I think Mariah needs to start writing music for other artists. That is the one aspect of her talent that's never wavered. Mariah's songwriting ability is unparalleled. I think she should capitalize on that and stop hoarding all of that greatness for herself. Mariah knows how to write both deep love songs and catchy songs like TMB and ILT, so she could write for big vocalists like Adele or trendy artists of the moment. Can you imagine all of the good publicity she would get if Rihanna or Adele's hottest new song was written by MC? And who in their right mind would turn down a song written by someone of MC's caliber? People who work behind the scenes seem to get much more respect than the ones who are in the forefront. They also aren't under as much scrutiny. I'm not saying MC should stop doing music, I just think that this is a brilliant avenue to explore to ensure that her name is never completely tarnished. If she ever hits a rough patch emotionally, I think it would be better if she just shifted to working behind the scenes rather than retiring altogether. (Friday 6 February 2015; 1:11)
I love Mariah (49,803)
by Otti from Belgium
Mariah Carey is more than just a singer. She is this artist, who writes her own songs, likes to sing backing vocals on her own songs, she loves hip hop, she is biracial. Her albums are personal, like a dairy. I remember when Rainbow came out, I was thinking, how every album since Emotions has a one word title. Music Box, Daydream, Butterfly, Rainbow, even Glitter, Charmbracelet. Every title is so girly and at the same time meaningful. Butterfly is like freedom, Rainbow is like about tolerance but also about "after every storm there's a rainbow". Daydream about escaping from daily life. All these reasons makes us fans or lambs. Mariah is not Whitney (rip), Celine. If Mariah stands there singing a little song, she stands there so vulnerable, like she is saying come and safe me. Like a member of Westlife said, when he saw Mariah's clip of Without You. (Friday 6 February 2015; 1:08)
My take on Mariah, the voice, and alcohol (49,802)
by Michael from USA
For what its worth: I've been a huge fan since 1990. It's been clear for some time that she mimes parts of songs. Since the Rainbow era (even parts of Butterly) her voice has been thinner when singing live. Alcohol does affect your voice. She has addiction issues in her family. She admits over and over how insecure she is. She has been kind of sloppy and drunk at awards shows (eg with Lee Daniels). She has been accused of having issues with drinking with Eminem, not the most trustworthy person, but I don't think he just made it up out of thin air. IMO, the best recent live vocals were actually from when she was pregnant (I doubt she drank while pregnant). I can't think of any people of her fame starting at her age that haven't had more severe issues than drinking so I believe there is hope. I don't think there is permanent damage, I just think she needs to get some help. Maybe not for alcoholism but atleast for her insecurity and self esteem. Shame since she is absolutely beautiful in and out and exceptionally talented. I truly believe she will rise to the top once again, but not until she does some real work on herself. (Friday 6 February 2015; 0:45)
Mimi and Shelly (49,801)
by Warrior Butterfly from USA
Thanks for the explanation, it makes better sense. It drove me nuts that I couldn't figure it out. Much love. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 21:58)
Shelly (49,800)
by Orkun from The Netherlands
I just wanted to say that i'm also one of the MCA followers who enjoy your posts big time. You may ask me "why", which would lead to "YMCA". So let's just not go there. Hugs. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 21:25)
Jazz and Blues thoughts (49,799)
by Bill from the UK
So I've watched some clips other than Fantasy. ABMB was great. Her voice sounded rich and her ad libs were beautiful. The only lipped part seems to be the climax after "only a matter of time" which she always lips. The rest seemed great to my ears. I do think the reaction to Fantasy has been a bit extreme, and we're not giving Mariah the credit she deserves. Mariah has been performing for 25 years. She has performed Fantasy many times, and she wrote the song. I sincerely doubt that she would be unable to convincingly lip sync a song that a) is one of her biggest hits and one she has sung countless times and b) has lipped many times in the past successfully. There was (caps) obviously (end caps) some fault which meant she couldn't hear the music or the backing track. This is probably why she was singing some parts live over the backing track. The same goes for her messing up the ABMB lip (she missed her cue) and the end to WBT. All lipped sections, it seems as thought she couldn't hear. I'm not making excuses because I am always disappointed when she lip syncs, but honestly, people are making out like she's some washed up alcoholic has been, staggering around the stage unable to even remember her own songs, and that's just not the case. Mariah, as the opening of Heavenly says, you don't have to speak up for yourself. Be still, and let God fight your battles. Hey to Shelly. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 20:38)
Re: Ryan Tedder (49,795) (49,798)
by Dove from USA
I like his music too but he would need to agree not to sell the same tracks to another artist because that could be embarrassing for MC. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 18:14)
#1s (49,797)
by RockyRoc from England
Mariah should release the album with updated vocals for each 18 number one single, she should also refrain from any autotune/digital augmentation and make a sign on the album saying "No Autotune" (just keeping it real). I also wouldn't mind her lowering/changing the key. I'm disappointed by her recently, but I will carry on believing. A few years of "negativeness" won't stop me from seeing all the great things she has done for me and for many other people. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 18:11)
Ben (49,796)
by Dove from USA
Thank you Ben. On a side note: it's good to see the board so busy. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 18:03)
MC needs to work with Ryan Tedder (49,795)
by JCS from United States
Mariah needs a hit. Mariah needs a new sound that's catchy and radio friendly. Ryan Tedder is the answer. I'm a big fan of his band OneRepublic and the hits he wrote and produced for Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Maroon 5, Ella Henderson, U2, Natasha Beddingfield, Sara Barailes, Train, etc. I think during an interview he had said something like he'd love to work with Mariah. It worked for a while but I've had enough of collaborations with upcoming rappers. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 15:56)
Jon / Money ($ * / ...) (49,793)
by Dove from USA
Thank you Jon. Warrior Butterfly: I think it's: Money (this, that, the other). (Thursday 5 February 2015; 15:35)
Shake It Off / May (49,792)
by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter
Shake It Off is such an amazing video. I can watch it on repeat. Every single outfit in that video, every hairstyle and every makeup was on point there. I loved it that instead of going only stick straight and mermaid curls Mariah played up her hair, and she also came out of her signature fresh faced, rosy cheeks looks to do a lot of dramatic makeup numbers. The outfits were glamorous and sexy without looking inappropriate. If I am not mistaken this is the only video of Mariah apart from Breakdown where she tries out multiple looks that we don't see her in. Breakdown is another favourite video of mine because of this. Don't get me wrong, I love the signature MC look, but I love it more when she plays up on her looks. I also don't think MC doesn't need to compromise on her music quality and just focus on a good video. We have seen she can create good music and get awesome videos for it too. She needs a major image change. The diva image has to go for now, or atleast until she has earned it back. People need to see her for who she is as an artist, brilliant and talented, and stop viewing her as a "has been whose career is over". MC has the capability to shut everyone up, she just needs to get the confidence back. I think she was super confident during TEOM. It showed in the way she talked, walked and smiled. We need that Mariah. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 15:18)
Warrior Butterfly (49,791)
by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter
I think it basically means "Money, this, that, the other". Like the "$" sing is Money. The * sign is "this" like specifically marking it. The "/" is "that" as in "or that" which basically the symbol stands for. And "..." means "the other" like when we finish of a sentence with "..." it may sometimes mean etcetra or "and so on". Just what I think. Not sure. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 15:12)
Shelly (49,790)
by NHYTG from nyc
Shelly, I don't think your comments have anything to do with being too sensitive. I just think you're a positive person and with all these tons of negativity on the internet (not especially on Mariah but in general) I enjoy the positive exceptions. I have liked your posts for a longer time already so keep on posting your thoughts on Mariah the way you want to. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 15:04)
Money ($ * / ...) (49,789)
by Warrior Butterfly from USA
I'm not a big fan of the song in general. Does any one know what the ($ * / ...) means. H.A.T.E.U. was "Having A Typical Emotional Upset" which was a guessing game with Mariah over twitter or something when it was released. Is Money ($ * / ...) suppose to be a curse word or Money (Yeah I'm Rich). I can't figure it out. What ever a song is supposed to be titled please just spell it out. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 13:59)
Mariah (49,788)
by B from USA
Mariah Carey owes us nothing. She has blessed us with her gifts for twentyfive years. She's a legend. She still has her voice. I'm fine with her lipping the more difficult parts of her songs, if only to preserve what's left of her voice. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 13:55)
Moving on (49,787)
by George Golden from UK
Mariah has still got it but right now the whole thing is a PR disaster. God help Mariah because she is still the hottest female artist to ever grace the stage. That guy that she married has really affected her. Why can't she just get over him, make herself look better and make a new killer album? She has the voice still. Right now she is letting her fans down with less than star quality with her dressing, live performances and interviews. If she can reinvent herself and release fresh new sounds or even a dance album would be amazing. Or why not do some movie soundtracks? Or collaborate with popular stars of now like Bruno, Beyonce, Rhianna etc. She needs to come of her shell. Another thing is the yes people around her which I feel is very toxic for her progress. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 13:12)
Mariah Carey's voice (49,786)
by Danny Cedar from uk
If you are to believe Mariah's voice is a gift from God then you could suggest now the current deteriorate is punishment for abusing and misuing it in any way she has. But if you are of thought it isn't a gift from God then you have to accept all the factors that contribute to aging and natural deterioration like any part of the body. I don't think it's all down to drinking, there have been many good singers who drink and still perform. We don't know the details but I am sure that if Maiah could privately address the problems with her voice she will and has and that no positive conclusion has come about so she carries on doing what she does and can take the backlash from the fans and media because she can't help or control it. Being more professional would be a suggestion and better attempt at lip synching would be more respectful. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 12:21)
Change can be good (49,785)
by May from Denmark
Oh yes Mimi L., the main reason I still watch the Shake It Off video is because it's amazing, the colors, the make up the wardrobe and the effortlessly sexy Mariah. I love her whole image through this era, glamorous and sophisticated yet not over the top. I don't think Mariah has to fall in to the "let's make bad music while wearing this amazing McQueen" charade. She can still produce great music and ditch the diva act for a while. It might have worked for some time, but it's getting old. I enjoyed it in its time, when it was fresh and fun. Now it's just repetitive. I really loved that she introduced in her music back in TEOM all that disco/70s vibe and brought the big band in a much spectacular way than Christina Aguilera. I feel she can do this exact same thing with some real jazz and do something classy and effectively modern that a lot of people engage to. The world received to well the likes of Amy Winehouse and Adele music, I can see them perceptive to a modern jazzy/blues Mariah. I've got to say I loved when MC she did some house but pitifully all her house music was thrown into the remixes. Meteorite is by far one of my favs that she lately came up with. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 12:00)
Diva privileges (49,784)
by Jon from Netherlands
She lost all her diva privileges. She better make smart choices if she wants them back. I agree with everything Adam has been saying and I think he mentioned being late. Well that was a privilege for the old Mariah. This one can't even show up 5 minutes late. The princess days are gone. You better work very hard if you want the GP to see you in a neutral way (much harder to start being respected again). The most frustrating thing is that the voice actually still exists and sounds great at some points. More infuriating is the lack of respect for the fans. There is no apology, no explanation, but then she tweets about other stuff? Either stay silent or talk about the important things. 10,000 fans retweeted something? How many people retweeted jokes about her? The divorce and personal pain is not an excuse. Stay home. We can all relate to the pain you're going through but stay home. No one is gonna tell a surgeon that couldn't deliver on his job because of depression to keep going. Take a couple of months off. Retirement might be too much but she definetly needs stay away for a while. Maybe in 10 years she'll be forced to stay home because nobody shows up and has a lot of people are saying: stop being delusional and get new arrangements for the songs. Everything changes in life, change with it. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 8:27)
Drinking (49,783)
by Jon from Netherlands
I said this really nicely a couple of months ago but now I'm gonna say it a little more direct: If Mariah wants to be "Mariah Carey" she can't drink. At all. I don't know how much she drinks and I don't care what she does with her personal life but I suspect very strongly that the reason why her voice is so volatile these days is because of the way she takes care of it and that most of the problem comes from drinking (which I believe to be "recreational" only). People pay to see her and if she wants to get (as people keep saying) their hard earned money she better deliver. It's not just about those 2 hours of show. I don't care for Madonna but she puts a lot of effort daily to stay in shape for her tours so when the moment comes she can deliver. Mariah chose this life and there are sacrifices to be made if she still wants to keep it. She's been indulging herself for too long. If you can't make the sacrifices you deserve to walk into an empty theater. Otherwise you have become a tenth of what you were because the adoring fans show up regardless of what you do. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 8:16)
Change of decades (49,782)
by Travon..SweetSweetFantasy from USA
One thing I have noticed with today's music is the change that has taken place. Since 2004, new artist putting value into their music has decreased and the focus is now about the image. Major music labels have also shifted all of their focus on the image rather than the music the artists make now. What was once considered a close to easy transition for older artist, now requires extra effort and 20 years old energy of hard work. It seems difficult to say to an accomplished artist, change what has been working you for 20 years, change your image to compete with lessers(overall) that are dominating (now). Musicians that are artistic, talented, and accomplished, to me, have a sense of pride and decide to not change. This is what Mariah is going through at a time where music is dying and at a time where most legends have little difficulty keeping their egos in check. Example Madonna in her 40s had huge success and she also reinvented her image several times during those eras. The difference then was less chances of people losing interest and changing their views. So I agree, specifically to maintain success, that Mariah needs to loosen her feelings and try something new. You get this sense she feels accomplished and doesn't want to try as hard to the extent she used to. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 6:01)
In the memories there is solace (49,781)
by Jon from Netherlands
People are quoting Mariah's lyrics as if they apply to this moment in time (like CTTA). I guess other lyrics also apply. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 3:05)
Views of some of the attendees of the show (49,780)
by Gilbert from USA
I felt some of the views were sincere and respectful criticism in this video and it's a little bit like our views we have here. I think the last attendee on this video was on key. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 2:47)
Shelly (49,779)
by Jon from Netherlands
You're just a sweet person, keep posting. I don't agree with you at this point but I like your attitude. You're not delusional and you're reasonable. I don't have much hope in Mariah for the immediate future but I still like to read your posts cause they come from a good place. I do have a problem with the 1% that is delusional. It surprises me that people can defend what she is doing (to herself) right now. (Thursday 5 February 2015; 2:02)
