Queen Diva: Mariah Carey

       Mariah Carey has quite the discography beginning with her first studio album that was released in 1990 titled “Mariah Carey.” It features eleven songs that range from hip hop to pop and even some soul/funk. Next, she released her second studio album, “Emotions,” that was released by Columbia Records in 1991. The album was iconic for Mariah because she finally was able to have nearly complete creative control over the work. Next, in 1993, Mariah released “Music Box,” which was her third studio album and consisted mostly of ballads. “Music Box” was co-written with Walker Afanasieff. In 1994, Mariah Carey released her first Christmas album titled “Merry Christmas.” The collection features the hit song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which as of November 2019, has broken three Guinness World Records. Her 5th studio album “Daydream” played a pivotal role during the height of her career because it showcased her ability to produce hip-hop and pop music after the many ballads that she released. Next, “Butterfly” was produced in 1997, which is an R&B and soul album that focuses on emotions and heartaches. “Butterfly” allowed Mariah’s vocal abilities to truly shine through the music now had a more sensual quality. It featured runs, harmonies, and truly showcased the many octaves that she can reach. In 1998, Mariah released “Number 1’s,” her first compilation album that featured seventeen songs, thirteen songs that were rated number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and four new songs. Then in 1999, “Rainbow” catapulted into the spotlight as her seventh studio album. Because Carey had just separated from her husband, Tommy Mottola, she was able to be in full control of the album’s contents. Jay-Z, Usher, Missy Elliot, Snoop Dogg, and Master P all played a role in the album’s musical success. 

        “Glitter” is Mariah’s eighth studio album and first soundtrack. It was released in 2001 by Virgin Records. The release of the movie and album was met with intense controversy by the public, and both performed terribly. Many viewed “Glitter” and its lack of success as Mariah’s decline. She quickly released “Charmbracelet” in an attempt to gain better press and maintain her notable reputation; however, it did not quite do the job. In 2008, “E=MC2” allowed Mariah to redeem herself and regain her positive status. “E=MC2” includes a song still known by many, “Touch My Body.” Her twelfth studio album, “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” was another R&B album that was released in 2009. Each of the songs paired her intense pop ballads with a hip-hop vibe thanks to the assistance that was provided by rapper Gucci Mane. “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” featured the song “Obsessed,” which drew press attention since it was a song directed at rapper, Eminem and his feelings towards her and their past relationship. Her next studio album, “Merry Christmas II You,” was released in 2010 and quickly became popular due to her powerful voice and the recognition that she previously gained from “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Next, Mariah presented her fourteenth studio album, “Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse” which featured many notable singer-songwriters including but not limited to Mary Mary, Nas, Miguel, Wale, Fabolous, Mary J. Blige.

        Lastly, after going four years without releasing an album, Mariah released her fifteenth studio album, “Caution” in 2018. The album was filled with many famous musicians, including Gunna, Ty Dolla $ign, Slick Rick, and Blood Orange. Artists like Timbaland, DJ Mustard, and Drake all contributed to ensuring the hip-hop quality in the music remained current and unique.