Messageboard

About R&B Junkie from Poland: Who I am: male, What I do: Ph.D. student What I like: good vibe

Fav track from debut album (52,145) by R&B Junkie from Poland I always considered "All in Your Mind" and "Vanishing" to be the best tracks of this 1990 effort. This year "I Don't Wanna Cry" joined it due to the fact it's the best song that I can listen to when I am sad and have that feeling that no one's help is needed (it's weird but it happens ). I put much less love into "Vision of Love" and "Someday" (however MTV Unplugged version is one of my favorite MC's tracks ever). Honestly, it's my least favourite album. The next one sits still at my personal top 5 though. (Thursday 23 April 2015; 15:53)

#1 to Infinity (51,739) by R&B Junkie from Poland I don't know what Epic is planning, but I think this album is going to have pure sales. The whole idea of releasing a compilation of hits is quite weird. OK, the original #1's album from 1998 was successful, but it included new songs that almost all were released as singles. The times were also different, now everyone can compile the greatest hits playlist in 5 minutes on YouTube or elsewhere. Fans buying the album? I have already all of MC's albums, plus #1's and Greatest Hits. This can be good only as a gift to someone. The truth is that commercial success of a song sometimes is not determined by its quality. I admire all of her number one songs, but if the complilation process was up to me, I'd completely change it. Songs that are also must-be ingredients of greatest hits compilation: Without You, AIWFCIY, Breakdown, CTTA, When You Believe, Loverboy (original one with Fireckracker's sample), TTR, SIO, Migrate, Obsessed, #Beautiful. Moreover, second CD should be released containing at least 4 new tracks. Getting back to reality, I say yes to a vinyl edition. Great move since vinyl albums have increased in sales recently. If there's a chance that these songs are re-sung and re-arranged, that would be musical heaven for me. Sorry for me being so critical this time but I see this album debuting with 30-40k first week and a total sales will not mark the 100k in the US. God, I wish I am wrong. (Monday 13 April 2015; 19:10)

Uptown Funk (51,525) by R&B Junkie from Poland Records are to be broken. If the OSD record ever should be broken, there is no better song than UF. It's vibe and classic sound reminds me of thousands of good quality songs you can find everywhere but not in the mainstream. Also, the fact that it's been almost 20 years gives me chills that OSD really was worth it. (Thursday 9 April 2015; 20:46)

Nostalgia part 2 (51,452) by R&B Junkie from Poland First song I've heard from MC was Without You, I was 7 then, my cousin would play the song repeatedly when we were on winter holiday. Then, in 1995, my dad brought Daydream home-recorded cassette from his job mate (I managed to buy the original CD 8 years later). Fantasy, OSW, Forever and Melt Away were my favorite songs at that time. Then I forgot about Mariah. And in 1999 I fell in love with Heartbreaker. Damn, this was superfantastic feeling to see the video on MTV. And again, I forgot. In the beginning of 2000 I collected money for some Jay-Z album, but in the store there was none of his work, but suddenly I saw #1's and I had to have it. I love the songs, my cousin (a die-hard hip-hop fan loved Fantasy the remix). I bought Rainbow around one month later and then all the stuff started. I remember just like it was yesterday, buying Glitter one day before the 9/11, searching for casette version of Charmbracelet (the last MC album to be released in this format in Poland). If the story has not bored you to death yet, I can tell you that I also sacrificed the moment I brought home the Butterfly album, it was spring of 2003, a week before Easter, and all the joy that goes with spring was just put in this masterpiece album. I hope you enjoyed my story. All the missing albums I bought in 3-pack box in 2003. I love them all. (Tuesday 7 April 2015; 15:25)

Nostalgia (51,418) by R&B Junkie from Poland Yes, I can tell you everything that happened around the release of every album I was waiting for. For example: The day I bought TEOM was the day of Pope JP2's death. I can tell, like it was yesterday, that his death was announced when "Say Something" was on the air. Sad story but true. On the other hand, there's "MIAM" that was like a soundtrack from last year's visit to Sarajevo (BiH) and Belgrade (Serbia) and its two songs that are much connected with that God-it's-so-beautiful place on Earth are Dedicated and YDKWTD. (In this place I want to say 'hi" to fans from these countries. ) (Sunday 5 April 2015; 21:57)

The voice and other stuff (48,297) by R&B Junkie from Poland C'mon, media. It's not the first Mariah's performance that goes under the expectations. It's been over 15 years, so nothing new is being brought into light. Honestly, I think that this performance wasn't the worst, actually I think she's improved. I guess someone is trying to take the fame away, just because it's Merry Christmas' 20th anniversary. Someone's clearly jealous that this album, that originally wasn't planned to be succesful, eventually became one of the 90's classic albums. And it peaks relatively high in charts every year. She was really brave last night to go there and sing fully live. People should appreciate that, because she could've been lipsynching. (Friday 5 December 2014; 23:25)

AIWFCIY on NBC, December 2014 (48,202) by R&B Junkie from Poland I just watched the performance. I enjoyed this one, completely live. Yes, the voice isn't exactly what it used to be, but it's still pretty good. (Thursday 4 December 2014; 12:11)

MCIIY (48,082) by R&B Junkie from Poland I also love this album, even more than the 1994 release. It sounds less commercial and more soulful than the former Christmas album. Even though I'm a big fan of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and other songs from "Merry Christmas", listening to MCIIY gives me the true chills. My fav tracks are: HCSC and CTIITAA. I can listen to them even in the middle of the summertime. Honestly, I love every Mimi's albums of the 2000's. Glitter was old-skool and funky, Charmbracelet was for listening in bedtime, TEOM was like a fresh air, E=MC2 was for partyings, Memoirs were for days of "me, myself and I", MCIIY was for warming the heart and "Elusive" was for the nostalgia. (Thursday 27 November 2014; 0:10)

Top 10 Hip Hop Mariah Carey bangers (45,754) by R&B Junkie from Poland Here's my list of Mariah's best hip hop soul tracks: 1. Fantasy (Remix) - Everything is perfect in this true R&B diamond. 2. The Roof - I love her way of singing here, so melodic yet still hip-hoppy. And the fact that she sampled Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones" brings another crazy taste into that one. 3. If We - I don't mind Mariah being a featured artist on her own tracks as long as the rap parts match the song as they could've been co-written or spiritualized by Mariah. Nate Dogg's verse here is good example of that spirit. 4. Crybaby - Mariah sounds like a female version of Snoop, if there was an Oscar award for "best acting-like-another-artist" in a positive way, she would have won it for her verses, but the outro adlibs are classic MC. 5. Breakdown - MC's BTNH staccatto style. I dig it 100%. 6. Dedicated - The 2014 classic. Sounds like from 2004, 1994, 2024 and 2034. This song will never get old. 7. Sweetheart - I don't know why, but I have to include this one on the list. Hip hop ballad, that's what it is. 8. Don't Stop - I like the idea about this song, plus I love its funky climate. Not so much of MC less than in If We, but I can't stop listening to it when I'm enormously happy. 9. My All/Stay Awhile - On of the real remixes, completely new song with new verses added. I like its raw production and the vocals, don't they sound like they were recorded during a party? 10. Shake It Off - The general climate of this hit single smells so hip hop. The beat, the rhythm, the vocals. (Sunday 3 August 2014; 0:58)

Re: nikki (44,774) by R&B Junkie from Poland Yes. This is a body of work, an artistic journey. Now, when we all know all this lack of hit singles, we should understand the title. This album is so elusive, you cannot hear it on the radio nor watch videos on TV. Some people are obsessed with chart success. Wouldn't they love Mariah if her earlier work had been such non-promoted undergound albums? I love the voice, the sound, the concept from the very first day. This woman is still giving us her talent. In this context, sale figures and trashy Billboard articles does not matter. BTW, my top 5: 1. Dedicated 2. YDKWTD 3. One More Try 4. MILG 5. Beautiful (Sunday 15 June 2014; 17:48)

Only music matters (44,730) by R&B Junkie from Poland I do not care for low album sales. I don't care for low singles numbers. Only music matters. Why? Last week I had no opportunity to listen to the album (and music at all), but everywhere I went, the music followed me, just in my head. Mariah is a genius. (Friday 13 June 2014; 23:36)

Stuck? 2.0 (41,416) by R&B Junkie from Poland And there's that yet infamous Almost Home. It's vibe is totally different from her previously released material. And what about It's A Wrap, Cruise Control or Skydiving? They're also different. You're Mine is not a copy of We Belong Together, that's a horrible undestatement. It's like For The Record mixed with H.A.T.E.U. with some elements of Candy Bling (remix) and Undereath The Stars. And this mixture makes it fresh and classy at the same time. (Monday 17 February 2014; 16:35)

OK, let's stop it (41,294) by R&B Junkie from Poland Why is everybody here complaining so much? JD did great job as a manager, the way the new single exploded is amazing. We got the song, its remix and a video almost on the same day. All these radio and TV interviews - Mariah's behaviour wasn't that bad. MTV (as a network) isn't serious itself, so why she should be "just decent", why not acting weird just for fun? Same with morning radio interviews when people are on their way to work, why is it so bad to entertain them? Come on people. A guy telling you into your face that you're national treasure. She's some kind of modest person, turning it into a joke was the best she could did. Or maybe you all would rather prefer her to agree and be like "yes I am, praise me now". Is this and all these Number 1's obssesion of MC's fans the only way to inflate their egos? Go and find yourselves a hobby instead of demanding Mariah to act this or that way. Tommy time is over. Period. (Friday 14 February 2014; 16:31)

Natalia from Spain (41,046) by R&B Junkie from Poland I'm so glad that Mariah doesn't record the so-called-music that Rihanna does. It really doesn't matter that MC's recent singles don't go to Billboard's Hot 100 peak. We should praise the music itself and forget the chart achievements since they are shaped by teenagers. Remember that R&B is not that popular as it used to be, most radio stations that create audience impressions are not eager to play songs of adult contemporary R&B and similar genres. Mainstream radio will not play Mariah songs the way it used to do, it's not 2005 or 2008 any more, people who contributed the famous chart success of We Belong Together or Touch My Body are almost 10 years older right now (however, they buy LP's, and if they just wake up, new album will rule the charts for weeks). These people don't listen to Top 40 format, which delivers that Rihanna thing, I mean europop-techno-influenced songs (even if they are stylized to R&B). #Beautiful did great on charts, and I think that reaching top 30 is a success for artist of Mariah age. Oh, no, wait, we can sell the single for extremely lowered price as Sony and Virgin did, but why for? Let's just enjoy these new songs that are set to come out soon, they are gonna be great the way "You're Mine" is - a pretty strong message that Mariah will not do it for the numbers, because she does it for love. (Monday 10 February 2014; 0:25)

Single title (41,007) by R&B Junkie from Poland I think that actually "Get You Off My Mind" is a better title than "Be Mine" just because to me the latter means "just another sweet song" and there's nothing worse in the world than all that sweetness of Valentine's Day. "Get You Off My Mind" could be of anything or anybody in the world, so more people could be related to it. It's just my opinion so don't bother you all. (Saturday 8 February 2014; 10:12)

Kaizen Ocean / great lyrics (40,955) by R&B Junkie from Poland "Did I Do That?" lyrically, is a masterpiece. That thing with "painfully weak conversations" is something taken from my life! Other songs I love the most because of lyrics are: "Underneath The Stars", "Breakdown", "The Roof", "My All/Stay Awhile", "Cruise Control", "It's A Wrap", "Shake It Off", "If We" and "Don't Stop (Funkin' 4 Jamaica)". Comment on the last two: although they consist of strong rap verses, their lyrics are beautiful (If We) and funny (Don't Stop). In case of Don't Stop I can tell that Mariah was strongly involved in writing Mystikal's lyrics since they are softened. (Wednesday 5 February 2014; 11:09)

New game (40,619) by R&B Junkie from Poland First of all, I wasn't disappointed at all by that Monday announcement, because in my past, I used to do many great (yes, they were great) things for some local charity organization. Second of all, everyone here should vote for Almost Home, it's such a chance we cannot miss out! If anyone here is sick of waiting for new Mariah release, the new game is appropriate. A real music lover has their horizon as wide as it's possible, so here is my proposition for you lambs: Aaradhna's "Can We Go Back" brings the old school Motown soul back, but in clearly different way. There are also two songs from Poland that should become international hits. First is Cleo's "My Slowianie" (English: Us Slaves] that delivers local folklore, second is Mezo's "Jak nie my to kto" that has a freaking crazy traditional R&B feel. Both are great party songs. Love from Poland. (Friday 17 January 2014; 14:31)

Isaac Ortiz / Honey / My Love (40,522) by R&B Junkie from Poland I do like it! I love its fluffy-sexy sound, great vocals (esp. "I need your love right now babe" at the climax of the song) and the strings in the background - they are so marvelous. My question is, does anyone remember "My Love" with The Dream? I love MC's verse and the arrangements of her voice. It should've been her own song, The Dream's voice gimnastics do not give anything special to the song. (Sunday 12 January 2014; 18:03)

Last album (40,289) by R&B Junkie from Poland I guess she meant "last under the influence of The Island Def Jam" because of the way she talked - she was clearly annoyed about the singles policy. She has kids right now, she's been slowing down since they married. Remember, in the 90's we were given with her new album every year. That was crazy, now we can't have it that way, but it's OK since her private life is the most important thing. But she loves music so I don't believe she will ever quit recording. Lambs, let's talk about the quality right now, I think her plan is to release three solid albums in a decade or something. E=MC2 was a little bit forced to be done, but Memoirs and MCIIY were concept long plays. You can say you don't like them, but you cannot say that there were no great ideas put into the final product. (Tuesday 24 December 2013; 0:08)

clueey23 (40,189) by R&B Junkie from Poland Well said! It's the media made us believe that it's all about the hit singles, chart success, number 1's and so on. It all went along with the music until the beginning of 21st century. Then the market changed, album sales decreased, and later, expansion of digital format changed it even for worse: now it's all about the singles (that still can be sold in millions of digital copies) not the albums. Look at numbers of copies sold in a single week: an album can be sold in 70k copies and can hit even #1 on Billboard 200. It's something that just could not happen over 10 years ago (and remember, TEOM couldn't be #1 album of the year with 4.7 million copies sold if it was released 10 years earlier). Where's the point? No one pay attention to album as a whole anymore. Single tracks are the base of music industry. And keep it in your mind, #Beautiful, that almost got no promotion, sold 1,000,000 copies in US alone. That's a success!Mariah never said she is the best vocalist. She never wanted to perform live so often. As I remember, she was criticized in early 90's for not giving live performances. That was the reason for releasing MTV Unplugged. She's always been, is, and will be, the studio singer. It is sad, but it seems like most of people pay attention only to melody. Please, take some time, and listen carefully to her songs. They are all well-produced and arranged, see "Touch My Body". A fun song that has seriously great vocal arrangement that no one can imitate. Period. (Thursday 12 December 2013; 0:55)

Mimi L. / favourite song off the catalogue (40,008) by R&B Junkie from Poland I agree about the underrated songs. Here's a list of my favourite songs by MC (the feeling as of November 26, 2013, it changes as the time goes by). Mariah Carey: All In Your Mind Emotions: So Blessed and Make It Happen MTV Unplugged: Someday Music Box: Dreamlover Merry Christmas: AIWFCIY Daydream: (exception) Slipping Away from the ABMB single Butterfly: The Roof, Breakdown, Babydoll Rainbow: Heartbreaker tied with Crybaby Glitter: Don't Stop, If We Charmbracelet: TTR, Irresistible TEOM: Shake It Off and Stay The Night E=MC2: Cruise Control, I Wish You Well and O.O.C. Memoirs: Betcha Gon' Know, Ribbon, It's A Wrap MCIIY: Here Comes Santa Claus Other songs I'd like to attach to this list are: Lil' L.O.V.E., Sweetheart, and remixes: Fantasy, MyAll/StayAwhile. You can see this list has also songs that aren't widely recognizable by the publicity. Current work didn't hit this chart because I am still impressed and that could make me less objective (beause I love them all). What is the point: the success of e.g. WBT doesn't make me love the song more than I'd do without all this crazy 14 weeks at #1. It's like we musn't love rich people just because they are so. Just a piece of advice. Love to you all everybody! (Tuesday 26 November 2013; 21:20)

The magic of internet (39,924) by R&B Junkie from Poland When it comes to the world wide web, everyone seems to be a management specialist, musician, songwriter, vocal coach, dress stylist, and whatever you all wanna be. So the question is: Are you all really that excellent in everyday life and have you ever achieved something more than just little things (that no one knows)? Now the most shocking part of this messageboard was the one where somebody called TAOLG a flop single. First of all, it is not the regular single (so far), they call it "a song", not "a single". And come on, a true music lover would be glad and grateful for any newly released song. Ask fans of The Beatles or (sorry, there's no bad intentions in it) Whitney Houston, what they would prefer: a song or nothing. We've been given with the song, that's what we should love Mariah for, chart statistics and ways of promotion should not matter. And I have the feeling that most of you forgot that she's not in her 20's anymore, she's married and has children. She's not going to be the best selling pop star for another decade, just because of one reason: it takes time. And for me, the most important thing is that an artist never stop being an artist, it doesn't matter if your album sales are 20,000 or 20,000,000, because it's in your soul. No doubt Mariah has it. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 21:38)

Chase (39,885) by R&B Junkie from Poland Yes! The only thing that matters, or if it don't for you then it should, is music! I'm not obsessed with all that glittering numer 1's stuff. I'm proud she has done so good on the charts, but now I really don't care. Top 40 is enough, I don't need my idol to be chart-topping anymore since having number 1 these days does not mean the single has good quality. See, it's all about making money. The thing that I need from music is to bring me some extra emotions to my life. That's how #Beautiful works, and so does TAOLG. "Through the Rain" wasn't that succesful, but I love it so much. And there are many other Mariah's singles that touched my soul, and didn't become hits. Does it mean I can't enjoy that music? (Monday 18 November 2013; 16:02)

Version 1 vs version 2 (39,806) by R&B Junkie from Poland For some people the differences aren't clear, but for those who are on the higher level of musical sensitivity they are evident. It's the same with files of mp3 or wav format. The latter is considered to be professional. Mp3s have lower quality of dynamics. 90% of listeners don't get that, but it's the way it is. If you want to have an eargasm with Mariah songs, go and listen to her CDS or, if using computer, turn CD tracks into wav format. (Thursday 14 November 2013; 21:55)

The Art of Letting Go (39,783) by R&B Junkie from Poland This song is amazing. It's jazz married with soul. I love the simple arrangement, each sound is put where it's needed, especially hammond organs, they bring the Motown feel. The greatest advantage is the fact that the cut is not overpoduced. Lyrical content is OK, I don't mind the long words, they all make the melody more towards jazz songs - one more proof that "The Art of Letting Go" was written for adult audience, for people who got bored by all these recent sound wars in radio stations. No, it's not going to be the mainstream hit, but that doesn't mean the song is not worth attention. If you all could forget the number ones thing, topping the charts, and focuse on the song itself - this would be the best award for Mariah. (Wednesday 13 November 2013; 19:58)