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About Taylor from USA:

Re: My Mariah Carey year - 1995 (91,203) (91,206) by Taylor from USA My Mariah Carey year was also 1995. I had first discovered Mariah on MTV and VH1 in 1993, but did not know I could go out and buy CDs and CD singles. I moved to the states two years prior from a third world country, and that concept was foreign to me. But I digress, and that’s a whole other post. Until the release of Daydream, my parents indulged me with all of Mariah’s back releases including any CD singles I could still find because the remixes themselves were like brand new songs unto themselves and I was completely mesmerized. Daydream was my Mariah Carey year because it was the first time I got her album on day one. I remember the excitement when Fantasy was released and the release date for Daydream was announced. The anticipation was agonizing, because at this point I had listened to her back releases countless times and I was eager for more. This was my Mariah Carey year because I will never forget the excitement that I will experience something brand new from her. And it was from this release that I felt like I have crossed into the realm of Mariah. Listening to Mariah is an experience that is transcendent, and this was the year that encapsulated my connection with Mariah. (Thursday 31 October 2019; 04:49)

Merry Christmas 25 (90,892) by Taylor from USA This edition is definitely the most exciting and worthy with all the extra materials. I can't help but feeling a bit disappointed that there is no video for the concert. The audio tracks will sound amazing in their official production, but I wish there were the entire concert on video too. I'm a greedy SOB, I know, but if there's one thing I love more than listening to Mariah, it's watching her in her element. (Wednesday 25 September 2019; 16:21)

Marketing theory (51,781) by Taylor from USA At first I was disappointed with just one new song, but this album is really geared towards everyone as a reminder of the incredible feat of obtaining 18 #1's. The one new song is a catalyst for the release that would be just an ordinary compilation album. Yes, the previous #1's album had more bonus tracks, but Mariah was at a cruising speed back then so there was no need to remind everyone of her greatness. This time around, I believe the team is trying to build momentum from the recent setbacks. One new song to catch and reel the people in is actually smart because we have all seen the haphazard releases of so many different songs that never caught on. Once the public is hooked again with Infinity, I believe new materials will start flying out. Infinity is like the Trojan horse. Mariah needs to penetrate the fortress the public has built against her before she can conquer all over again. (Tuesday 14 April 2015; 1:30)

I Wish You Well (50,155) by Taylor from USA In light of the current situation that Mariah is going through and the nature of the discussions on this forum, this song is ever as poignant as when it was first released. It is songs like this that Mariah has earned my respect and loyalty as a fan and as a fellow human being. If you listen more closely to the lyrics, they are very fitting of what is going on in Mariah's life as well as the dynamics of the posts on here. I hope we all hold onto the faith and love for Mariah, despite all the negativity. We are not foolish lambs like some may suggest, but are soldiers, and a warrior like Mariah is only as victorious as her army. Let's soldier on. (Sunday 15 February 2015; 4:47)

Andrew, have a seat... in the corner (50,153) by Taylor from USA If you cannot carry on a debate or a conversation without debasing or minimizing another person's opinion by attacking their style or manner of communication, I strongly suggest you follow your own advice and leave this post. Once again, you reacted to my words in a hostile manner by ridiculing my language much like how you ridicule everyone else whom you disagree with. To clarify your curiosity, I am well-read and well educated to employ words that fully convey meanings without resorting to the elementary tantrum you throw around here. I don't have to try to sound smart, but rather reasonable so that you would perhaps understand. Unfortunately, your level of comprehension proved your shortcomings because your only tactic of response entails hostility, name-calling, and ridiculing. You are no better than a child who throws himself onto the floor for attention only to find himself banished to the corner. That is exactly what the webmaster here has done. When you can come to me with the maturity and mutual respect of an adult, then you may address me directly. Until then, perhaps you should find a dictionary and a thesaurus so you can communicate in the intelligent manner that is worth my time as well as the time of all the respectful people on this forum. (Sunday 15 February 2015; 4:17)

Andrew (50,091) by Taylor from USA Dear Andrew. After reading all your posts, I do not understand your contribution other than being passive aggressive towards what is going on with Mariah. With every bad story that emerges, you unfailingly spew forth comments that take on such a patronizing and condescending tone. It is more than Rien for you to have your opinions, but your opinions are not constructive criticisms. Even when you try to come across as so, you convey a very passive aggressive undertone that belittles Mariah and anyone who has come to support her. No one is so blind as to not be realistic, but you dismiss and diminish anyone who shows any hope and support for Mariah. You come across as an intelligent person, but your demeanor is anything but supportive and understanding. Your attempts to sound constructive are thinly veiled by arrogance and unwarranted authoritative nature. You and I do not know Mariah personally, therefore your characterizations of Mariah are invalidated, as well as mine. The difference between mine and yours, however, is that yours are unsubstantiated at the level at which they are made. Where were you when Mariah burned down the Beacon with her exquisite Christmas shows? Where were you when Mariah left Asian fans in rapture when she closed the remainder of her tour? Your absence during Mariah's shining moments only speak of your aggressive and vindictive nature, because you only come out when she slips. Everyone will fumble as we go through life, and while we are not expected to carry Mariah's of anyone's hand, we are expected to show compassion and understanding during those times. All for the simple and undeniable fact that Mariah has given us more hope, inspiration, and determination than the recent mishaps. I write these words not to fight, but to intervene because you are essentially bullying Mariah. You are kicking her when she is down. You belittle and demean those who show her support. This forum is open to all and every type of opinions. There is nothing wrong to talk about what is bad and ugly, but it is wrong to do so in the manner you have been doing. The only arrogance I've been witnessing is your superficial characterization of Mariah and those on here who believe in her. Be well. (Friday 13 February 2015; 22:46)

Understanding Mariah (49,723) by Taylor from USA The ugliest part of the current situation is the attack on Mariah that comes from not only non-fans but also those who claim to be lambs. It's like Mariah accidentally spilled a drop of blood and the sharks all swarm around her. The issue with Mariah aside, because we do not know with utmost certainty, the most disappointing part is the society at large who feels they have right to criticize and attack a woman on her off moments. Imagine living your life in the public eye and have all the pressure in the world to be absolutely perfect at every moment. Society have this impossible expectation projected on public figures and we forget that every one is human. And humans will falter because we are not machines. Do we all recall how exhausted and overworked Mariah was when the Glitter debacle happened? Sure, we can tell her to rest up and stay home, but everyone deals with emotional turmoil differently. Mariah is brave enough to put herself out there everyday, even when she is not at her best. We all strive to carry on, so why don't we empathize with the woman who gave us inspiration such as Hero? It's really sad how quickly we can abandon someone when they can seem for even a brief moment that they no longer serve us well. (Wednesday 4 February 2015; 1:10)

Discography (48,603) by Taylor from USA This message is for the webmaster; do you not update the discography section anymore? I always find the section incredibly comprehensive and I always rely on it. Please continue to update. Thank you. (Thursday 18 December 2014; 7:50)

Mariah: Business Woman vs Artist (44,605) by Taylor from USA I believe that at this point, we have Mariah the Business Woman instead of Mariah the Artist. That's not a criticism, but my honest assessment. With the latest launch of the beverage product, which is utterly confusing since there's been very minimal promotion for the album, we can perhaps conclude that Mariah has shifted her professional priorities. Music may still be her personal priority, but it has taken a back seat because from a business standpoint it no longer is lucrative. Unfortunately, that appears to be the reality because it has always been about business even if Mariah was originally an artist instead of a business woman. A part of me is slightly resentful because as a fan from the very beginning, others like myself have supported and launched Mariah the Artist, so for her to be so silent and not acknowledge our frustration seems like we are no longer appreciated. (Tuesday 10 June 2014; 13:41)

One More Try / Never Forget You (44,004) by Taylor from USA One More Try is very reminiscent of Never Forget You (single remix version) to me. It starts out with gospel inflections, but once the groove sets in it has the same base kicks and rhythm as the remixed version of Never Forget You. Even her vocals have that similar longing and sad quality, which is quite incredible because the two songs are practically 20 years apart. Mariah still has The Voice, and One More Try is one of the many examples of that. The only difference I noticed is that her vocals are richer and deeper, which inject more emotions into the delivery. Never Forget You showcased a phenomenal new voice, but One More Try demonstrated a spectacular voice that only a master vocalist could own. Truly impressive and unparalleled. (Thursday 22 May 2014; 19:38)

Song and video (41,224) by Taylor from USA The song has a catchy melody and that is the instant effect. It also serves as the main focus of the song because it's very repetitive. There is only one verse with the chorus starting at the beginning and repeated through the ending. The song definitely aims to hook and please. At first, the production feels a bit muddled and sporadic. Once each layer is listened to on its own, the overall effect is quite hypnotic. With that said, it doesn't have the breezy and smooth flow like most of the past songs. Rather the song has a staccato rhythm, which serves to bring a new sound. This is a new Mariah. The video has beautiful cinematography, but the concept is not very strong, at least how it comes across. It feels like there is a story here, but perhaps it got lost in the editing. A lot of the shots where Mariah just sits and cradles her breasts seem haphazard and gratuitous. Certain aspects of art direction and production seem shoddy like the small buddings of glittery wings. Why not make them bigger and bolder? Also the chair decorated with wines seems so out of place. Why is there a chair in the middle of a rainforest? Overall, the video doesn't serve the song well. Perhaps the remix video will be better. (Thursday 13 February 2014; 15:57)

Isaac and Licia (40,936) by Taylor from USA Isaac: I also love There Goes My Heart, but I agree with you that her whispering and singing in head voice made the song underwhelming. I kept anticipating more as the song goes, but it was just too timid. I understand and love that some songs are incredible without belting, like Music Box, but that song would've been incredible with her rich chest voice. Licia: I am not familiar with Da Brat outside of the collabos with Mariah, so Got A Thing 4 You was a part of the Charmbracelet re-release and that was all I know. She would sound amazing singing the entire song. It's a really soulful song that would match her range and style so perfectly. (Monday 3 February 2014; 4:43)

Isaac Ortiz: Bobby Caldwell cover (40,921) by Taylor from USA I believe Mariah kinda covered the song for the bonus/international edition of Charmbracelet. She sang the chorus of the original as the chorus of Got A Thing 4 You featuring Da Brat rapping. The song felt more like a Da Brat song featuring Mariah, I feel, but her vocals are so smooth and sexy that I didn't really mind. However, I would love for her to remake the entire song. (Sunday 2 February 2014; 2:28)

The Art Of Letting Go / production and music (39,725) by Taylor from USA This is a very good song, but what kept it from being a great one is the production and music. The piano and strings are beautiful and serve nicely to accentuate the mood of the message of the song. The rest is just too sparse and underwhelming. There should be more emphasis on the changing on cords and progression to accentuate the emotion of the song. Lyrically, Mariah delivered both in vocals and writing. Her vocals are strong enough, but the lackluster production of the music (piano and strings aside) did not serve the delivery and emotions of the vocals. It does sound very much like a demo version, and I hope there would be a "Radio Edit" or "Single Version", and this is the "Album Version". Furthermore, it is a bit hard to follow and does not instantly catch you. Again, I do believe this is due to the production of the music. There are not enough changes and emphasis during verses/choruses and the eventual dramatic belting at the end. Of course, overproduction is also a caution, but this would benefit a little bit more production. (Monday 11 November 2013; 23:05)

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)