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Mariah's vocals (39,280) by Taylor from USA Mariah's voice has definitely changed. Even with the current spectacular effort on the remix of #Beautiful with Jeezy, her range and delivery have both shown decreased clarity and sustenance. I believe aging is the biggest contributor because even our speaking voice changes over time, let alone a singing voice that has seen decades of exercises. We may never get the visionary Mariah of "Vision Of Love", the emotive Mariah of "Emotions", the high-flown Mariah of "Hero", or fantastical Mariah of "Fantasy", but it can only be accepted that she is the only one who could have given us all that. No one else could ever even come close. With that said, I am sad yet grateful to have all those Mariah's as cherished memories. (Wednesday 18 September 2013; 7:16)

Mariah's vocals (39,279) by nikki from usa I think it needs to be pointed out that Mariah's voice has changed since her debut, not just then. Mariah's voice was richer and deeper when she came out compared to Daydream's lighter airier version. I don't see a change in Mariah's voice in Butterfly, she's simply not belting all the time. The tour however was in '98, not '97. The biggest change between those two years was homelessness, divorce, and smoke. Mariah had lost the townhome she moved into when she was denied entry into what would be her first house. If you have the Butterfly dvd then you'll notice Japan, Taiwan, and Australia her voice is fine - it's Hawaii where it's raspy and that's because she had a cold. MC suffered from a great deal of illnesses at that time including heart palpitations, skin outbreaks, and vocal inflammation because of stress and the fact she was living out of hotel rooms and traveling kept germs in contact. Mariah has said herself that when she first started hanging around smokey places/people she noticed the next day she couldn't sing, that's what took the biggest toll. I don't buy this "wine" killed her vocals thing, she's been drinking that stuff since she came out. Wine and champagne have the least alcoholic content and the fact she can have a "few splashes of champagne" and be tipsy shows what a lightweight she is. Her divorce was a double whammy causing havoc in her personal and professional life, her stress caused her insomnia to worsen which hurts her voice the worst. (Wednesday 18 September 2013; 5:58)

Stephen from the UK (39,278) by Special K from USA Yes, I agree. I would love to see Mariah work with Nas again. He is one of my top 3 favorite rappers of all time. Nas has grown and matured with his fans that have been with him since day one. In other words, he has grown up with his fans but he has also managed a way to stay contemporary enough to attrack new younger fans with each album. In hip hop that is rare. Got too many 35 plus year old rappers talking about how much money they got or how many woman they have. Nas is one of the very few that is actually putting out quality music with different themes and subject matters. As you previously mentioned, the song Cherry Wine Nas did with Amy Whinehouse was sick. Actually, Nas began infusing hip hop with classic soulful "jazzy" rhythms when he did "Can't Forget About You" featuring Chrisette Michelle. If Mariah is indeed going for that type of sound. I think it would be a good look. (Wednesday 18 September 2013; 1:38)

Mariah's vocal decline (39,277) by Alex from England Hey to all lambs, I'm new here but have been checking out the website for years. I do think "unhealthy" partying and drinking took its toll on her voice as well as the fact she had been cranking out hit after hit, working herself into the ground plus the fact she's always had nodules and her voice being a really rare breed of different registers (belting, whistle, breathy, head, falsetoo) plus her voice being really fragile. On "Butterly" she had, for me, reached 100% of her potential. All registers were perfect, her voice had become richer, deeper and full of nuance yet she could still soar to great heights in belting mode (she still can... sometimes). Then a few months later, after the split from Mottola and a bit of fun was had, her voice had begun her first transition. I miss the voice she used to have, but I know she still has the same vocal range, the only difference is she has to force out high belts, sings a bit more nasally at times and the fluidity is not what it used to be. Good point in 2013: in concerts in Australia her vibrato was back in full force. Anyway, I'm thankful she still is here making music, especially writing most of it. Sorry for the long essay! (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 23:38)

Marian's vocals (39,276) by Will from England I think the majority of lambs here would agree that something happened between the end of the Daydream tour, making Butterfly and post making the album. Watch her performance of Hero on Oprah. It's such a noticeable difference that it can't be ignored. Yes, she did have the less than stellar moments pre-Butterfly, but they were such a rare event that I can only think of a couple of moments where I watched an early performance and thought "oh, that was really bad". But during Butterfly, her voice became deeper and more 'constricted'. On the other hand, it did get back some of its previous power through Rainbow and Gitter, It got a very good rest during Charmbracelet (less belting throughout the album), which left it good for TEOM, however the tour set it back to pre-TEOM for E=MC2. Being pregnant, staying off her feet, resting her voice for 9 months did it wonders. It sounds lighter now, and more "flowery" compared to TEOM era. True, it may not have the belting power, but it's a right side better than nothing, (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 21:34)

Re: Mariah Carey's vocals (39,275) by Ryan from the Philippines I don't think the "vocal decline" was about showing rebellion to the bosses, et. al. As we all know, the vocals on the Butterfly album were at par with her previous works but only unique and specific with the vibe infused to it as a whole. And to me, the vocals she did on that album were even more technical than the great Daydream album. My theory is just her voice become worn out through time. Belting out notes almost every night in 6 years can greatly affect the condition of your larynx, while she has nodules too. Even talking in a wrong manner can also affect it. I've known two young female artists in my country who were singing as a pro less than a decade who also have the same case (damaged larynx). But even in her prime, Mariah also had bad days too (e.g. straining vocals on Anytime You Need A Friend David Letterman live), and the rest of the cases were unknown since Sony opted to do dubbing. Alcohol is also one of the major causes of vocal decline, yet I'm glad she didn't do drugs. (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 15:15)

ObscureOpulence (39,273) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I am well aware of Mariah and Nas' previous collabos. The point I was making is that he is the kind of rapper she should be working with, not the likes of Rick Ross. (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 13:40)

Mariah Carey's vocals (39,272) by DivergentIntel from United States of America This may ruffle a few feathers, but I've always been curious about what happened to Mariah Carey's voice beginning with the onset of the Butterfly era beginning 1997. I notice that Mariah Carey's background vocals and features on Babyface albums were pitch perfect and elastic and even on her protege all female singing group "Allure", MC's vocals were perfect as ever. But as soon as Honey was released and as the live performances of that era followed and after the vocal performances were not flawless or the same as pre 1997. During the Butterfly world tour she didn't have the same exact voice as in her previous world tours and live shows or appearances. Also you notice more of a whisper register and hissing in her voice and breathy vocals which was not necessarily noticeable pre August 1997. I have a feeling that MC chose to alter her vocal style slightly to rebel against her bosses and execs and the establishment on purpose. I don't think that a person's voice can automatically just change like that within a year. Slight vocal change on the Butterfly album is evident and different in vocals slightly than that displayed on her previous efforts. Don't get me wrong. Mariah always sang excellently and still has probably the best vocal talents and abilities especially given her wide +8 octave vocal range. But I'm just curious on the discrepancy and controversy over her voice. Feel free to respond and share your thoughts fellow lambs. I'm looking forward to the discussion. (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 5:22)

To Stephen from London, UK (39,271) by DivergentIntel from United States of America Mariah and Nas have worked with each other in the past. In fact, they go way back. They did some underground remixes and unreleased material during Daydream and after as early as the mid 1990s. Much of it never got released. In 1996/1997 they co wrote and sang "Head Over Heels" which was written sung and produced as the lead single and collabratory effort for MC's record label and protege 4 member female singing group "Allure". And of course we can't forget Nas being featured on the Thank God I Found You / Make It Last Forever remake released for 1999 and 2000 during the Rainbow era. (Tuesday 17 September 2013; 5:03)

Miss World (39,270) by Zachary from Croatia I need help from all of you. A few years ago (I am not sure which one exactly), Miss Africa (or South Africa) was asked a final question, something about which famous person would you like to meet? She said: Mariah Carey. Can anyone tell me which year was that and is it on YouTube maybe? Thanks a lot! (Monday 16 September 2013; 22:08)

Joachim (39,269) by TJ from Norway You can still buy it on CDON. (Saturday 14 September 2013; 16:30)

New album soon? (39,268) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Judging by Mariah and her collaborators twitter storm over the past few days, I suspect the new album may be nearly there. Interestingly, she seems to have taken more time to write better material, but with the same team of people. I'm very pleased Darkchild is still on board. I also hope that if she does collaborate with rappers, that Nas is one of them. He's one of my favourite rappers, and is exactly the kind of rapper Mariah should work with. His collaboration with Amy Winehouse, Cherry Wine, was sick. I loved it. Something like that would be the right way to infuse hip hop into a more soulful album, if that is indeed the sound she's going for. I think it's safe to assume that with the production team we've seen thus far, it won't be a pop orientated album. (Saturday 14 September 2013; 12:53)

Jaime / Dru Hill (39,267) by RadChad from United States I agree, I really enjoyed Sisqo and Jazz's contributions to the collabo. When Jazz comes in with the "ohoh don't make me waste my tiime", it was killer. I wish I could've heard more of him on the song as well, but Sisqo and Mariah went in during the climax. I loved their back and forth, it was a very classic, appropriate interpretation, with the right amount of respect for the throwback 80s nostalgic vocal arrangements. (Saturday 14 September 2013; 12:25)

Live in Japan 1996 and 1998 (39,266) by Rashidi Rahim Rick from Malaysia In Malaysia, both concerts were available in local video stores. Homecoming Special Concert 1999 and Shining Through The Rain 2002 concert were available back then. I bought mine a decade back and still jam to it until today. In the 1996 concert, Mariah's vocal was crystal clear and she hits all the notes effortlessly. In the 1998 concert, her voice was husky but she still nailed it in My All, Hero and I'll Be There. But I do believe she used a prerecorded track for first and second verse of Butterfly, and sang live during the bridge. (Saturday 14 September 2013; 11:55)

Mariah Carey is the best in my book (39,265) by Cheryl Jones from American I just love her music, and her music has helped me a long way. I lost 60 Ibs by listening to her music while walking. It helps to keep me motivated on what I am doing. I also am eating right healthy. I just thank God for her and her beautiful voice. (Saturday 14 September 2013; 5:49)

Mariah Carey live in Japan (39,264) by Joachim Agerup Løkkevik from Norway A few years ago I bought the dvd Mariah Carey live in Japan. I watched it every day for a year. It was my favourite ending of the night if I had been out partying. But with alchol in my blood, I didn't treat it that well, and I managed to make scratches on it, and it ruined "I dont wanna cry" and "Anytime you need a friend". I was so sad. When I tried to find it on the internet, I couldn't find it anywhere. To my surprise, I had a rare example in my hands that I had ruined. Today, I am a very happy lad, I have bought my self a new dvd player, and now the dvd is just fine again. I can watch all the songs without it jumping to the next song when I try to listen to IDWC and AYNAF. Anyway, I looked it up on Amazon, and now they have to two of the dvd, but it costs over a hundred dollars! Just out of curiosity, have many here have a copy of that dvd? I didn't know when I bought it a few years ago that it was rare. When it comes to covers, I agree with the ones that think Mariah can bring a song to a different level with her voice. I think she owns "Without you" and "I'll be there". (Friday 13 September 2013; 20:49)

Sisqo (39,263) by Jamie from UK BTW, when I say Mariah's version, I'm not forgetting Sisqo's exceptional contribution to the song. I don't think it would've sounded as good without him, however I remember an interview where Prince said something like Mariah was great but Sisqo ruined it. (Friday 13 September 2013; 20:21)

Wow / The Beautiful Ones (39,262) by Stacey from USA I didn't mean to spark such a controversy, lol. Normally I am of the same opinion. The Coen brothers tried to remake True Grit and no one in my opinion can take the place of John Wayne. Only one Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh when it comes to gone with the wind. Can't touch Aretha, MJ, etc. Yet sometimes on the rare, rare, rare occasion it can happen. If anything I think MC's remake comes very close. I think the soft start to the play off each other rants at the end between MC and Sisqo fulfills that emotional need for me. But to each their own. It's still a great song no matter which version you prefer. (Friday 13 September 2013; 18:09)

Remakes (39,261) by RadChad from United States Wow Licia, really? You really think Mariah can't touch the original to most of her remakes? Now I will admit Prince still owns The Beautiful Ones, I think MC did a nice job especially with the climax, but over all I think she held back a bit whereas Prince laid it all on the table. And maybe even Bringing On The Heartbreak (even though I've grown to love it) is own by the original. My other least favorite remake was... wait for it... I Still Believe (but I love the Pure Imagination version). However, Mariah owns "I'll Be There" and "Without You". "Open Arms", IWKWLI and "Against All Odds" are all a draw I would say with a slight preference toward MC. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is another one she owns. I would say nine times out of ten Mariah's vocals gives the song a new life (or life in general), which makes her remakes as a whole fresh and another classic rendition. (Friday 13 September 2013; 14:28)

Jaime UK (39,260) by Licia from USA Not you too. The horror and blasphemy. Lol. I too love all her remakes, but most of the songs she has remade she can't touch the originals. I feel the same way about other artists remaking her songs (especially from the 90s). They may do a great job at singing the song , but they will never be better or outdo the original in my eyes. Now if she remakes a song that was crappy back in the day and made it better, that's a different story and so far she has not remade a song that was ever bad. (Friday 13 September 2013; 13:34)

Glitter and Memoirs (39,259) by Lainsky from Philippines Since last week I was playing a CD or two each day of our favorite diva and I realized that MC's artistry really came out in Glitter and Memoirs, but unfortunately these are her two lowest selling and harshly criticized by people. These two album are in my top 5 of with Butterfly and Music Box. The common with these two album is the story behind it as well as the continuity untill the end. Almost all the tracks in Glitter (my least favorite is the lead track though and Reflections) are gems lyrically and musically the same with Memoirs (Standing O, HATE U, Candy Bling, Inseparable are on the top of my lists). The Art Of Letting Go, I pray and hope that it has MC's artistry as a whole lyrically and musically but with very strong appeal to radio and masses and to her 90s fans and young generations that will lift up her credibility not only as a diva with a 5 (or 7?) octave voice. But will cement her in the music industry not only as a music legend but as a truly gifted song writer, singer and artist. I guess that what she desires. (Friday 13 September 2013; 11:58)

The Beautiful Ones (39,258) by Jamie from UK I also really like both versions, but slightly prefer Mariah's because anything this woman sings turns into pure gold for me. I prefer almost all her covers to the original. So yes Licia, I did just say that! Lol. That's why she's one of the top singers in my list, her voice is truly a gift from the gods. (Friday 13 September 2013; 6:52)

Could it be? (39,257) by Will from England The sound of a new single on the horizon? And what could be the album close behind it? Huh, we could get it this year after all. (Friday 13 September 2013; 4:46)

Stacey (39,256) by Special K from USA You really think Mariah and Dru Hill out did Prince on The Beautiful Ones? Girl please. Don't get me wrong, I think Mariah did a good job but her version isn't even on the same level as Prince's. The way the man goes from a soft faulsetto to screaming, " Do you want him? Or do you want me? Cuz I want you!" is so haunting, intense, and emotional at the sametime. That song is so sexual. It goes from an extremely, intense build up that leads to the ultimate passionate climax. Mariah's remake was missing that in my opinion. (Friday 13 September 2013; 4:28)

Anita Baker (39,255) by Special K from USA Wow, Anita Baker gave Mariah a shout out on Twitter citing the lyrics to Butterfly. How cool it that? (Friday 13 September 2013; 3:43)

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