Mariah rockets with "Never Too Far"
Following the lackluster radio reception given "Loverboy", the launch single from Mariah Carey's upcoming - albeit delayed - Glitter, Virgin goes for the gusto with a shimmering ballad that showcases the singer/ songwriter excelling at what made her a famous a decade ago: singing the hell out of a straight ahead love song free of gimmicks, gymnastics and self-conscious attempts at targeting any particular demographic. "Never Too Far" will surely relieve fans that think Carey has been relying more upon samples and guest vocalists lately than melody and artful performing. She sings here with appreciable subtlety, gliding effortlessly through a hook-hitched lyric of hop after heartbreak, alongside the reigned-in production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Carey's 15-second last note alone will evoke a satisfied sigh. Many of the nation's most powerful radio stations have embraced this one before it's official add date, so the future looks promising across the board at Top 40, R&B and AC. It's time to move. (Billboard Magazine)
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