Mariah Carey finally releases her long-awaited new album Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse on Monday.
Featuring the singles #Beautiful and You’re Mine (Eternal), the album has been delayed several times with Mariah stating that she wanted it to be perfect for her fans. Reviews for the album are coming in thick and fast with critical-acclaim being heaped on the collection.
As we gear up to add another Mariah album into our ever-expanding collection, we’ve taken a look back at Mariah’s catalogue and selected 10 tracks that should have been singles.
10. How Much featuring Usher
Album: Rainbow (2000)
Quite frankly it’s baffling that a collaboration between two of the biggest artists on the planet wasn’t a bigger deal. The jerky R&B beats and a sample of Tupac’s Me & My Girlfriend made this track a standout on Rainbow. Usher’s vocal trade-off with Mariah was a match made in heaven.
9. Long Ago
Album: Daydream (1995)
A tale of lost love set over an addictive R&B groove, Long Ago is a song that was seriously under-appreciated and over-looked on Daydream. Silky harmonies and powerful belts make this a classic slice of Mariah.
8. Clown
Album: Charmbracelet (2003)
Allegedly written in response to the many disses aimed her way by Eminem, Mariah served up a slab of cold hard truth on Clown. Restrained, to the point and brutally honest Clown handed Eminem his ass on a plate. Well done MC.
7. All My Life
Album: Glitter (2001)
Often referred to as Mariah’s huge flop, Glitter is over-looked in terms of the music. All My Life is one of the highlights on the record with its 70s grooves and the unmistakeable vocal that moves from whisper to belt within a second.
6. You Need Me
Album: Mariah Carey (1990)
Early 90s beats and a tinge of rock combine with an astounding vocal from Mariah. Showcasing her vocal prowess perfectly whilst adding a spin rarely heard on her tracks, You Need Me is a track that needed to be a single.
5. It’s A Wrap
Album: Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2010)
Taken from Mariah’s most under-rated (and under-appreciated) album, It’s A Wrap is a combination of old-skool soul and contemporary R&B. It’s Mariah at her feisty best as she kicks a lover to the curb.
4. Now That I Know
Album: Music Box (1993)
An uptempo moment from Mariah’s huge-selling Music Box album. Now That I Know combines a gospel-feel with a massive dance beat. Add to that Mariah’s soaring vocals and you’ve got what could have been a huge hit.
3. You’re So Cold
Album: Emotions (1991)
How was this not a single? The opening minute highlights Mariah’s incredible vocal range as she flies up and down the scales with incredible control. Once the beat kicks in the song is irresistible.
2. All I’ve Ever Wanted
Album: Music Box (1993)
One of the most beautiful ballads Mariah has ever recorded. We love its simplicity which combined with Mariah’s emotive vocal is one of her most affecting songs. Just to hear that power in her voice is pure magic.
1. Migrate featuring T-Pain
Album: E=MC2 (2008)
Mariah at her smooth and sultry best. The uptempo club joint should have been the launch single for E=MC2. From the opening high notes through to the restrained vocal delivery this could have been a #1 hit for Mariah.
Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse will be released on Monday 26th July 2014. Take a listen to new track Thirsty taken from the album:
