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Walter Afanasieff opens up the Music Box again (54,692) by Bill from the UK I found this really interesting article from 2011. Walter talks about how the Music Box album came together. He mentions his involvement in her debut, their collaborations on Emotions, and goes into some great detail about Dreamlover, Hero and Just to Hold You Once Again as well as how he regretted that Everything Fades Away didn't make it onto the US edition. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 13:23)

Make It Look Good (54,691) by Bill from the UK QHM, thank you for posting the link to the extended MILG. That song is by far and away the best thing she's written in the last ten years and when I was on my first play through of MIAM, I had to stop and replay that song about twenty times before I could move on to the rest of the album. It just struck a chord with me and Stevie's celestial harmonica and the O Jay's sample just worked so well with her voice. It's so well written lyrically too, it would have been perfect to follow Beautiful if it weren't for the whole arm drama. One thing I'm unhappy about with the song is that it is over all too quickly, so this beautiful prolonged into is brilliant. I remember the original TAOLG track list had this as the opening track. With that intro it would have really worked as a great beginning to the album. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 11:42)

Make It Look Good (extended version) (54,690) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines I remember there was this teaser of some sort released before, if I'm not mistaken, The Art Of Letting Go dropped. It featured Mariah speaking over this orchestral background music which I recall excited some of us in this board because we were hoping for the then unreleased album (which eventually turned out to be MIAMTEC) to sound that way. When I first heard some of the riffs off the backdrop of Make It Look Good, I knew there was something familiar about it, so when I tried to search for the teaser again, I ended up finding this fanmade clip instead, which used the music from the teaser as an intro to MILG. Now the quality of the teaser sound snippet isn't the best (it deteriorated as a consequence of unsuccessfully removing Mariah's voiceover) but it's good enough to give us an idea of what MILG would've probably sounded like during the earlier production stages. Although it is my favorite track off MIAMTEC, my only other issue with the song (the first one being the absence of a verse from Stevie) is that it has always sounded too short for me (it fades out after the second chorus). This makes me wish this intro wasn't cut out, if it was part of the original mix of the track at all. It just adds another level of sophistication to an already opulent song. Oh well. It's still the most buoyant joint on the album and one of Mariah's few swinging feel good moments. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 9:26)

Why is Billboard's Trevor Anderson not crediting MC as the main songwriter of her own debut album? (54,689) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End Who the hell writes an in depth review of one of the greatest artists to ever do it's debut album, track by track, but forgets to mention that she wrote every single song, many before she was even out of high school? Never mind how the only person credited as co-writer is a guy who aside from his connection to Mariah has left not a skidmark on music since they parted ways almost 25 years ago. Not to mention how she produced Vanishing, a standout track to critics and fans alike, on her own that's aged line a fine wine. Someone like Adele's obviously been influenced by the kind of bare production Mariah had to fight to keep back then. Trevor Anderson is clearly a hack because just recently he has done interviews with people like Charlie Puth, Tori Kelly and Rachel Platten, but had no problems at all making sure the Billboard readers understood he was a songwriter and producer in full detail. Even when he shades Mariah's lyrics he can't bring himself to actually give her credit for writing it. Why does a "writer" neglect to give a a fellow scribe their just dues at the one moment where he would be expected to, the retrospective/review of said writer's debut works? Couldn't Gary Trust have written that article? Billboard, a magazine dedicated to stats, credits and lists is always doing passive aggressive things where Mariah's concerned and I'm sick of it. Team MiMi needs to market her as a songwriter 24/7. MC's next album title: Songwriter Supreme, Songbird Sublime. Done. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 8:33)

Can't Let Go (54,688) by enwar00 from usa Does anyone else think this is one of Mariah's best songs ever? I watched the SNL performance of the song this afternoon and remembered how amazing the song is. There's been so much hype on the #1s lately and I've been watching those so I feel like it gets discriminated against because it only made #2. But dare I say I like it better than many of the #1s. I like the video too, so I shall watch it now. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 6:03)

Other storytelling songs / Lee TS / Bill (54,687) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines Lee TS, thanks, that's sweet of you especially since I'm mostly just rambling in all my posts. Bill, yeah, I had that in the top 20 (yes, I actually went that far), it was just so hard to narrow it down to 10 for obvious reasons. So I just tried to focus on the songs that were "more story-telling" than others, if that makes sense. Aside from Twister, the other songs that didn't quite make the cut were: 12) We Belong Together. The second verse never fails to get me. The desperation is just so raw. 13) The Wind. Makes you wonder why Mariah rarely does jazz. It's a crime. This is one of the few songs in her earlier albums that will better suit her current, more mature tone. 14) Love Story. Classic boy meets girl story that some of today's rom-coms are all about. 15) Reflections (Care Enough). Disturbing abortion reference aside, this is really quite touching, especially the second verse. 16) Candy Bling. In an interesting way, this sounds like present Mariah reminiscing about that date in Fourth of July but revealing more. 17) Babydoll. There's something very posh about this song. It's very 90's without sounding dated. I usually listen to this after Honey and before The Roof. Interesting storyline there. 18) Clown. This sly diss track is appropriately low key in terms of instrumentation, which only highlights its impact. 19) Circles. Seems like something she would sing after being stood up again on a planned date. 20) Lullaby. This lighter sequel to The Roof is all kinds of flirty. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 5:49)

Re: Shade (Leona Lewis and interviewer) my response (54,649) by Amber C my response a response to me (54,686) by 123 from USA You probably didn't mean it as a diss, but it did come off as dismissive to Whitney. By your original post you weren't around when Mariah came out. She was immediately pegged by the public as the "Next Whitney", the "White Whitney", or the Whitney Clone. Of course Columbia didn't help by using some of the same producers to make her sound less soul/r&b and more pop by having producers mainstream/watered down her songs, especially those she created prior to having a deal. The big difference is that Mariah was less diva (just a gifted vocalist) and more of a singer /songwriter/ producer/ musician so she made a conscious effort with each album to create and carve out her own sound, especially with her voice. Becoming lighter and airier. Whitney was a force and won the battle of the voice with her rendition of IWALY in 92 and began to retreat from the music scene altogether sans a few songs on a couple of soundtracks and an lp at the end of the decade. Prior to that, no one had a bigger career other than MJ. She still holds the title for the most consecutive number 1s (seven). Mariah only won the war because of her amazing work ethic of releasing quality product one year after another which lead to her domination of the 90s. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 5:37)

Album ideas for Mariah's future projects (54,685) by Mushaakiss from UAE I was listening to some 70s and 80s hits recently and I know Mariah has done many remakes over the years, Without You, IWKWLI, BOTHB, Open Arms, AAO, etc, but she hadn't done a full album of remakes which I think would be a [...] addition to her catalogue. She doesn't need to always have to make new music, she's done that for years and maybe it's time to take a little break from that or maybe just as she did with #1s To Infinity, include 1, maybe 2 new songs, but not more. Would be [...] if the added songs are some unreleased songs from her earlier work. Would be a nice surprise. Another album I'd like to hear is a duets album including some big names she's always respected and has [...] chemistry with. Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Aretha, Mary J. and I'm sure there are many others that people would like to hear her duet with. She needs to do something different and put out easy listens not worrying about charts and all of that nonsense. She's an established megastar and unless she works to please teenagers who currently impact the charts, she wouldn't be able to please everyone. IMO albums like that will reconnect her with her real fans and maybe make new younger fans appreciate how beautiful music can be without all the raunchiness and rather forgettable music on the airwaves right now. Make it happen Mariah. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 3:59)

"If Mariah was Siri" (54,684) by Ardis Logic from Earth That was laugh out loud funny. I don't even know what Siri is, that is even funnier. That little dog in the video was so cute. (Wednesday 17 June 2015; 1:00)

If Mariah was Siri (54,683) by nikki from usa If Mariah was Siri. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 23:33)

Negativity (54,677) by Giovanni from USA It's best just to ignore negative people. Let them post what they want. It's usually someone just looking for attention or trolling. So pay them no mind. Not responding is the best thing you can do. Anyways, I hope everyone is having a good day. Sending some love to Mariah and to all the lambily. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 20:15)

This_is_qhm (54,676) by Bill from the UK I think your list is spot on. I would maybe add The Wind to the list, as it is so atmospheric and moving. It really is a stunning song and I wish Mariah would explore that light jazz style some more. It was such a powerful closing mediation to what remains one of her best albums. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 19:18)

The MC criticizers (54,675) by Ardis Logic from Earth Some people criticize others and put them down just to feel worthy and successful. This usually happens out of a jealousy and inferiority. Usually, "the haters" simply criticize and move on. And that means that you can just ignore them and continue doing your thing. Criticism and negativity from other people is like a wall. And if you focus on it, then you’ll run right into it. You’ll get blocked by negative emotions, anger, and self-doubt. Just my two cents. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 18:22)

Fourth Of July (54,674) by B from USA Fourth of July is a lyrical masterpiece. Mariah is the lyricist of our generation. Personally, I hope Mariah is inducted in the Songwriter Hall of Fame more than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is an expert at capturing an emotion lyrically. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 18:07)

Re: Billy from Greece (54,673) by trox from united states I agree with you Billy. I thought the same thing. Mariah's career situation right now is very similar to Diana's back in the 80's. Both were gigantic in the previous decades, Mariah from 1990 to 2008, and Diana from 1964 to 1981, with occasional ups and downs. After their commercial prime, they became "classic" artists, with a very defined sound and persona. The problem is that classic artists hardly make a impact with new music for younger audiences. And this is not bad, they don't have anything to prove anymore. But if they want to stay vital and fresh, they have to make their images and music fresh and vital again. Diana continued to do great music after the mid-80's but her "classic" formula didn't have the freshness it once had for radio and music consumers. You can't compare Diana's latter albums or videos with those of Janet or Madonna or Whitney or Mariah. The same with Mariah, she still makes great music, thank God, but her work isn't fresh or exciting as once it was. People will love her for her legacy and this is not a problem. She can make a comeback if she finds a way to update and refresh her image and sound. She did that to a certain extent with the #Beautiful single. It was her best work in a long time. But the album was very classic, and I don't think it sounded fresh ("Me, I am Mariah..."). (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 18:00)

Randy (54,672) by darrian liu from taiwan What? BET Blueprint's VOL was pure vocal bliss. There's not a single bad note in it. The phrases after "the answer that heaven has sent down to me" were executed brilliantly, the belts were optimally resonant and her runs were on point. 1998's The View was another story. Some of her belts aren't as resonant as they could be and she was dodging notes with insane melismas (they were really good). Since we're talking about deterioration, then we should do it chronologically. Comparing the performances you gave by year, that's not deterioration. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 16:19)

This_is_qhm (54,671) by Lee TS from USA I just love reading your posts. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 14:29)

Top 10 Mariah "storytelling" songs (54,669) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines It's remarkable how Mariah's ability to paint vivid pictures with her lyrics has improved over the years. Here's my top 10. Honorable mention: Twister. Probably the most haunting song of hers. 10) Petals. In light of recent events, this seems to hit even harder. 9) Underneath The Stars. No other Mariah song has captured the bliss of young love more perfectly. 8) It's A Wrap. This could be a scene in a musical. It's that entertaining. Plus, you can hear the frustration in Mariah's voice. 7) Make It Happen. Mariah's own success story is truly inspiring. And dem growls? Chills. 6) Fourth Of July. Of all her songs, this is the one that sounds and feels most like a painting. This artwork of the most romantic date ever is simply a masterpiece. 5) Crybaby. A fantastic depiction of the beginning of a relationship's end. And her ad-libs toward the end? Killer. 4) Side Effects. Who knew the dirty laundry of her first marriage would only come out 11 years after the divorce? Intriguing yet empowering. 3) Betcha Gon' Know (The Prologue). This is probably the most cinematic of all Mimi's storytelling songs. The riveting tale of a woman witnessing her partner's infidelity. 2) Close My Eyes. The best showcase of Mariah's knack for metaphors. Dreamy, elegant, introspective, mysterious, and compelling. 1) The Roof. Everything just came together for this sensual and sexy track - the melody, the mood, the lyrics, the video, A+. I call this quiet storm with a subtle urban edge. What are yours? (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 12:24)

Re: Ty (54,668) by Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan from USA Thank you. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 12:18)

Randy (54,667) by Bino from Vocal deterioration means the voice becomes progressively worse as time passes. There's a little truth to it (after '96) but it's a hyperbole that you and others keep shoving down our throats. We have ears, and we know the golden voice will never come back, but to constantly, endlessly say her voice has deteriorated is stretching it a bit. You mentioned about bad performances after 1995 and yet there are plenty of excellent performances as well. Why pretend they don't exist? Now that's not vocal deterioration, it's vocal inconsistency. The fact that two decades after her supposed vocal deterioration, we're still talking about it (with so many theories about her voice, just go to YouTube), and that she's still performing here and there, improving recently and slaying still sometimes, only shows the myth that is her voice - raw, flawed, but eternally astonishing, whether it's studio or live. About your "engineer-in-the-room" comment? Do you know for certain that it is true? And are you insinuating that she's a fake vocalist, that it's all made up? What is your point in bringing that up? (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 10:16)

What I have learned from posting on this board II (54,666) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines 1. Every fan has a unique way of supporting Mariah in this big family that's pretty much dysfunctional half the time. 2. You'll have to accept that every once in a while, a comment will come so straight out of left field that will have you suddenly considering that smashing your keyboard/monitor/device may not be such a bad idea. Worst thing is, this happens more often than you'd think and want. 3. There was a time when "disliking" was an option. It was removed shortly due to its tendency to be used as a bullying tactic. 4. You're sure to find someone you'll love, loathe, and have a love-hate relationship with. 5. There's something to be said for not saying anything. 6. Not a week goes by without a "critical vs. optimistic fan" argument. 7. No week is also complete without a debate on Mariah's vocal ability or "what's left of it". 8. Mariah's The Art Of Letting Go is may very well be dedicated to every poster on the board for its relevance in this setting. The earlier you learn it, the better. You'll also realize just how valuable scrolling is. 9. Posters come and go. But you're better off taking a break from posting without any announcement at all as 90% of those who do never really seem to leave anyway. 10. The webmaster is all kinds of cool for coming up with this site and have it running for so long. Bonus: Pretty much everyone hates Boy (I Need You). (I personally don't. I love the melody of the verses and the refrain. The song overall, though, is quite cloying.) (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 9:31)

Marcus (54,664) by Elena from The Netherlands I agree with you. This time she's got a hell of a stage and all the ingredients to make it a spectacle en more entertaining beyond the voice. What's missing is a few dance moves here and there and the energy. Mariah used to run and walk around the stage whilst singing effortlessly (!) For her switching from grand spectacle in uptempo's to more intimate setting with ballads would work best. More new video material especially made for the concert series could give the old classics more life. I love what she does with TGIFY because here she can sing freely and play around with the song, which she is a master at, just look at her remixes. The show is almost perfect. They only had a few months to put it together and done great, but what could be done better is Mariah herself. Her outfits, her vocal resting and her moving around on stage. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 8:49)

Re: Vibrato (54,656) by Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan from USA (54,663) by darrian liu from taiwan I noticed lack of vibrato too. I think that's a result of retraining her voice. Before Vegas (2014) her belts in the 5th octave aren't really that good. Now I see her trying to keep support in her belts. Maybe she's advised not to add vibrato before her support is as strong as at least 2005 vocals. If she adds vibrato to her belts now, the notes might not be as good as the notes we're hearing now. Or maybe it's a stylistic choice? (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 7:43)

Clueeey and Giovanni (54,662) by Randy from USA You need proof of vocal deterioration? Watch Mariah sing Vision Of Love after "the answer that heaven has sent down to me" until the end in 1995 at Madison Square Garden then go three short years and watch it become an epic fail at The View in 1998. Then watch it become an embarrassment at 2003 Shining Through The Rain and then watch it become a laborous strain to prove the point she still has a voice in 2005 at BET's Blueprint. All of these are on YouTube. Need proof of lip syncing? I have plenty of those. No one thinks it's odd she refuses to have anyone but the engineer in the room when she records her vocals? Delusion is very real on this board and it's getting old. By the way, before the nasty messages start, I'm not calling you two delusional. I don't know you as people to make that judgment. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 5:43)

Alexis shut up (54,661) by Ty from USA You are not a lamb or fan. Mariah is a singer and songwriter. Janet and Madonna are incredible entertainers, but have a limited vocal range, so they hide behind glossy productions or dancing or stripping. You sound completely [...]. (Tuesday 16 June 2015; 3:26)

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