should have been released in its original incarnation as "The Art of Letting Go" without songs like "Money", "One More Try" and "Heavenly". I don't know if this track list is accurate, but this was the rumored original track list in Summer 2013: 1. Make It Look Good 2. #Beautiful (feat. Miguel) 3. You're Mine 4. You Don't Know What To Do 5. Hope Street 6. Lullaby of Birdland - Interlude 7. The Art of Letting Go 8. I Can't Love U (feat. R. Kelly) 9. Mr. Operator 10. Hurricane 11. This Cannot Be Love 12. I'll Still Be Around (feat. Stevie Wonder) 13. Heart 14. Save The Day It seems credible since half of these tracks were released in some incarnation. I have a feeling Mariah has a ton of unreleased material from the 2009-2014 period. She could definitely release some more "Rarities" from the aborted "Angels Advocate" remix album and the years-long sessions for "Me I Am Mariah". (Saturday 25 May 2024; 14:52) this is a reply to message 106,530

Me. I Am Mariah (106,530) by Billy from Greece Happy tenth anniversary? Say what? Ten years? I can't handle time. Wow. Yeah, so happy anniversary. I adored the album when it came out. I used to listen to it every single day for a long time. I stood still when I heard Cry, Faded, Dedicated for the first time. I found her creatively flourishing on this album, so many ideas, such a variety of styles, very mature-proficient offering. At the same, that was such a sad era. The divorce overshadowed the album, her pain was palpable, especially during the tour. Also, the last part of the album (following Camouflage) shows it was recorded at a different time, so it loses some cohesion there (I could without Money). I wonder what the original concept (The Art of Letting Go) would turn out like. Clearly wrong first single choice (though I do like You're Mine, and I think it has aged well). Let's also remember that she was totally on her own supporting the album. Island Def Jam had dropped the ball here. All these years later, I still find it a great body of work, although now I see the overthinking behind it, which maybe robs it a bit of its immediacy. But really, it contains some of her best songs in my opinion. It's just that it was a convoluted time for her because, apparently, life happens. (Saturday 25 May 2024; 07:52)

Muni Long (106,524) by BFF from United States The "Made for Me" collaboration is actually growing on me a little bit. Not sure if anyone caught this, but Mariah previously worked with Muni Long on "A No No" for the "Caution" album and "Infinity" from "#1 to Infinity". Muni Long is credited as a writer on both under her real name Priscilla Hamilton. (Friday 24 May 2024; 20:53)

Portrait remixes (106,517) by BFF from United States Just to clarify. I mean the Portrait remix is better than any newly recorded material she has released since 2018. Just in case someone accuses me of throwing shade at "The Rarities" and the 30th anniversary edition of "Music Box". (Friday 24 May 2024; 15:42) this is a reply to message 106,515

Portrait remixes (106,515) by BFF from United States I really like the Portrait remix. It's definitely better than anything else she has put out since 2018. Hearing the news about the Rainbow remix makes me wonder if she's planning a "deluxe release" of the album for the 25th anniversary. She could presumably include "There for Me" on that release and maybe some Rainbow tour goodies? I know she rushed to complete that album, so I don't know if there would be much unreleased material. I wouldn't mind having a finished ballad version of the "Rainbow" interlude - the song isn't too vocally challenging so she could probably do it with her current voice. (Friday 24 May 2024; 15:31)

Portrait remixes (106,515) by BFF from United States I really like the Portrait remix. It's definitely better than anything else she has put out since 2018. Hearing the news about the Rainbow remix makes me wonder if she's planning a "deluxe release" of the album for the 25th anniversary. She could presumably include "There for Me" on that release and maybe some Rainbow tour goodies? I know she rushed to complete that album, so I don't know if there would be much unreleased material. I wouldn't mind having a finished ballad version of the "Rainbow" interlude - the song isn't too vocally challenging so she could probably do it with her current voice. (Friday 24 May 2024; 15:31) this is a reply to message 106,508

Portrait remixes (106,508) by Robert-Anthony from United States Her vocal state has been confirmed that it is irreversible and probably won't improve anymore. MC seems to be okay with it. I am okay with it too, but it is very painful to listen to the Portrait remixes. Where does she go from here? I say just finish recording MC16 with some technology magic and release it to the world to enjoy one more Mariah Carey album. (Friday 24 May 2024; 09:19)

#2s (106,353) by BFF from United States "The concept of this video is I have a tan line on my butt." - Mariah on the "Loverboy" video. (Sunday 5 May 2024; 13:05) this is a reply to message 106,349

#2s (106,349) by Randy from USA Thanks for that. There were some surprises for me as well. I Believe I Can Fly, Can't Nobody Hold Me Down and a few others I thought went to number one. You know I had to go watch the 2000s number 2s so I could see Loverboy and Shake It Off Tee Hee. (Saturday 4 May 2024; 15:43)

#2s (106,347) by BFF from United States All #2 hits from the 1990s. Some really great songs on the list. I'm pretty surprised that Brian McKnight's "Back at One" never went to #1. Ditto for LeAnn Rimes' "How Do I Live". Both were huge when they were released. (Saturday 4 May 2024; 14:27) this is a reply to message 106,343

#2s (106,343) by Randy from USA Just to change up the air a bit. Yall know I'm a big chart junkie. Mariah is still the queen of #1. It always amazes me the songs that miss #1. Mariah has four #2s in her catalogue. Can't Let Go, Endless Love, Loverboy and Shake It Off. Some of my favorite songs by other artists are #2s. En Vogue never had a number one but all three of the first singles from their albums were #2s. Hold On, My Lovin (Never Gonna Get It), Don't Let Go (Love). Other #2s I regularly play Jewel You Were Meant For Me, Deborah Cox's Nobody's Supposed To Be Here, Whitney Houston ft Faith and Kelly Price Heartbreak Hotel, Madonna's Frozen, Material Girl and Express Yourself. Destiny's Child Survivor, Toni Braxton's He Wasn't Man Enough. Weird fact: Missy Elliot's Work It spent 10 weeks at #2 without ever hitting the top spot. (Saturday 4 May 2024; 02:29)

Las Vegas (106,180) by BFF from United States I agree with you. She's charging way too much money for this show to be so heavily pre-recorded. Wouldn't it be better to just record in the studio and not tour? She really needs to follow Linda Ronstadt's lead and stop doing live shows if she's only capable of a few minutes of live vocals. You can look at Mariah and tell that her heart isn't in it - there's no perspiration coming off of her, she's hardly moving, doesn't look winded at all. Whitney sounded awful during her last major tour (and really should not have done the tour) but at least Whitney sang mostly live. (Monday 15 April 2024; 16:35) this is a reply to message 106,172

Las Vegas (106,172) by Bill from the UK I'll always love Mariah, but a grand total of 2 minutes of actual live vocals from a 2 hour show is appalling. Mariah fans love to mock J. Lo, but Mariah herself is no better. I think I'm finally done with her now. There's nothing more to say. Good luck y'all. (Monday 15 April 2024; 09:03)

Las Vegas (106,153) by BFF from United States It is really hard to tell if she is singing live at all. Seems like maybe she pre-recorded new versions of most songs to make it sound more like her "current voice". The vocals sound like her "current voice" but the audio sounds too smoothed out (i.e. no cracks in her voice). The "Butterfly" medley definitely seemed completely lip-synced. And she's certainly coming off incredibly stiff in terms of stage presence. Something just seems really off. (Saturday 13 April 2024; 15:58) this is a reply to message 106,147

Las Vegas (106,147) by Joachim Agerup Løkkevik from Norway I can't decide whether Mariah is actually singing some parts or the vocals are all pre recorded. In Without You, I think she sings to a back track first, but sings live some parts of the chorus, it's hard to tell, she has gotten much better at lip synching. She is still very stiff, but she moves a bit more freely than in the last few months. The stage was really nice though. (Saturday 13 April 2024; 11:38)

Yes, and? (105,507) by BFF from United States My first thought when I saw the news about this release. Will Mariah start counting this as her 20th #1 record even though it went to number one *before* she appeared on a remixed version of it? The song itself is pretty unimpressive, but most pop music these days is. I'm also very skeptical of any writing credit awarded to Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, etc these days - especially if a professional songwriter like Max Martin is involved. My suspicion is that the song is brought to them 90 percent completed by professional producers/songwriters, and they then change a few lyrics or notes and consider that "writing". *resumes enjoying the 30th anniversary edition of "Music Box"* (Saturday 17 February 2024; 15:19) this is a reply to message 105,467

Yes, and? (105,467) by Bill from the UK What does it mean when I prefer the AI Selfish over a real Mariah song? (Friday 16 February 2024; 08:49)

Tanaka (104,682) by BFF from United States Moving forward, I think Mariah needs to date people closer to her own age and who don't give off the "fanboy" vibes. This is the second time that a relationship with someone significantly younger than her hasn't worked out. Nick and Tanaka both always came off as very adolescent and starstruck about Mariah. Mariah needs someone to be an equal partner, not a fawning admirer. I'm not sure she would like a partner like that, but it's what we all need. It wasn't realistic for Tanaka to expect to have children with someone who is divorced with two pre-teen children in her early to mid 50s. They should have ended the relationship a while ago if that was an expectation. Tanaka is also 40 years old himself. I'm not sure I buy the "he wants kids" argument. Maybe Mariah just got bored? (Wednesday 27 December 2023; 14:01) this is a reply to message 104,673

Tanaka (104,673) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter Bryan released a statement confirming what we've all probably already knew at this point that they broke up. This was one of her longest relationship and even though at first I didn't ship them (I thought it was Stella's influence and also that Mariah was in a vulnerable state and needed that confidence boost of dating someone hot and young) but over the years they seemed really happy. I never saw Bryan try to use his relation with Mariah to be more relevant/famous. Their relation seemed quite strong because Stella tried to break them up but eventually got fired. The breakup probably happened earlier in the year because Mariah was saying last Christmas was a very bad time for her. Rumor is that they separated because Bryan wanted a family but Mariah didn't (and I don't blame her, her pregnancy was difficult and I'm sure her priorities are different as she already has 2 kids). (Tuesday 26 December 2023; 22:59)

Another close call (104,531) by BFF from United States I think Brenda's song appearing in the film Home Alone augmented its appeal to American audiences. Personally, I think Mariah's song is way better. Hopefully RATCT won't stay at #1 too long. There are other more deserving holiday songs. I would love to see Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run", Charles Brown's "Please Come Home for Christmas", or Darlene Love's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" hit number one. Though I think Mariah's cover of Darlene's song greatly improves on it. (Wednesday 13 December 2023; 03:14) this is a reply to message 104,523

Another close call (104,523) by Andrew from the UK Can somebody explain the appeal of RATCT to me and perhaps every single Brit here? Genuinely interested. (Tuesday 12 December 2023; 20:19)

Emotions formula (104,364) by BFF from United States Everything Aretha performed was gospel-influenced because she grew up ensconced in the African-American gospel tradition. She was, I will remind you, the daughter of a prominent minister. "Soul" music would not exist without gospel, blues, rock and jazz. It is a hybrid genre like pop. You posted tons of strong opinions about "Emotions" as an album. Now others are responding. If you can't handle it, don't post lol. (Sunday 3 December 2023; 15:07) this is a reply to message 104,353

Emotions formula (104,353) by Terna from Nigeria Well we agree to disagree now don't we ? No need to be aggressive about it and come with the name calling, getting all ruffled about a simple opinion. And "Chain of Fools" and "Think" Gospel inflected? Now that's a first, confusing Soul with Gospel. Get Your genres right Mr. (Sunday 3 December 2023; 10:12)

Emotions formula (104,348) by BFF from United States You lost me at "If It's Over" as filler. This is one of the best songs in her catalogue. Aretha did plenty of dark gospel-style breakup songs, see "Chain of Fools", "Think", etc. What a silly criticism of an excellent song. (Sunday 3 December 2023; 01:09) this is a reply to message 104,335

Emotions formula (104,335) by Terna from Nigeria Let's count the fillers on "Emotions" shall we? 1. "And you don't Remember" - I rarely play this song, it just isn't strong enough and is indeed one of her weaker ballads with a high note thrown in just because. 2. "So Blessed" - I personally love this song, but I also recognize it ain't no classic and quite forgettable. Even Mariah herself was like "oh please which so blessed" when the lambs made her pick an absolute favorite in a versus format a few years back. 3. "You're So Cold" - Oh my, what a waste of space a better song would've occupied and it was 5 whole minutes long, hideous. Skipped every single time. 4. "If it's Over" - Another weak ballad with a high note thrown in. This song actually is sort of disjointed, as its feel doesn't match the lyrics. It is a breakup song that sounds Gospel. With the gospel sound, one expects to hear an uplifting lyric or inspiring one, but this is dark. She got it right with "I am free" and "Anytime you need a friend". This record was also kinda what turned the general public off her high notes because the placements came across as "just because", and with such a display on the title track, the rest should've had it toned way down in the background like on "Can't Let Go". The saving grace for this album are her vocals which are top notch capturing just how powerful her instrument is. (Saturday 2 December 2023; 20:06)

Mariah vs Brenda (104,331) by BFF from United States Brits sent the song "Sausage Rolls for Everyone" to #1 at Christmas time, so y'all don't have a leg to stand on in this regard. I'm not worried about Brenda Lee. I like the song, but Mariah's song is superior. They're different styles of song by different types of singers, so there's really no comparison here. (Saturday 2 December 2023; 15:11) this is a reply to message 104,324

Mariah vs Brenda (104,324) by Andrew from the UK Rockin Around The Christmas Tree is bloody awful. Why it is so popular in the United States is beyond comprehension. But, then, we are talking about a country that sprays cheese out of a can. I'll add it to the list of American Unforgivables. (Saturday 2 December 2023; 11:33)

Emotions formula (104,330) by BFF from United States I agree. "Emotions" is far and away a better album than the debut. The debut album is over-produced and lacks the personality and Mariah-ness that MC brought to subsequent albums. Early on, Mariah correctly lamented that the record label watered down her sound for the album. I like the four singles and "Vanishing" from the album, but that's about it. I don't think I've ever listened to it all the way through. The label really should have tried harder to support the "Emotions" album. It felt like they purposely held back on promotional push in order to "reign Mariah in" from taking more creative control and going in a more R&B/soul-based direction. (Saturday 2 December 2023; 15:00) this is a reply to message 104,314

Emotions formula (104,314) by Andrew from the UK ""Emotions" was also a near sophomore slump that just wasn't as strong as the first record, neither were the tunes even as memorable like the debut." I must differ, also. But go with me here, you may be surprised how this ends. "Emotions", the album, is superior to "Mariah Carey", its predecessor. The former has 80's-hangover style production, far less sophisticated lyrics, and basic tunes on half the record. The latter has the title track, Can't Let Go, Make It Happen, So Blessed and the majestic Till The End of Time - it is, in every aspect, superior. "Mariah Carey" had to have a great ballad shoe-horned onto the end of it to make it better. It is thus far the only MC album I have never owned. However, everything else in your post is *cough* spot on. The singing style, too-clever melodies and over-production is old hat. It makes it very difficult for songs to be sung in karaoke or in tribute. It is slightly frustrating that in tribute to Mariah she - and we - had to listen to Vision of Love and Love Takes Time. She has written over one hundred songs since then. But what successful ones can be reproduced? I think we all need and want to move past the pre-No.1's catalogue, right? Chest voice not head voice. Semi-tone keychange not octave keychange. Simple structure chord progression not complicated altered second verse with no middle eight chord progression. Meaningful Universal lyrics not Fritos kitchen window lyrics. On trend producers not, well, Jermaine Dupri. (Friday 1 December 2023; 17:17)

Triumphant (103,559) by BFF from United States I think "Triumphant" had potential, but she should have scaled back the guest artists. I also remember one of the complaints about "#Beautiful" was her lack of presence on her own song. I love "#Beautiful" as a record, but I do remember wondering why Mariah was featured so little on her own song. I suspect that Miguel had already partially written/recorded the song before he and Mariah decided to collaborate. (Saturday 23 September 2023; 16:08) this is a reply to message 103,557

Triumphant (103,557) by Jamie from UK I really like Triumphant. I like the message behind it, I understand why it didn't do great as she's only technically featured on the chorus and the performance at rocafella just highlighted that fact as she just showed her face half way through the performance. So that didn't help. Perhaps if she's titled it Rick Ross-Meek Mill-Mariah Carey Triumphant it might have got more attention. As I think more people were too busy discussing her lack of presence on her own single as apposed to the actual song. But who knows. Fantastic remixes too. (Saturday 23 September 2023; 14:04)

MB30 - reflections (103,522) by BFF from United States I always thought the Butterfly and Rainbow tour performances of "Without You" were live, but maybe I was wrong on those? The TOTP Christmas performance is a little suspect watching it again today. And, Randy, I agree that Butterfly is her best album. But I think Music Box has been unfairly maligned by fans and critics alike. I cannot imagine Mariah Carey existing without songs like "Anytime You Need a Friend", "Dreamlover", and "Hero" and her cover of "Without You". (Sunday 17 September 2023; 04:05) this is a reply to message 103,518

MB30 - reflections (103,518) by Bill from the UK The pre-records for Without You actually began in 1994 for the Christmas TOTP performance. Then again at MSG in 1895, the Tokyo Dome dates of the Daydream tour in 1996, and then from Butterfly tour onwards. (Sunday 17 September 2023; 02:22)

MB30 - reflections (103,513) by BFF from United States I wonder why there wasn't a single live performance of "Never Forget You". It was technically a double A-side single release with "Without You" in the United States and got some airplay on R&B radio. I think it's a wonderful song and makes me wish Mariah had attempted more sessions with Babyface. I have also always wondered why "Anytime You Need a Friend" disappeared from her set lists between 1996 and 2019. It's easily one of her best "single" releases and every bit as good as "Make It Happen", "Vision of Love", and her other gospel-style compositions. Maybe it was too demanding/hard to sing with the decline in her voice? "Without You" is pretty demanding as well, but she kept it in the setlist and didn't start using pre-recorded tracks for it until the "Charmbracelet" tour. (Saturday 16 September 2023; 16:30) this is a reply to message 103,478

MB30 - reflections (103,478) by Bill from the UK Now some time has passed, here are my thoughts. Disc 1: I've always loved the album, and never understood the group of fans that dismissed it. It's beautifully sung, expertly recorded, it showed more nuances to her voice than before, and her "pen game" as you kids call it these days for some reason, was superb. A 23 year-old writing Anytime You Need a Friend, Never Forget You, Hero, Dreamlover, Everything Fades Away? Wow. Speaking of Everything Fades Away, it was pleasing Mariah included this on the 'original' album. I know over the years each side of the pond has stated their case for the better finish to the album. Perhaps we can agree that All I've Ever Wanted is a gorgeous finale and send off, whereas Everything Fades Away is the hauntingly beautiful epilogue? Looking at this site's discography, more versions of the album included it than didn't, and it seems like Mariah herself views it as the true ending to the album. Disc 2: Okay wow. It's strange how on The Rarities, All I Live For was just, there. It was a pleasant little bop, but I was like "yeah, I get why it was left off." How is the extended version like a thousand times better? Honestly it elevates the song to a whole new level, and her vocals are astonishing. Great to see Luther added, as I always viewed Endless Love as part of the Music Box era, and was surprised the album never got re-issued to include it after it did so well. Workin' Hard and My Prayer I can't keep away from. I adore them. I am so sad they were locked up in the vault for 30 years, but look at them now having their day in the sun. The TOTP performances and remixes I am happy with, especially as the two full-length 10-minute epic and iconic club mixes were included. The only small hang up I have is with Hero (2009 Version). Firstly, it was recorded in 2008, so let's get that out the way. Second, I think I would have preferred the Spanish version to be included as it was 'of the time', whereas this was a good stretch afterwards, so it feels somewhat out of place. Everything else is from the period (save the two new mixes). I detested the re-recording when it came out to promote The Ballads, but as I have mellowed I see it was what it was. It's fine now, I'm at peace with it, but yeh. It's the only point where I pause briefly. Disc 3: We all love Proctor's Theatre don't we. What a concert. For many of us, the first one we saw. I also had two worn out VHS in my time, and then switched to the DVD when that was issued. It is my go-to 'comfort' concert. Whenever I've had a bad day and I need lifting up, or I'm perturbed by the world and all what's going on, I watch it. It takes me back to childhood, the wonder that was early Mariah, the nostalgia I wallow in, the happy memories it invokes. Like a few of you, every move, hand gesture, giggle, is committed to memory. Having it on audio is so, so good. General: Again, I never had an issue with the original cover. It was a bit botched on the cassette version as she was half a head, but the CD always looked beautiful. It gave a Marilyn Monroe vibe, and had a certain simplicity to it. The uncropped version is equally as nice though. If anyone's gone into panic mode over the physical release having a big border around the original cover, this is a slip case that will reveal the uncropped cover beneath it. But thank you Mariah, for everything. 10/10. (Thursday 14 September 2023; 10:08)

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