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Ageism (45,520) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines With Cher, it happened in '99. Believe is a great song and deliberate obvious use of autotune was considered cool. Plus, music fans were way more accepting of aging artists back in the '90s. Even Elton John had a long-running chart-topper in '97. Since then, no other Cher or Elton song has reached the same success. Madonna, on the other hand, managed to have 8 top 10 hits since she turned 40 in 1998, five of them peaked within the top 5, and one of those reached #1 when she was 42; and she was 50 when she got her last biggest hit (4 Minutes, #3). That's impressive, but we have to take into account that we're talking about Madonna here, a brilliant mastermind in promoting herself whose "devil may care" attitude (which Mariah doesn't even come close to having) has more often than not worked to her favor. But Gimme All Your Luvin' hit top 10 mostly due to digital downloads. Airplay was poor. Plus, she had to feature 2 current rappers in it and perform at the Superbowl to achieve that. In the past 5 years, a huge chunk of the music buying public has gotten much younger thanks to digital downloads. These tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings would tend to gravitate towards artists of or close to their age because they can relate to them more than they do to older ones. The ageism is real. It's possible for artists over 40 to get hits; it's just more of a struggle. And the young artists may not be direct competition, but they do steal a whole lotta focus and thunder. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 12:43)

Shelly (45,519) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I do that too. All the time. Especially with Mariah's songs. Currently I have been trying to think up a good one for Money. It's such a fun song. And Make It Look Good always gives me old Hollywood feel for some reason. It would be great if it had a black and white of Mariah in 60's make up and hair and clothing. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 12:04)

I'd like to know If you feel like me when you listen MIAM (45,518) by Gilles from Malta Hi everyone. Yesterday I watched again Mariah live at home during the interview with Matt. She said about the playing words about Cry that she wrote the album in order that we can adapt and interpret the lyrics to every type of emotions. Relationship, friendship, family etc. That 's what I make for an example. I would suggest to you to listen Camouflage and The Art Of Letting Go. And to turn the pronoun. You are not for only one person in particular, but for a group of people. And you will get a whole new meaning. What do you think about it? (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 11:40)

Shelly (45,517) by Orkun from The Netherlands I hear you and I really like your response. To me, it sounds honest and real. For the record, of course we are all fans and I believe there is not even one person on here who is a hater, as they call it. I'm very grateful for her music and that will never change. The thing is, I wrote on here some similar things before her album came out and I was being told regularly things like, "How dare I, how could I, etc." Someone here also says if I was a musician over 40, I'd go down too. Well, of that person was the exec producer of Mariah's last album, he/she would be fired. Because Mariah would blame that person. A little note (not meant for Shelly): I never told anyone on here what to do or what not to do. Merely sharing my thoughts. So many fans got turned off by responses of other fans. And yet we wonder where her fan base has gone. And I'm skipping many topics atm, like many of us. I hope the day where we skip all the topics will never come. Peace. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 9:11)

"Thirsty" and "Black Widow" comparison, why is it always open season to come for Mariah? (45,516) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End Just listen. Bitches be emmulating Mimi daily. Is it a race thing? (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 8:07)

Overall atmosphere (45,515) by MimiLamb from Germany I visit this website on a daily basis. One because it has all the news but also to read what people think and feel. The overall atmosphere here is very negative, there is no denying there. I love reading different opinions and even criticism here and there. But there are a few that will complain with every message they put up here an go way overboard. So what do I do? I skip them and I shake those people off. It's very easy to sit behind a computer and complain and criticize. I would love for those to get the opportunity to say it to Mariah in person because I'm pretty sure they won't. And God forbid you defend Mariah than you are nothing more than delusional. People need to realize that Mariah from the 90's is not the Mariah we see now. We all change over the years. If you are not able to grow and walk this path with Mariah that's cool, just stick in the past and maybe find another artist that will give you the same feeling Mariah did in the beginning of her career. I don't agree with everything Mariah does and yes she will make mistakes but guess what? She’s human she is bound to make them. Why apologize or justify for being a human being? (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 7:40)

Glitter (45,514) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines I love MIAMTEC and actually think it's her best album post-2000, but I realize I have been vague. When I deemed Glitter a smash, I meant commercially, in in comparison to Mariah's most recent releases. Even album sales back then were stronger, considering the bleak circumstances surrounding it's release (9/11 coincidence, unsuccessful accompanying film, lack of a solid hit single, Tommy plotting against Mariah, her mental and physical state, and her relatively waning popularity), being able to sell 3 million copies worldwide can still be considered a success in an era where everything was going against her. And creatively, I believe Glitter was an inspired idea. It was a risk that didn't pay off as well as she expected it to. I don't remember anyone else mainstream in '01 who was brave enough to even think of bringing back the '80s in an entire album barely 12 years after it ended. It's not better than MIAMTEC, but it was a solid ahead-of-its-time effort that had its flaws but was unfairly lambasted because it wasn't as successful as Mariah's previous releases and the mere fact that the world just wasn't ready for it yet. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 3:05)

Trends are even more fleeting nowadays (45,513) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines If you've been really listening to the radio lately, you'd notice that techno/EDM is no longer the prevalent trend in today's musical landscape. GaGa set it off in '08, which Ke$ha aped and Rihanna and Katy somehow have as well. That's why Adele was so successful at the time, because her music was a much needed break from all the mind-numbing synthetic beats. But that train has slowed down in 2012, and since then the trend has been much more trickier to tell, with only few discernible patterns to be observed. As a chart worm, I've noticed that today's listeners are even more open, as they're constantly looking for something new, regardless of genre. I mean look at today's top 5 - we have a rap collabo, a '90s throwback track, a reggae infusion, etc. That's why #Beautiful was quite a hit. In the past 2 years, the only "trends" that were obvious were the updated disco revival (heralded by Suit & Tie, Treasure) and more recently, the relentless use of sound snippets (particularly woodwind/brass instruments, as in Talk Dirty, Problem) as well sparser, more minimalist productions (Royals, Dark Horse, Fancy). It's not so much about innovating, but rather coming up with something different from everything else. Going against the grain is the grain. It's even more of a trial and error game, but all it takes is for Mariah to get a single hit in, preferably within the top 5, and then that may set things running. She doesn't have to sacrifice her artistry to be even more experimental. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 2:13)

Sequencing (45,512) by Dove from USA The sequencing does tell a story. But if it's from where MOIA left off, then it means these love songs are all about Nick. Like they're going back and forth in their relationship, then she gives him One Last Try to love her, and then puts it in God's hands. Thanks for the MV compliment. Ever since I was little I would make up videos for her songs. It helps me connect to the songs more. Orkum, I could've sworn I read "she should apologize", my mistake. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 1:13)

Insecurities (45,511) by RockyRoc from England I can and will never ever judge Mariah as a person, because no matter how disloyal some of her fans become she has always been loyal to her true fans, despite what the media has portrayed her to be and the "diva act" she plays, the real Mariah is within the music. It's what we hear in her music that is more tangible than what we see in the media. I always think about what could be happening behind the scenes and even if we all go through hardship, hers happens to be magnified since she is more exposed. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 0:16)

Thank you Xavier Peoples (45,510) by Manny from U.S. Thank you for posting that. I am tired of certain "fans" whining. "I miss the old Mariah, waaah." Wake up. This year is 2014, Mariah is 44 years old. It's not 1995 or whatever year you want her to sing/act/sell like. You can't make her change because she is a different person than when she was in get 20's etc. It's like some people want her to go get married to Tommy Mottola again so she can be the old Mariah. Right now she is the "Old Mariah" because she is older. We all change. If you don't like what she is all about then move on. Some people are always waiting for her to post something to criticize her. I don't to hear someone say I can't expect these fans to change because you are expecting Mariah to change also. (Wednesday 23 July 2014; 0:01)

Shelly (45,509) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter She did mention something along those lines. Also she keeps saying she sequenced the album to tell a story, she emphasized in the sequencing a lot. And she said that this album represents her journey of the past 4 years. I don't remember exact quotes at the moment but I am sure she did say these. I agree with your theory that it may be about her feeling scared of being hurt in love again. She may be feeling insecure now about nick and all. The miscarriage idea, is not something I think she touched on in this album. She has not one but two great kids whereas she probably thought she never would be able to have kids anymore. So I think that the miscarriage is way in her past now. By the way I forgot to mention this earlier but your idea of the Thirsty video was brilliant. I remember reading it and while I was mid way I was like I don't think Mariah would ever do it (like showing she is at home while nick is partying it up) for self image issues. But when I go to the twist at the end that they will be laughing about it and it was all a joke, I was like wow that's brilliant. I love it when Mariah is easy going and doesn't mind being funny in videos like obsessed and TMB and even SIO. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 23:57)

Orkun (45,508) by Abraham from USA I skipped your message, and was surprised at your post. But what surprised me even more was the people who gave you a thumbs up. How dare you criticize Mariah's song writing skills? And to say the album isn't good, lol. It's one of her best. What do you want her from her? I'm sure if you were a music artist in your 40's, you'd go down hill too. I'll tell you that I wasn't happy with "MOAIA". But I am with "MIAMTEC". You listen to both albums and you'll hear a big difference. But I must say that you also made me laugh. "Overly produced vocals"? Mariah can overly produce as many vocals as she wants. Stop analyzing and criticizing every damn thing about the album. You're so ungrateful. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 23:53)

Shelly (45,507) by Orkun from The Netherlands What apology? How do you get that conclusion? Owning up means to take responsibility. Read between the lines. There aren't many. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 23:47)

My thoughts (45,506) by Abraham from USA I can't believe that someone believes that "Glitter" is more of a smash than "MIAMTEC", lol. I mean I know we are all entitled to our opinions. But come on, "MIAMTEC" is great. I haven't enjoyed an album from Mariah since "TEOM". And even on that album I skip some songs. But on this new album, I only skip one. I think the reason I love and appreciate this one more, is because of the ballads Mariah recorded. "Cry", "Camouflage" and "The art of letting go". All three in my opinion are beautiful songs. This is what I like from her. She did her best to give us classic Mariah. I hope her next album is just as good. One other thing. People on how they miss "the old Mariah". What you see is what you get. You either take and except her how she is, or don't. We should just be grateful that she is alive, healthy and still has the passion for music. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 23:12)

Orkun (45,505) by Dove from USA Mariah is an artist and not everyone is going to appreciate her art, single selections, music choices, outfit choices, etc. But she is being true to herself and maybe to her, taking those chances is worth more than commercial success. Especially because she's already had it. The singles she choose may have been the way she wanted to present herself to the world at that moment. Honestly, I don't think it matters that much, what matters most is marketing. The best example I can think of is Britney Spears, she is awkward and can't sing. Her songs are horrible but still managed to be hits. Even I'll listen to them now, just for the nostalgia. I don't apologize to anyone for my mistakes unless my mistakes hurt someone. I don't expect her to apologize for being her. A lot of us don't care if she can't hit the notes live, we just want to see her. If we want perfect notes we'll just listen to the albums on repeat. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 23:10)

Orkun (45,504) by Dove from USA What mistakes are you saying she should apologize for? And also, who is she supposed to be apologizing to? (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 22:53)

One More Try (45,503) by Dove from USA I read an interview with Walter Afanasieff where he talked about they were writing the Music Box album. He said she was really inspired by George Michael's Faith album and one song in particular, which may have been this song. The heartbeat makes me think of when you're in your bathtub and can hear your own heartbeat, it gives me the feeling of being alone and vulnerable. "Hold you, touch you, think that you're mine" makes me think she's afraid of letting herself fall in love because she was burned before. But then the next song is hopeful. Did she really say these were sequenced to show where she's at since last time we heard her? (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 22:50)

Leave Mariah alone (45,502) by Xavier Peoples from United States It's very annoying coming on here everyday and seeing all the so called "fans" talking crap about Mariah all the time. No one is forcing you to listen to her. If you don't like the direction that she is going in, then there are plenty other artist for you to listen to. I think the reason why so many of you are always complaining about Mariah is because you know there isn't another singer out who even comes close. It's not like you can stop being a fan of Mariah and start listening to Ariana Grande or something. I don't know who you guys are comparing Mariah to. She is still the best in the business. With the exception of Beyonce, I don't know what other female singer that you could even compare her to. She is still the best. No one comes close. I think a lot of you are being too critical. Mariah isn't perfect. Everyone makes mistakes and all artists have highs and lows in their careers. I just wish people would stop being so critical and just be grateful that she is still releasing music. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 22:15)

Missing the old Mariah (45,500) by Jewel from USA So I just read Mariah's message about MariahCarey.com having a new design and a new voice message on her website. "[...] some [...] contests for the [...]. You know Me. I Am Mariah... The elusive chanteuse [...]." Who is this person? What is with the constant high school slang? I have to remind myself that this is a 44 year old woman talking. Sadly I never thought I'd ever say this but I seriously miss the classy, non-photoshopped, English speaking, gospel inspired singing, commercially viable Tommy Mottolla version of Mariah Carey. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 20:59)

Personal sum up (45,499) by Orkun from The Netherlands She needs to own up to her many many mistakes. She never does. So this attitude is taken over by many fans too, not all. The singles that Mariah wanted to be released in the past didn't do well. Her songwriting skills have been going down big time. The album is just not good. The vocals are so overproduced that it sounds robotic. The lip syncing. Why did she never say that she does sing live? Because she knows she isn't. Sure, it's safer to sing in the studio and it's hard to hit some notes live. But come on, it's not only 1-2 notes she misses. She misses like a full octave at least. Even like ten notes. That doesn't add up. I'm excluding her head voice. She needs to be real again. Someone who playbacks is all about image, divaisms, Photoshop and auto tune, can not be down to earth as that person claims to be. This is my truth on the whole topic. Her personal life is hers. I'm talking music. Peace. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 19:59)

One More Try (45,497) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I just want to start off by saying that I really found the theory of it being about her pregnancy quite amazing. I would never have landed on that. So whoever thought of it, really good point. However I personally don't think it's about the miscarriage. 1) She said this album is a journey since she last left (that will be Memoirs). Her miscarriage was in 2008. 2) Mariah has given special mention to songs like Cry, Thirsty and all but never really talked abt OMT. If it was about the baby she would have atleast said the song is close my heart or something. 3) The lyrics can't be taken literally, it's not written by her so maybe there actually is no hidden meaning, she's just doing her version of it. 4) She had a miscarriage but after that had two beautiful babies, now I may be wrong here but I think two beautiful healthy children is like to have helped her get over her previous tragedy (like I said, I may be wrong). So these are just my two cents. Also Money may be about Nick but it's not in a negative way because she sings "They don't mean a thing because I come home to you at the end of the day." So it's a happy song, talking about how she doesn't need money because she comes home to her lover or maybe dembabies. So yes it's not negative. Also if it was something as sensitive as her miscarriage, I think Mariah would have penned her own song, instead of using another singer's song for it. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 19:35)

Beginning of hopefully something wonderful (45,496) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines Yesterday, Mariah informed all her followers on FB about her revamped website. Okay. But it's what she said next that's definitely intriguing. If this only marks the beginning, then, especially with the rumors about new songs circulating, I'm really excited for what she has up her sleeve. A re-release? A whole new album? Who knows? I'm just really glad Mariah seems to be back on track and moving on from what I feel is the actual lowest point of her career so far. Glitter (the soundtrack) is a smash compared to MIAMTEC or even MOAIA for that matter, and at least back then she had the public's sympathy. Now it's safe to say only her fans can tolerate her. Honestly, other than great music and a moderate hit, the only good that can come from this extended nightmare of an era is if she learns from her mistakes, and that should she manage to pull off another comeback, this will make the success even sweeter. Now more than ever, it's do or die for her, particularly if she still intends to use her 18 #1s to promote herself, then it's high time to add more to that. (Especially since Rihanna's just 6 phoned-in features away from catching up, which is very likely as she's almost 2 decades younger. Although if the time comes that she does beat The Beatles, that record would probably already have lost its significance.) So go Mariah. Nothing should be half-assed from now on. You can prove 'em all wrong once again. Win back all your old fans and make new ones as well. We're all rooting for you. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 17:14)

Radio and women over 40 (45,495) by THE TRUTH from USA "Truth" be told, if she disappears for awhile, throws out the trash she's surrounded by, releases a stone cold smash (not off this album), is supported by a team of powerhouse movers and shakers ie Jimmy Iovine, Benny Medina, etc and follows direction, she'll have more #1s if not. Well I don't know about you, but I gave up sugar drinks when I began around the same time I started dating. (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 15:58)

Radio and women over 40 (45,494) by Lamb_O_Chop from Australia Yes, Mariah was an exception with #Beautiful, but I didn't mean Mariah wasn't the exception, I mean it's an exception for them to get a song on the radio. We can't ignore the fact that it's more of an up hill battle for women in Mariah's age bracket. Mariah, Madonna, and Cher's new music is not being played on the radio at the levels that a new Beyonce, Rihanna, or Katy Perry song is played. We might as we "tell the truth about the matter". (Tuesday 22 July 2014; 15:12)

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