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About Edward from USA:

Thoughts (111,831) by Edward from USA
"Sugar Sweet" was a solid second single choice. "Play This Song", on the other hand, is flat, it doesn't go anywhere, and there's no real hook or memorable moment. The chemistry between Mariah and Anderson just isn't there. "Leave the Door Open" worked because Bruno and Anderson balanced each other. Anderson's subdued but effective vocals start the song while Bruno's vocals brought the song to life. That spark is completely missing on "Play This Song".

When we were talking about a possible collabo with Bruno Mars, I said Bobby that in case, Mariah would have to vocally bring it to make it work. "In Your Feelings" and "Nothing's Impossible" would've made much stronger third single choices.
(Monday 13 October 2025; 04:46)
this is a reply to message 111,825
Play This Song (111,816) by Edward from USA
The song is flat, it lacks and some vocal moment. "Leave The Door Open" is on different level. I'm surprised they chose that as a single.
(Sunday 12 October 2025; 02:55)
this is a reply to message 111,814
It will be a hit (111,806) by Edward from USA
Caution's trajectory on the BB200 albums was 5, 40, 100. At this point, I don't think that would help either. Hopefully it will do better in Asia.
(Saturday 11 October 2025; 03:31)
this is a reply to message 111,804
The hits (111,796) by Edward from USA
I don't think it's that lambs don't care about hits, it's just that most of us don't want the experience of a great album to be overshadowed by chart obsession. I wanted quality music and an album vocally better than "Caution", well I got that beyond my expectations.

Mariah's fanbase, especially those of us who connected with her on a deeper, more personal level through songs like "Hero", "Outside", "Through the Rain" and "Andy's Theme", we're not teenagers anymore. We grew up with her music as the soundtrack of our lives. Sadly, most fans from that era jumped ship a long time ago, but some fans are in denial about that, but that's just part of time and life.

Of course, I would love to see Mariah score another hit, especially from an album like "HFIA", who wouldn't? But I'm not delusional either, the landscape has changed. When an artist whose songs I can barely name is debuting at #1 with 3M album sold, yes, that's Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl", it really puts things in perspective. At this stage, Mariah needs the general public on board for a hit, that kind of moment she experiences during the holidays when not even Taylor can compete. As loyal as we are, we're only a small part of the equation now.

I personally think that, while "Play this Song" is too safe and lacks a vocal punch moment, "Sugar Sweet", "In Your Feelings", and "Nothing Is Impossible" are solid single material. If Ariana had released them, the industry would be losing its mind. It's not only about quality at this point, it's about perception too, and that's something Mariah has battled her whole career. While Mariah keeps up her unapologetic diva act, Taylor keeps milking the whole Ms. Goody Two Shoes girl next door persona for what it's worth. If you give her an umbrella, she would be Mary Poppins with a boyfriend and huge rock on her finger.

Now let's talk about Christmas because that's the time when we all know Mariah reigns completely unchallenged and I'm perfectly fine with that. I can't wait to see her snatch that record again, this time solo. For now, I'm just soaking in this album. I bought it, I stream it, I share it with friends and relatives, that's what I can do as a true fan. Hoping for a hit won't make it happen, but I've done my part.

At the end of the day, when the charts have settled, great music and an unforgettable album is what's left. I do prefer that over quick hit.
(Friday 10 October 2025; 16:49)
Mariah and Gamma (111,773) by Edward from USA
"Gamma is the right place for her, there's not a lot of pressure to produce, and it's all about her, not a hundred features. She has the best career now, she's just spoiled the fans that she has to be charting because a big part of her career is built on being a hitmaker. But she's doing just fine, and she's happy, and so should we. If Mariah makes more HFIA with middling chart position and be able to do what she wants, I would be happy."

I couldn't have said it better myself. People just need to relax, support her, and enjoy the music. None of her one-off projects since "Caution" have matched the quality of any track on "HFIA", and I'm very happy about that.
(Wednesday 8 October 2025; 23:11)
this is a reply to message 111,772
Article: Mariah Carey debuts in Billboard's top 10 (111,759) by Edward from USA
Oh wow, I just listened to it. It doesn't always sound like Mariah, but there are some crazy vocal moments, whistles included. And to think this technology is still in its early stages. Lord have mercy.
(Tuesday 7 October 2025; 17:16)
this is a reply to message 111,757
Article: Mariah Carey debuts in Billboard's top 10 (111,755) by Edward from USA
The lambs are doing their part. She shouldn't have gone that long without releasing new music, period. And now things are getting worse with thousands of AI songs flooding streaming platforms. Considering the context, those are pretty decent numbers.
(Tuesday 7 October 2025; 12:40)
this is a reply to message 111,750
How can I get a message to Mariah? (111,738) by Edward from USA
Mariah's probably been with as many men as she has fingers and toes combined, but some folks still insist on treating her like a 14-year old damsel in distress who needs rescuing. Meanwhile, she's a grown, mega-successful, rich, and ridiculously intelligent woman raising teenagers and living her best life. No one trying to "save" little Miss Carey from some evil men could ever walk a mile in her heels, let alone survive her schedule.

Would it be nice if she found a great man to share life with? Sure. But let's not act like she's lost without one. The woman knows exactly what she's doing. When she says, "I'm a bad bitch, but I'm good company," I believe her. The love of her life, whose name we shouldn't mention, has said a thousand times that Mariah is always in control.

At this point, she's earned the right to enjoy some great, no-strings attached, uncomplicated fun between the sheets with whomever she pleases to share her Carey with. She's Mariah effing Carey, she's paid her dues and her taxes.
(Monday 6 October 2025; 17:50)
this is a reply to message 111,735
The numbers are not matching up (111,726) by Edward from USA
Guess how many copies Barbra Streisand sold in the first week of her latest album? Less than 20K. This is a woman who's had number-one albums in six consecutive decades, with a loyal and dedicated fanbase and highly respected by the general public. Even when she wasn't charting with singles, her albums still debuted at number one. Back in 2014, she moved nearly 200K in her first week, so yes, times have changed and everything fades away.

It happens to every artist eventually. Rihanna isn't as popular as she once was, Ariana's fame is already starting to fade, and she's only about 11 years in the game. Taylor's time will come too. That's just the natural cycle of the music industry.

And that's not counting Mariah out either. Thanks to "AIWFCIY" and her enduring influence on music, she remains remarkably relevant for someone who's been releasing records for 35 years. The fact that "HFIA" had roughly the same first week sales as "Caution", an album released seven years earlier, is no small feat. That deserves to be celebrated.
(Sunday 5 October 2025; 17:52)
this is a reply to message 111,723
Tommy again? (111,715) by Edward from USA
Are you serious? That kind of stuff gets thrown around all the time. It's always "the industry is against her", "radio is blocking her", "they didn't want her to pass The Beatles", like, come on. At some point it just sounds ridiculous.

Mariah is a legend. She's broken records most artists could only dream of, and she's about to break and set an unmost impossible record to break. But not every setback or chart miss is some big conspiracy, it's not always the label not doing their work. Trends change, the industry evolves, and artists have ups and downs, it's normal. Nobody stays at the top for ever, it is ridiculous to assume she would be as successful as she was in her prime. Making excuses every time just takes away from her legacy. She doesn't need a victim narrative to prove how iconic she is.
(Sunday 5 October 2025; 01:39)
this is a reply to message 111,713
Mariah needs to be part of a major label #7 51,000 (111,710) by Edward from USA
It's perfectly fine that Mariah's not selling like she used to. That's just the reality of a long career in today's music industry. Labels are only part of the picture, and we can't be delusional in thinking Mariah is suddenly going to start selling millions again. That's not being negative, it's just being realistic.

I'm pretty sure Mariah had to put some of her own coins into making "HFIA". And based on the numbers so far, Gamma will likely just break even on what they invested. And that's okay too. This album feels more like a passion project than a commercial play.

At the end of the day, Mariah and Gamma delivered a solid album. Now it's really up to the fans and listeners. No label, no matter how big and powerful, can force people to connect with an album or an artist. It has to happen organically.
(Saturday 4 October 2025; 20:13)
this is a reply to message 111,709
Tommy again? (111,706) by Edward from USA
"HFIA" is a great album and we should all be happy about that. Some people need to realize that Mariah's longevity itself is something to celebrate, 35 years in the business and still this relevant is no small feat. At this point, the conspiracy theories are just exhausting, there's not a one-eye man with crooked teeth and twisted fingers trying to sabotage her. Back in the 90s and 2000s, adults bought CDs and singles, which boosted sales. Today, everything revolves around streaming, and teens are mostly the ones driving that now, it's a completely different game. You don't even have to buy "HFIA", it's available on every streaming platform. But to match a single album purchase, you'd have to stream it over 1,500 times, which is nearly impossible for the average fan. Other than the holidays, when she reigns supreme on all streaming platforms, unfortunately, she doesn't benefit as much from the streaming-heavy system.

So, as I stated here before the album even dropped: don't stress over "HFIA" on the charts. Don't let numbers distract you from the fact that Mariah has given us something precious with this album.
(Saturday 4 October 2025; 14:56)
The numbers are not matching up (111,695) by Edward from USA
Bobby A, those are solid numbers for a legacy artist. For example, Ed Sheen's [sic] Play dropped on September 12 and opened with 71k first week sales, 51k of which were pure album sales. Yet just two weeks later, it's already out of the BB200 albums.
(Saturday 4 October 2025; 03:07)
this is a reply to message 111,692
"It's one of his classics" (111,694) by Edward from USA
This is how part of that interview went down.
Andy: Did you write it?
Mariah: No, it's one of his classics, and I sang along with him and did new background vocals and did...
Judging by the way she's saying, this wasn't a duet post mortem.
(Saturday 4 October 2025; 02:47)
this is a reply to message 111,691
Someone's Ugly Daughter (111,627) by Edward from USA
Mariah is far from clueless, she knows exactly what she's doing. Do we really think Jimmy Fallon just happened to dig up an unreleased record and casually play it? Come on. That moment was clearly orchestrated. If it wasn't, you can bet Mariah would've quickly redirected the conversation back to "HFIA".

She comes across as calm, self-assured, and totally in control during that interview. The promo for "HFIA" has been strong, and let's not ignore the timing, the sudden reappearance of "Someone's Ugly Daughter" on SZA and Fallon interviews is no coincidence. Something is definitely up.

At this point, "HFIA" is already out, and no amount of extra promotion is going to drastically change its trajectory. The album speaks for itself, it's simply that good.

Let's just sit back and relax. Mariah's cooking something, and pretty soon, we're all gonna smell what's on the stove.
(Tuesday 30 September 2025; 19:30)
Lamb emergency (111,619) by Edward from USA
The mike was definitely on. Simple but elegant.
(Tuesday 30 September 2025; 13:23)
this is a reply to message 111,612
Am I "Here For It All"? (111,602) by Edward from USA
I wanted to really sit with "Here For It All" before posting my thoughts, and now that I've listened to it about seven times, I can say I'm pleasantly surprised, in the best way of course.

First off, the vocals. Mariah might not be belting like she did in the '90s, but she's definitely not whispering either. Her voice sounds fuller and more present, she's singing in her full voice again, and that's honestly so refreshing. The whole album gives me flashes of her early releases, and I love that.

Putting "Type Dangerous" and "Sugar Sweet" in the context of the album, I'm really happy they're part of it, they both bring a nice balance to the record. And while the lyrics of "My Love" are pretty simple, Mariah's straightforward delivery is just beautiful. It reminds me of the emotion and melody she brought to her early covers, heartfelt, effortless, and deeply felt. I'm definitely loving myself some "My Love".

For me, the standout track is "Nothing Is Impossible". It's honest, vulnerable, and that whistle at the end? Ethereal. Perfection. And just to clear it up: that "survived a gruesome fall" line isn't about a literal fall, it's clearly about an emotional one, which makes it even more powerful. So please, stop thinking she needs to go to the ER due to some broken bones from 2014.

I was a little nervous about "Jesus I Do" before hearing it, I thought it might turn into a scream-fest, but wow wow wow, they pulled it off. Their voices blend so well together, with its catchy chorus, it is, I believe, easily one of the highlights of the album, and Jesus knows that sometimes "I Don't".

Now, let's talk about the song "Here For It All." It's such a beautiful and heartfelt song. But as I said to my dear friend Randy, it would've been stronger if it had faded around the 4-minute mark. Not because what follows is bad, but because the vibe shifts so much it feels like a completely different piece that could've worked better as an interlude. I actually faded it myself at that point and it sounds amazing that way, like a perfect ending.

I'm also relieved the Mariah solo version of "Sugar Sweet" didn't make it into the standard album. Just Mariah singing her parts with the chorus on repeat without Kehlani's and Shenseea's verses doesn't really work for me. If she'd sung the whole thing, including their parts, that would've been a different story and probably fantastic.

And for anyone thinking this might be a farewell album, I think it's not. This feels more like liberation album. What I hear is a woman who's embraced where she is, let go of all the expectations, and is focused on the art, not the charts. It's her most honest and cohesive album in over a decade, one you can play from start to finish without skipping a track, just like the old days.

Also, that chorus from "Nothing Is Impossible"? It seems to be living rent-free in my head right now.

The wait was so worth it. With "Here For It All", Mariah seems to have freed herself from fear, from pressure, from the weight of "what could've been" and I love this album for that.

So, I asked myself: Am I Here For It All?, and a dramatic and resounding answer came instantly: You're damn right I am.
(Monday 29 September 2025; 18:39)
Article: Mariah Carey was the "worst" celebrity guest on Mafiathon 3 (111,466) by Edward from USA
It was very evident that the issue wasn't Mariah. They were simply unprepared, period. The whole setup was a mess. Kai called his friends to come up, and when they showed, they looked like they'd just woken up. Total chaos.

They asked Mariah to bring words for a spelling bee segment, but clearly had no plan. No structure, no flow, nothing. Kai, you had Mariah Carey on your show, not Da Brat. Next time, do your homework

Mariah has been extra stiff ever since, probably from sitting in that ridiculously low, unglamorous chair. That wasn't even a proper gaming chair, it looked like a punishment. Come on. If you're going to invite a legend, treat her like one.
(Thursday 25 September 2025; 17:23)
this is a reply to message 111,454
Article: Mariah Carey was the "worst" celebrity guest on Mafiathon 3 (111,431) by Edward from USA
Sorry, but Mariah came in with great energy and was a good sport throughout. The real issue was on Kai's side: everything felt messy and improvised. When you have a celebrity of her caliber on your show, organization is a must. I get that they're all Gen Z and maybe still figuring things out, but come on. If she was the "worst" celebrity on your show, you and your crew were the "worst" hosts. How do you bring your crew looking messy and out of it to meet the queen. Chile please.
(Wednesday 24 September 2025; 19:45)
Recent falsetto (111,408) by Edward from USA
I've noticed that too. Earlier in her career, Mariah's falsetto and upper register had this richness and depth that gave it a mature, almost otherworldly quality. Lately it does sound lighter, thinner, and more nasal, which can make it come across as childlike. It could be a stylistic choice, or just how her instrument has shifted over time. Either way, I think that's why those moments in "Sugar Sweet" and the live versions feel so different compared to the warmth and resonance she used to deliver. I have made my peace with all that, and to be honest, it's somewhat liberating.
(Tuesday 23 September 2025; 13:32)
this is a reply to message 111,407
Good critics for the new album (111,372) by Edward from USA
There's something about "Here For It All" that just hits different. I really feel like we're in for a big surprise, but I'm keeping my expectations in check. I can't wait.
(Sunday 21 September 2025; 17:39)
this is a reply to message 111,367
Rollout evaluation (111,355) by Edward from USA
Randy, I'm with you on this one. The rollout has definitely been one of her stronger ones in years, and I've really enjoyed the little details. it feels like she's been more present this era. "Type Dangerous" and "Sugar Sweet" don't feel like the kind of tracks that should be leading an album, but they're not bad either. I'll give "Type Dangerous" credit for at least being different from anything she's put out before, which is a good thing. A "B" sounds fair, the effort is definitely there, but the execution could've been tighter. Hopefully the full album makes up for those choices.
(Sunday 21 September 2025; 04:05)
this is a reply to message 111,343
What's wrong with Mariah (111,282) by Edward from USA
Bobby A, if you break your hip at 30, what are you supposed to do, sit around until you’re 60 to get it fixed? Please. That’s why Mariah sometimes moves a little stiff, giving robot realness. It's not her fault though, back them hip replacement technology wasn't that advanced.
(Thursday 18 September 2025; 02:02)
this is a reply to message 111,281
What's wrong with Mariah (111,274) by Edward from USA
She actually ended up having hip replacement surgery. If you remember her MTV Cribs episode, she fell off a treadmill while working out in high heels. Classic Mariah.
(Wednesday 17 September 2025; 20:32)
this is a reply to message 111,269
Vegas residency (111,273) by Edward from USA
At this point, I can appreciate some good lipping. Mariah has managed to fool me a couple of times, and honestly, I don't mind. It lets me relax instead of sitting on the edge of my seat, so I can just enjoy how great she looks and take in the whole performance.
(Wednesday 17 September 2025; 20:29)
this is a reply to message 111,268

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