Brad's 60 Favourite Mariah Carey Songs (#27)

[Brad]

I've been too busy to update this recently so I'll reel loads off next week.

[Titan3510]

47. The Wind
Emotions
If ever asked to pick a unique song in Mariah’s discography, I would choose this one. With lyrics about death and a jazzy sound, it sounds like nothing else she has ever done. I like the transition from Till The End Of Time to this, it’s really well done.

To this day, and probably for a long time, it's the only jazz standard - it's not just a jazzy song - she has ever done. And she nailed it! Mariah has this unique ability to go through different genres and sound great. I have no doubt that one day - in 10 years? - she'll move into that direction. Only a few "mainstream" artists can manage to do the same. This is why her career will last very, very long.

But how can it be a jazz standard if she wrote it and no one else has covered it.

But I agree. I think Mariah's career will last for a very long time. Sorta like Stevie Wonder's, Tony Bennett's or Barbra Striesand's...except longer.

[Titan3510]

Back on topic.

The Wind is rapturous...it's so painfully sad. And the way it segued from a song so passionate like 'Til The End Of Time makes it a little painful to digest.

Because one moment you could be professing your undying love for someone, and then you can blink and then they'll be gone with the wind. To be honest, that's a frightening thought...and no one wants to think like that. But it happens.

The sequencing and arrangement of 'Til The End Of Time and The Wind is a stroke of genius.

The Wind deserves to be a jazz standard...hopefully, Mariah gives it the push it deserves.

I love I Am Free so much...such a beautifully, impassioned vocal from a time in her life where she was seen as anything but impassioned. To non-Christian eyes (no offense to anyone), it's a wonder as to why the caged bird can sings. But those who are familiar with Christianity know why Mariah was able to inject so much into this song...much less write it.

Ummm...Whenever You Call is nice enough. I used to adore that song with every fiber of my being but I've eased off a bit. I'm still trying to figure out what the song is really about. The duet version with Brian McKnight is also nice but it falls flat to me. Maybe it's because I hold Endless Love and I'll Be There in such high esteem...but those were covers. Maybe Mariah wanted her own version of those songs. I don't know. I just haven't reconnected to like I should.

The lyrics of Whenever You Call are so poignant though that it's almost ridiculous. I feel so lucky to be experiencing and cherising one of the best greatest songwriters in modern music history while she's still here.

To be honest, I was never a big fan of the original version of I Want To Know Where Love Is. But when I heard it for the first time, it made me a Mariah stan...but it's just <<<<<<<<. The climax is a bit strange and it's wayyyy too short. Ends too soon and I don't like it's production.

I agree with your placement of it, RightToDream.

Subtle Invitation is a classic. Another gem in Mariah's discography. The vocals are insane, the sound and lyrics is so mature and elegant and I love the live jazzy instrumentation. Too low if you ask me.

But with all of these good songs so low it makes me wonder about what you have in store.

[Brad]

Finally have time to update this again!

45. Hero
Music Box
I've known this song my whole life. I used to be excited to see the video on music channels; during the early late 90s/early 2000s, I played it a lot on my portable CD player and then mp3 player too. It's one of her signature songs and one many people will always remember. It has a nice message and has been covered what seems too many times by people on talent shows.

44. Make It Happen
Emotions
I didn't pay much attention to this song until a year or so ago. It works better live.

43. Outside
Butterfly
I admire this song because of its message. It's one she should perform live on future tours.

42. I Wish You Well
E=MC²
Now here's something we (unfortunately) don't get very often: Mariah with just a piano for company. As with Outside, I appreciate this song because of its message and I like the quotes she added throughout despite being atheist.

41. I’ll Be There
MTV Unplugged
Mariah and Trey do this justice. I prefer this cover to the original.

40. When You Believe
#1’s
I think I'm one of the only people not disappointed that this is the result of a duet with Whitney Houston. It's a beautiful song and they both do well. I find it funny when people say they're trying to out-sing each other; they recorded their parts separately so there was little chance for them to do that. I associate it more with Whitney and since her death my love for it has been renewed.

39. Music Box
Music Box
This song seems forgotten despite being the title track of her best-selling album, which is unfortunate as it's one of the albums most endearing moments.

38. Obsessed
Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel
Catchy. Catchy. Catchy.

37. Do You Think Of Me
Dreamlover - single
Sometimes I feel like I write this song. It's a shame Tommy wouldn't allow her to have it on the Music Box album, it would really shine on there. If she ever releases a remastered version of the album, it would be the perfect chance for her to finally give it its place on there.

36. Touch My Body
E=MC²
The song and video reignited my love for Mariah after a few years of not paying much attention to her. This track is better when not taken seriously; I'm sure.

[JSparksFan]

Aw, "Hero" is so low. It's definitely my fave inspirational ballad from Mariah and a good candidate for her all-time signature tune.

I ranked "Make It Happen" pretty much around where you did. It's definitely a great recording but I agree with you that the live version's stronger.

"Outside" is very...high.

"I Wish You Well" is my least fave track from E=MC² but even so it's still an okay song. You ranked it a lot higher than I did, though.

"I'll Be There" is really good. By mistake I left it off my countdown.

"When You Believe" is phenomenal! It baffles me that this legendary duet can garner so much hate. Two of the best voices to have ever graced earth combined to create an epic masterpiece, definitely one of the highlights of 90's inspirational ballads.

"Music Box" is really nice, I like it.

"Obsessed" is one of those tracks from Mimi that sometimes gets a lot of hate, but I love it. As you said, it's super catchy.

Have I heard "Do You Think of Me"? I really don't remember, to be honest.

You ranked "Touch My Body" perfectly, in my opinion. The video's one of my all-time faves from Mimi and the track itself is pretty fun and catchy.

[GoodBoyGoneBad]

Glad to see I'm not the only one to not worship Hero! It's still a very good song, but Mariah has tons of better ones.

[stevyy]

so many divine songs.

make it happen is wonderful. i wish you well gets me praying, my all is latin-dary and Do you Think of me is better than half of her actual #1's.

[Tiger]

40. When You Believe
41. I’ll Be There
44. Make It Happen

When You Believe is absolutely amazing

[Brad]

Have I heard "Do You Think of Me"? I really don't remember, to be honest.

You should give it another chance.

[ANH]

Some people don't like "Hero" because it's too cheesy or overplayed, but whatevs. "Hero" is an amazing track, and IMO, much better than some of the inspirational anthems from current pop-stars. I can't take you seriously if you're singing "pretty, pretty, please" or comparing me to a "plastic bag".

Oh, "Make It Happen" is the equivalent of a lion roaring for four minutes! I don't listen to the track that often, but when I do, it makes me really happy. I feel that I can do just about anything if I shake my fist and run around the room.

*sigh*, I don't know what to say about "Outside". It's a well-written song, yeah, but sometimes, I think that the way Mariah sings it is so dull. And other times, I think it's an absolute masterpiece.

I don't like "I Wish You Well" too much. It's overshadowed by "Fly Like A Bird"; if I need to hear an inspirational, religious jam, I go to the last track on Mimi, and not E=MC2.

"I'll Be There" is a cute song. I love hearing "Trey Lorenz, sing".

I really do like "When You Believe". The chorus is epic as well, and the music video is magical. Wow. For so long, I always thought of Whitney as the greatest female voice in the world (prior to discovering Mariah's music), so it's amazing to have heard my old favorite and my new favorite collaborate on such a magical track.

I like "Music Box"...sometimes.

"Obsessed" is a smash. Mariah's such a ballsy girl-woman. My favorite line is "you a mom-and-pop, I'm a corporation/ I'm the press conference, you're a conversation, uh-oh-oh".

I've never heard this "Do You Think Of Me", but I've seen it on quite a few lists. I'll be sure to check it out later.

"Touch My Body", the "immature song", is the song that made me fall in love with Mariah. If it wasn't for the nerdy music video, I never would have watched the video. And I never would have gone home and looked it up. And I never would have seen the "Heartbreaker (Feat. Jay-Z)" music video either. And I probably wouldn't be on UKMIX. Ha! The video absolutely rocks.

[PosziMC2]

Hero - Nice but I love other tracks more (way more)

Make It Happen - Classic. She kills this live.

Outside - Amazing

I Wish You Well - So personal and beautiful!

I'll Be There -

When You Believe - Brilliant duet. They sound amazing on the track.

Music Box - Underrated indeed. Incredible track.

Obsessed - Epic!

Do You Think of Me - Perfect track!

Touch My Body - this made me a fan of Mariah

[JSparksFan]

Have I heard "Do You Think of Me"? I really don't remember, to be honest.

You should give it another chance.

I heard it and while I think it's a decent track, you've definitely got it way higher than I would've ranked it.

[Brad]

Have I heard "Do You Think of Me"? I really don't remember, to be honest.

You should give it another chance.

I heard it and while I think it's a decent track, you've definitely got it way higher than I would've ranked it.

It was never one of my favourites but I've grown to love it more over a few years.

[MichielMC]

I don't know if you're still doing it! But I'm gonna reply anyway because I have to study and I don't wanna!



45. Hero -> Though I absolutely understand why it's one of her signature songs I am not too keen about it. We all know it, we all love it to some degree. It's simple, it has a message that is clear and understandable. But She has SO many better songs. I would never put it in my top 50. But still, like I said, a song that defines her career on so many levels. 2.5/5

44. Make it happen -> Yeah the live versions are so much better. The studio version is bit too long and lacks that gossip degree. I truly love the song though. I hope she will perform it live again 'SOON'. 4/5

43. Outside. I really got in this song in my later part of my stanningmariahcareer. The lyrics on it are so beautiful and her voice shines through the whole song. She will never perform it live I guess... sadly. I would have ranked this one higher. For now, cause my top mariah songs changes alot. 5/5

I Wish You Well -> lyrically a masterpiece. Productionwise: perfect (mariah + piano = come on!!!!). Though it lacks that little something more. I understand why fly like a bird has a wider appeal than this one, but lyricwise I would place this one way higher. 4.5/5


41.I’ll Be There -> mmm Not the biggest fan of this one. It's better than the original for me too though. The song itself doesn't touch me that much. But ,just like with hero, a song that will turn out to be one of her career defining moments. 3/5

40.When You Believe -> Yeah it's a great duet. It really fits the movie. I think their voices blended well together! The song could've been more bombastic though. 3.5/5


39.Music box -> Just Love it. Love love love... 5/5


38. Obsessed -> I've been obsessed with this song for SO long and still am partly. It's her best first single for me since honey. It blew me away the first time I listened to it. It could've been a tad faster to get the clubs going. But the song screams ATTITUDE! I will always consider It's like that as a more signature song for myself, because it made me the fan I am now. But this one is just, like you said, catchy catchy. 5/5

37.Do You Think Of Me -> Like it. Lacks a bit energy and lyricwise it's a bit simple. But I like the melody of it. It's catchy on a level. I would rate it 3/5.

36.Touch My Body -> oh yeah CATCHY! I still do my little touch moves on this song. I do it sexier! no no no... it's a song when you hear it: you're like mmm first single? After two times you're totally hooked on it. Still love it. Such a cute lil' rnb song. 5/5

[Brad]

I don't know if you're still doing it! But I'm gonna reply anyway because I have to study and I don't wanna!

I am still updating, it's just finding the time! Nice to read everyone's thoughts on the tracks so far.

[Brad]

35. Right To Dream
Right To Dream - single
Obviously, this song inspired my username when I couldn’t think of anything better (I can now). I’ve enjoyed this since the first time I heard it. The acoustic sound suits Mariah’s voice perfectly and I wish she would record more songs like it. I also liked the film it for which she wrote it with Willie Nelson.

34. Help Me Make It Through The Night
Unreleased
I wasn’t going to include this considering it was never officially released but I just had to (I wish it had been released, at least as a B-side to Right To Dream which replaced it). As with Right To Dream, I love how the acoustic sound fits with her voice which she is singing so straightforward with for a change. In my opinion, it’s one of her best covers and is among my most played songs by her.

33. Honey
Butterfly
I didn’t like this song until I saw the video. Since then, it has grown on me considerably. The last minute is my favourite part. “I nee-ee-eed it, nee-ee-eed it, need it.”

32. Someday
Mariah Carey
I think I like this because of its lyrics; I’m not too sure! It’s incredibly catchy too. There’s someone in my life I’d love to dedicate this to. Oh yes.

31. Stay The Night
The Emancipation Of Mimi
Unfortunately her only song produced with Kanye; I’d love them to come up with another track sometime. I didn’t like this song the first time I listened to The Emancipation Of Mimi if I’m honest. It didn’t take long to grow on me though. The best thing about it is the way she sings it, she’s really going for it and it doesn’t irk me at all that you can tell.

[PosziMC2]

Right To Dream and Help Me Make it... are beautiful! SBoth are so underrated.

Honey is my jam! Fantastic song.

Someday is cool!

Stay The Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Amazing. Im here for another song with Kanye too.

[Brad]

Right To Dream and Help Me Make it... are beautiful! Both are so underrated.

I'm glad I'm not the only who likes them

[Tiger]

45. Hero
44. Make It Happen
41. I’ll Be There
40. When You Believe
32. Someday

When You Believe and Hero classics

[Brad]

There's something I forgot to mention about When You Believe: the soundtrack version with the extended introduction is the one I enjoy most. The song feels incomplete without it.
I'm updating this again later.

[Tripolis]

Warning: LONG POST AHEAD.

LOVE:

Migrate : there's definitely something special about this summer-ready hit and it is definitely the most wasted single opportunity in Mariah's discography. Would have maintained the album's momentum in the long-run and there's a high possibility this would have been another #1 for Mariah in the US, if released.

I Want To Know What Love Is : fabulous. Just charted in my own countdown at #18. There's definitely something special in this song that makes me love it soo much. One of her post-90s ballads for sure. I think I've said enough about this song in my own description.

Whenever You Call : another epic track. Easily among the top 5 bests from "Butterfly", and took awhile to grow on me. this track is incredible and whilst I prefer the original to the duet, both are great. I love her vocals especially in this track.

Hero : as overrated as it may be, this is definitely Mariah's classic track, and the one she'll be remembered for as one of the greats in music, especially in Europe and Asia. I can see why this is a staple for Mariah in her concerts as it definitely cemented her legacy, along with the Christmas classic "All I Want...".

I'll Be There : a GREAT duet and I prefer this to the original. I love the way Mariah conveys the emotions in this track and her live performance is just phenomenal. It's definitely become a staple in her live performances, much like "Hero", and is definitely one of her best covers.

When You Believe : this is epic. One of the best duets ever by two of the greatest vocalists of all-time. I've been appreciating this more after Whitney's untimely and unexpected death earlier this year and I've just realised even more the sheer brilliance and beauty of this phenomenal vocal showcase.

Music Box : an extremely calming tune, this took a while to grow on me. I now like the song mainly because of its melody which is sooo soothing. The duration of the song is just right, and is definitely among the best from "Music Box", or even from her '90s discography.

LIKE:

Don't Forget About Us : a good ballad, though not as great as its predecessor or her '90s work. It's definitely overshadowed by the bigger "We Belong Together" though and I really don't get the comparisons between the two as I think they are really different.

Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) : a beautiful track, though I don't really love it as much as other Mariah tunes. The duet with Westlife is horrible. I'm grateful this granted Mariah another #1 hit in the UK though.

My All : this is overplayed and overrated. As much as I love the video, I can't seem to get into the song after much acclaim from the fans. The lyrics are in ways relatable though, and that's a part of the song that I truly appreciate.

Fourth of July : this is underrated and is a good track. Though not one of the standouts from Butterfly, it still deserves an honourable mention as it blends into the album perfectly.

Subtle Invitation : one of the better tracks off "Charmbracelet", for sure. Among her best gospel tunes, too. I don't love this as much as I did in the past, though.

The Wind : overrated, but amazing. The only Jazz song that Mariah has ever done, but this is enough to cement her legendary status as a singer of many different genres (Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock [a little elements of it only, though])

I Am Free : one of the more relaxing tunes off "Daydream" and is one of my favourites from there. This song definitely needs time to grow on someone and I really, really am grateful that I played "Daydream" till I liked this as this is great.

Make It Happen : many fans seem to give this song much praise. I do like it, but not as much as the others. I do appreciate its underlying message and lyrics though. Definitely not among her best for me.

Outside : like you, I adore the message of this track but it sounds quite boring after awhile. I wouldn't call it a dud from "Butterfly", though, as the album on a whole is flawless and this is just one of the less-great ones.

I Wish You Well : another gospel/revenge tune, and I love this. It's definitely underappreciated, and though I don't really love this as some other E=MC² tracks, it's definitely one of the highlights of the album. I think I ranked it too low on my own countdown.

Obsessed : a VERY catchy tune, but definitely wrong-choice for lead single. the video is good, the best from that era. not my favourite song from the album though.

Touch My Body : A great choice for lead single, though the follow-ups really screwed the momentum up. "Touch My Body" is definitely one of the better uptempos Mariah has done, though it pales in comparison to her '90s one, in particular "Heartbreaker" and "Dreamlover".

Honey : I don't really adore it as much as I did last time. A great change of style for Mariah and I will always appreciate the song for that. it's definitely a turning point in Mariah's career and the video for this is epic, among Mariah's best ever.

Someday : too screechy and at times, boring for my liking. however, when I like it, it's really a great track. not among the best from her debut, though and it's my least favourite single from that album. it may also be my least favourite single from her in the '90s.

Stay The Night : one of the better non-single tracks off TEOM. It was definitely a wasted single of that era as it was much better than the horrendous "Say Somethin'". I love her vocals in this song.

DISLIKE/DON'T CARE ABOUT:

Everything else that I did not mention above.

[ANH]

"Stay The Night" is fire!! It usually never makes it very high in these countdowns, to my dismay, but I am elated it placed (somewhat high) in yours. :]

"Right To Dream" is a cool track. I like it.

I definitely enjoy "Honey". Much better than "Heartbreaker" and her best lead single up until "It's Like That". The music video is h-a-w-t! The ending is also my favorite part, in both the song and the video, for the same reasons you like it. She looks amazing at the end, when she's frolicking in the beach. She should find a way to capture the vibe of those scenes and turn it into a fragrance. Anyways.....

"Someday" sounds terribly dated. I only "kinda sorta" like it.

I never got into HMMITTN.

[JSparksFan]

Right To Dream: 7/10 - Not too shabby a song to have as a username. I love how sweet and tender MC's voice sounds. It's like she's singing a lullaby almost.

Help Me Make It Through The Night: 6/10 - Eh, "Stay The Night" conveys the message in a much stronger fashion than this one. The instrumental is good though.

Honey: 7.5/10 - I still feel that this is overrated amongst the lambs but it's grown leaps and bounds on me since I first heard it. It's definitely one of her most important singles as it represented a change in image for her.

Someday: 9.5/10 - I actually like the Pop/Rock remix of this more than the original. That remix gives the song more of an edge, in my opinion. I actually have someone in my life I should dedicate this one too as well!

Stay The Night: 8.5/10 - One of my faves from The Emancipation of Mimi. I love her voice in the chorus. You can literally feel her desperation.

[Brad]

Someday: 9.5/10 - I actually like the Pop/Rock remix of this more than the original. That remix gives the song more of an edge, in my opinion. I actually have someone in my life I should dedicate this one too as well!

I imagine singing it to them

[JSparksFan]

I imagine singing it to them

Me too! I have the scene all played out in my head too.