Mariah Carey already had her Lambs eating out of the palm of her hand when she released her third [sic], critically acclaimed album, Daydream, on October 3 1995. Riding high on the heels of her 1993 effort Music Box and her first holiday album, 1994's Merry Christmas, the singer was nominated for six Grammy Awards at the 38th annual ceremony for Daydream.
But even with the No. 1 single "Fantasy", Carey shockingly went home from the awards show empty-handed. However, she didn't need awards to prove Daydream had a solid impact on her career and her fans. The album would not only showcase her powerhouse vocals but songs like "Always Be My Baby" and the Boyz II Men-assisted "One Sweet Day" gave way to Carey's ability to balance on the thin line between R&B and pop. Daydream solidified her as an artist who could dance delicately between both genres, which earned her the respect (and accolades) for years to come.
The album peaked at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Meanwhile, many of the songs - "Fantasy", "One Sweet Day" and "Always Be My Baby" - reached No. 1 status on various charts well into 1996. Perhaps the album was so successful because it was the first time Carey took more control on the creative end when it came to composition and lyrical content.
She put her foot down and went head-to-head against the label and then husband Tommy Mottola in an effort to maintain her voice and direction. It paid off. Daydream would kick off the first of many collaborations with super-producer Jermaine Dupri and her first collaboration with Babyface, in which Carey co-wrote and produced "Melt Away".
Daydream is recognized as one of the singer's best albums with the project being certified diamond - fitting for a woman who enjoys the glitz and glam live has to offer. Thanks to her candid lyrics on love and loss, her music resonated with fans more than ever. She welcomed listeners into her heart and supplied them with a musical journey that certainly felt like a fantasy.
(The BoomBox)
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