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MB30 (103,441) by Bill from the UK "These new from-the-vault songs sound horrifically dated." They're 30 years old, were you expecting 2023 production standards? (Monday 11 September 2023; 18:39) this is a reply to message 103,440

MB30 (103,440) by JC from USA Original Hero takes the cake, always. But MB30 has me feeling unfulfilled. While MB is vocally a "prime" era, she's artistically stifled and the album feels forced, likely a result of surmounting pressure resulting from Emotion's underperformance commercially (though incredible album). These new from-the-vault songs sound horrifically dated and while her vocals are amazing on My Prayer, it's a complete skip for me. If we are going to be celebrating anniversaries of albums every dang year, I wish we'd only celebrate and spend time more with those where she is liberated as an artist. (Monday 11 September 2023; 15:30)

MB30 (103,440) by JC from USA Original Hero takes the cake, always. But MB30 has me feeling unfulfilled. While MB is vocally a "prime" era, she's artistically stifled and the album feels forced, likely a result of surmounting pressure resulting from Emotion's underperformance commercially (though incredible album). These new from-the-vault songs sound horrifically dated and while her vocals are amazing on My Prayer, it's a complete skip for me. If we are going to be celebrating anniversaries of albums every dang year, I wish we'd only celebrate and spend time more with those where she is liberated as an artist. (Monday 11 September 2023; 15:30) this is a reply to message 103,403

MB30 (103,403) by Randy from USA Hey fam. I've been busy since I have a new teaching assignment this year. So I finally listened to the new music. I have to say. I am excited you all are excited. But I don't like My Prayer or Workin Hard. Mariah sounds incredible but what would you expect for '93? I just don't like the songs and understand why they were left on the cutting room floor. Hero 2009 had my attention on the first verse and chorus. She sounds absolutely breathtaking. Pun intended. I didn't like the 2nd verse at all. Ima stick with the Never Too Far/Hero Medley as my definitive version. I am not being a negative Nancy, I was summoned by Robert. And to a lesser extent Edward. It's good to see a flurry of activity on the board. Pun intended. P.S. I wonder what a Right to Dream remix would sound like? I have a DJ friend. Hmmmm. (Saturday 9 September 2023; 22:49)

AYNAF Extended Version (103,439) by Edward from USA Robert-Anthony, it's just the same song on the album but a little longer. It's not a different take. (Monday 11 September 2023; 15:08) this is a reply to message 103,432

AYNAF Extended Version (103,432) by Bobby A from United States This is the gospel version that never made it on the album. This version was probably recorded first. Then one day in the studio she realized it was too gospel for the album. Tommy probably helped her decide too. Music Box the album is a very orchestrated piece of art. The mixes and song choices were carefully thought about to make a cohesive album. This is really why every song flowed into each other like a woven piece of cloth. It's not by coincidence that Music Box is her biggest selling album. Tommy was not going to let MC's third album be subjected to the criticism and low sales like Emotions. (Monday 11 September 2023; 04:39)

9/11 and "Glitter" (103,438) by BFF from United States Today marks 22 years since the release of "Glitter" and since the World Trade Center tragedy. I always think of the song "Never Too Far" on this day because it's one of Mariah's most underrated ballads and its theme of loss is really appropriate for remembering what happened on 9/11. It's also impossible for me to forget how difficult the year 2001 was for Mariah and the humiliation she experienced in a moment that was supposed to be a moment of triumph. Sorry to interrupt the MB30 celebration, but I really hope that one day we truly get "Justice for Glitter" - a 25th or 30th anniversary edition with unreleased tracks and more insight into what could have been. (Monday 11 September 2023; 13:18)

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,437) by Chicago Lamb from USA Well of course there's a lot to the story. Here was a young girl who needed the protection of a patriarch figure. I am 50. If I dated a person in their 20's, I'd probably act more like "father figure" too... just out of nature. Tommy also had to protect and nurture his golden goose. If his heart wasn't in the right place from the start, Mariah never would have been a part of it. Perhaps as the marriage went on, she outgrew him and couldn't express it otherwise. (Monday 11 September 2023; 13:18) this is a reply to message 103,424

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,424) by Stacey from USA Listen to the lyrics for All I Live For. Hello Tommy, don't be jealous. With Music Box back in the spotlight, it got me to thinking about his marriage to MC. Tommy has been married to Thalia for over 20 years. Is he that controlling with her as he was with Mariah? People don't change. Yet we don't hear any stories of how controlling he is with Thalia. Is there more to the story, Mariah's part in all of this? Just curious. Thoughts anyone? (Sunday 10 September 2023; 21:51)

AYNAF Extended Version (103,436) by Chicago Lamb from USA This is the same version just a longer outro. From the same recording sessions that ended up on the album. (Monday 11 September 2023; 13:07) this is a reply to message 103,432

AYNAF Extended Version (103,432) by Bobby A from United States This is the gospel version that never made it on the album. This version was probably recorded first. Then one day in the studio she realized it was too gospel for the album. Tommy probably helped her decide too. Music Box the album is a very orchestrated piece of art. The mixes and song choices were carefully thought about to make a cohesive album. This is really why every song flowed into each other like a woven piece of cloth. It's not by coincidence that Music Box is her biggest selling album. Tommy was not going to let MC's third album be subjected to the criticism and low sales like Emotions. (Monday 11 September 2023; 04:39)

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,435) by Andrew from the UK I have the feeling that these tracks were left off the final Music Box because most of the songs seem to have lyrics on one particular theme: I love him but I don't have him. It's very overkill looking at the album this way and it makes sense that certain tracks were left off. What I genuinely don't understand is why certain tracks, which have been left off albums for either this reason or another, are not used on the following album release. Workin' Hard could have been on Daydream, for example. Here We Go Around Again could have been on Emotions. Discuss. (Monday 11 September 2023; 12:55) this is a reply to message 103,434

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,434) by Bill from the UK Switch the last two around and it's perfect. (Monday 11 September 2023; 08:47)

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,434) by Bill from the UK Switch the last two around and it's perfect. (Monday 11 September 2023; 08:47) this is a reply to message 103,426

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,426) by The Real Deal from USA This is my tracklist order for MC30. To me, it offers a cohesive listening experience. Dreamlover Hero Anytime You Need A Friend Music Box Now That I Know My Prayer Do You Think Of Me Working Hard All I Live For Never Forget You Without You Just To Hold You Once Again I've Been Thinking About You Everything Fades Away All I've Ever Wanted (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:04)

Pre-order (103,433) by Stacey from USA I probably should have done that. Oh well, too late now. (Monday 11 September 2023; 05:10) this is a reply to message 103,428

Pre-order (103,428) by Jamie from UK I've just preordered Music Box on Amazon, it's cheaper than on website and free delivery if you have prime (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:31)

AYNAF Extended Version (103,432) by Bobby A from United States This is the gospel version that never made it on the album. This version was probably recorded first. Then one day in the studio she realized it was too gospel for the album. Tommy probably helped her decide too. Music Box the album is a very orchestrated piece of art. The mixes and song choices were carefully thought about to make a cohesive album. This is really why every song flowed into each other like a woven piece of cloth. It's not by coincidence that Music Box is her biggest selling album. Tommy was not going to let MC's third album be subjected to the criticism and low sales like Emotions. (Monday 11 September 2023; 04:39)

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,431) by Tevin from USA I feel like Everything Fades Away is about Tommy. I'd be quiet curious to know when Mariah wrote that song, possibly after "honeymoon gone bad", as told in her book. Maybe then she realized that marriage wasn't going to change how Tommy treated her, so from that time on her love for him faded more and more away. It's fun to speculate. But anyway as much as I never understood how the UK folks thought EFA should have come after All I Ever Wanted, I must admit after listening to it at the end of the official album now, and thinking of how it not only possibly represented what was going on in her marriage and life, but the song also played as a perfect prelude to Mariah's sweet sweet fantasy and eventual freedom as her subsequent two albums would show. Basically what I'm saying is the amazing people across the pond had it right this time around. EFA is the proper ending to Music Box. I stand corrected. (Monday 11 September 2023; 03:33) this is a reply to message 103,416

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,416) by Chicago Lamb from USA We never talk about the songs that are about Tommy. There are many. But, I'm in full support of "My Prayer" and "Working Hard" and any other songs left off the album. Music Box is perfect the way it was delivered. Tommy knew what he was doing. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 14:23)

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,430) by Rashidi Rahim Rick from Malaysia Yes I love the 15-tracklist. I always wonder why they didn't just put all the 15 songs in one album. 15 tracks in one album is somewhat normal even back then in the 90's. (Monday 11 September 2023; 01:56) this is a reply to message 103,426

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,426) by The Real Deal from USA This is my tracklist order for MC30. To me, it offers a cohesive listening experience. Dreamlover Hero Anytime You Need A Friend Music Box Now That I Know My Prayer Do You Think Of Me Working Hard All I Live For Never Forget You Without You Just To Hold You Once Again I've Been Thinking About You Everything Fades Away All I've Ever Wanted (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:04)

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,429) by Edward from USA I'm as excited about AILF as if I had never listened to it before. I always felt there was something missing, but now it is just perfect. I'm also enjoying ATYNAF extended. There doesn't seem to be any unreleased tracks from the Butterfly and the Rainbow sessions, but I think she still has material from Mariah Carey, Emotions, Music Box, Daydream and Glitter,. I think we're getting new music next year. (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:41) this is a reply to message 103,425

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,425) by Bobby A from United States It really did feel good last week with announcement. It was a kid getting a new toy on Christmas day. MC spoiled us with a new album every two years in the 90s. We are not accustomed to long periods of time between albums. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 23:21)

Pre-order (103,428) by Jamie from UK I've just preordered Music Box on Amazon, it's cheaper than on website and free delivery if you have prime (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:31)

Workin Hard x My Prayer x All I Live For x Hero 09 (103,427) by BFF from United States I will probably get pilloried for this, but I prefer Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" to Whitney's. I think Rondstadt's reading is more subtle and truer to the original. Mariah took "Without You" to a place that Badfinger and Harry Nilsson could not; she didn't write the song but she sings it like she lived it. You can hear the loneliness of Mariah's childhood when she sings "You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows." And I 100 percent agree. There is no "Music Box" album without "Without You". (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:15) this is a reply to message 103,420

Workin Hard x My Prayer x All I Live For x Hero 09 (103,420) by Andrew from the UK I am sure that other British people here would agree that getting to No.1 in the UK in the 90's wasn't... how do I say this? It wasn't exactly an overly massive achievement. Now I know that Mariah was UK Top 5 with her 90s songs but to get to No.1 in the UK meant you simply had to be in a group of artists heavily pushed by the Record Labels in the UK - all of whom simply avoided releasing a song that would have competition in that week. When there were 2 songs going head to head that were otherwise created to get to, and destined for, No.1, these events made headlines, they made the national news. To achieve No.1 you either had to be a seriously heavy-weight British Artist or have a one-hit-wonder generated for you - or you were a foreign artist who simply had a really good song. Mariah got to Number 2 with All I Want For Christmas Is You (something I cried about at the time). It was beaten by a very depressing song called Stay Another Day by a 90's boyband that to say they and thesong were heavily-marketed would be somewhat of an understatement. That she got to Number 2 on the strength of the song alone is remarkable. It seems to me that to achieve No.1 in the United States (with still mindboggingly complicated ways of determining it) was not something easy. Therefore, discounting the incredible feat of getting there how many times she did, Mariah achieving Number 2's and Number 3's with songs released from an album long sinced dropped and heavy in sales figures is quite remarkable. In fact, it's astonishing. I Will Always Love You was on the back of a Box Office Movie Hit and powerful (I personally hate it) and was the first release from the Soundtrack. The Soundtrack is revisited time and time again because it is Whitney's best work. Funny, that Daydream is almost streamed as much as it. Mariah not only answered Whitney with Music Box, she came at her title with Daydream. And won. Knowing some Atlanta-born poster here's propensity for defending Whitney, I shall say only this: whoever can listen to I Will Always Love You from start to finish without turning it off, turning it down, or tearing their ears off is superhuman. What the bloody hell are you supposed this song? The acappella begining is unnerving, the ridiculous bellowing at the end is unsingable, the whole thing is a shit-show. That I saw Whitney live in person sing this is one of the greatest memories of my life. But not as great as hearing her sing I Love The Lord. Now *that* is singing. Just like My Prayer is *singing*. I shall stop typing now. Apologies, I'm on a bit of a Mariah buzz. I feel like a kid again lol. Peace. AJ. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 17:44)

My tracklist order for MC30 (103,426) by The Real Deal from USA This is my tracklist order for MC30. To me, it offers a cohesive listening experience. Dreamlover Hero Anytime You Need A Friend Music Box Now That I Know My Prayer Do You Think Of Me Working Hard All I Live For Never Forget You Without You Just To Hold You Once Again I've Been Thinking About You Everything Fades Away All I've Ever Wanted (Monday 11 September 2023; 00:04)

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,425) by Bobby A from United States It really did feel good last week with announcement. It was a kid getting a new toy on Christmas day. MC spoiled us with a new album every two years in the 90s. We are not accustomed to long periods of time between albums. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 23:21) this is a reply to message 103,418

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,418) by Libra Lamb from USA I also have a new found appreciation for Music Box, it was never my most played album, but with these new gems it makes me want to listen to it over and over again. I'm loving it and am so happy with these unreleased songs finally seeing the light of day, old and new fans can appreciate the hard work that went into these recordings. I also noticed that only with the release of new MC music this board is happy and peaceful, without new music things can get a bit aggressive and confrontational. So for our sake, I'm hoping she keeps releasing more new music or previously unreleased gems. If nothing else, for peacekeeping. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 14:50)

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,424) by Stacey from USA Listen to the lyrics for All I Live For. Hello Tommy, don't be jealous. With Music Box back in the spotlight, it got me to thinking about his marriage to MC. Tommy has been married to Thalia for over 20 years. Is he that controlling with her as he was with Mariah? People don't change. Yet we don't hear any stories of how controlling he is with Thalia. Is there more to the story, Mariah's part in all of this? Just curious. Thoughts anyone? (Sunday 10 September 2023; 21:51) this is a reply to message 103,408

Tommy's thoughts about MC30 (103,408) by Bobby A from United States I was thinking today after looking at the album cover Mariah Carey. What are Tommy's thoughts in 2023 about MC's remarkable career? Does he have any regrets about how he kept such tight reins on MC? Does he have any regrets about marrrying MC? Was he trying too hard to mirror the record label executive relationship that Clive Davis and Whitney Houston had? Whatever he was trying to mirror worked extremely well until the music relationship became a physical relationship. I think the Emotions and Music Box albums were all about that physical relationship. The evidence is substantially real in Emotions, So Blessed, Music Box, Now That I Know, and I've Been Thinking About You. They were all about Tommy. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 05:56)

MC30 (103,423) by TheWind from England Well, you learn something new every day. Just sleet Mr Prayer from my previous post and insert Anytime You Need A Friend. The sentiment is still the same. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 20:18) this is a reply to message 103,414

MC30 (103,414) by Jamie from UK Mariah didn't write My Prayer, it's a cover song. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 10:54)

MC30 (103,422) by TheWind from England It's stunning and that really is an appropriate description of it. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 20:17) this is a reply to message 103,412

MC30 (103,412) by MusicfanJ from Germany I thought the same yesterday. How the very young Mariah sung "My prayer" is unbelievable. So much soul and depth in her voice. I love when she sings classic or retro songs. That version was on repeat yesterday evening. I can't get enough of her magical voice. She really takes me to another sphere. Some fan once wrote, it's like dreaming while awake. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 10:19)

All I Live For Extended Mix (103,421) by Brandon from USA One word, masterpiece. This sing embodies everything I want in a song from MC, lyrics, melody, and of course that soaring voice. 10/10 (Sunday 10 September 2023; 18:23)

Workin Hard x My Prayer x All I Live For x Hero 09 (103,420) by Andrew from the UK I am sure that other British people here would agree that getting to No.1 in the UK in the 90's wasn't... how do I say this? It wasn't exactly an overly massive achievement. Now I know that Mariah was UK Top 5 with her 90s songs but to get to No.1 in the UK meant you simply had to be in a group of artists heavily pushed by the Record Labels in the UK - all of whom simply avoided releasing a song that would have competition in that week. When there were 2 songs going head to head that were otherwise created to get to, and destined for, No.1, these events made headlines, they made the national news. To achieve No.1 you either had to be a seriously heavy-weight British Artist or have a one-hit-wonder generated for you - or you were a foreign artist who simply had a really good song. Mariah got to Number 2 with All I Want For Christmas Is You (something I cried about at the time). It was beaten by a very depressing song called Stay Another Day by a 90's boyband that to say they and thesong were heavily-marketed would be somewhat of an understatement. That she got to Number 2 on the strength of the song alone is remarkable. It seems to me that to achieve No.1 in the United States (with still mindboggingly complicated ways of determining it) was not something easy. Therefore, discounting the incredible feat of getting there how many times she did, Mariah achieving Number 2's and Number 3's with songs released from an album long sinced dropped and heavy in sales figures is quite remarkable. In fact, it's astonishing. I Will Always Love You was on the back of a Box Office Movie Hit and powerful (I personally hate it) and was the first release from the Soundtrack. The Soundtrack is revisited time and time again because it is Whitney's best work. Funny, that Daydream is almost streamed as much as it. Mariah not only answered Whitney with Music Box, she came at her title with Daydream. And won. Knowing some Atlanta-born poster here's propensity for defending Whitney, I shall say only this: whoever can listen to I Will Always Love You from start to finish without turning it off, turning it down, or tearing their ears off is superhuman. What the bloody hell are you supposed this song? The acappella begining is unnerving, the ridiculous bellowing at the end is unsingable, the whole thing is a shit-show. That I saw Whitney live in person sing this is one of the greatest memories of my life. But not as great as hearing her sing I Love The Lord. Now *that* is singing. Just like My Prayer is *singing*. I shall stop typing now. Apologies, I'm on a bit of a Mariah buzz. I feel like a kid again lol. Peace. AJ. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 17:44) this is a reply to message 103,398

Workin Hard x My Prayer x All I Live For x Hero 09 (103,398) by BFF from United States Yes, I agree. "Without You" deserved to be on the final track listing over "My Prayer." The way she sings the line "You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows" gets me every time. My only complaint about "Without You" is that it was massive internationally but only went to #3 in the United States. It really should have been a moment akin to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". The way she sings it eclipses the Harry Nilsson version and the Badfinger original. (Saturday 9 September 2023; 21:53)

MC30 (103,419) by Andrew from the UK Although she didn't write My Prayer I understand your point about constructing a track in a very simple, traditional - but powerful - way. Nobody seems to write songs and cover songs the way Mariah does. Or did. I agree with your point that she should have put the brakes on Don't Forget We Belong To Shake It Off about 2012-ish. And to an extent she did - there are absolute moments of genius on The Elusive Chanteuse such as You Don't Know What To Do, Cry, etc, Beautiful, etc. But there's something about the production of that whole album that is so complicated it's rather exhausting to listen to, or, at the very least, the enjoyment of it hampered by massive over-production and choppy vocal patchworking. Caution is okay - but it lives up to its name: it is was to cautious in melody, harmony, and full whack attack, to name a few. Were Mariah to give another studio album a go, I think she should go back to what made her an international superstar. Just one more time. One More Try. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 16:57) this is a reply to message 103,411

MC30 (103,411) by TheWind from England The previously unrealised songs are fantastic. It always amazes me that Mariah can write songs like My Prayer in her early 20s. I really think Mariah should keep future new releases as simple as possible. Don't overthink the theme, lyrics, melody, production. Lately, too much time has been spent constructing a song that's current or relevant. Whereas, songs like My Prayer does the opposite, and in a good way. Beautiful song. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 09:45)

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,418) by Libra Lamb from USA I also have a new found appreciation for Music Box, it was never my most played album, but with these new gems it makes me want to listen to it over and over again. I'm loving it and am so happy with these unreleased songs finally seeing the light of day, old and new fans can appreciate the hard work that went into these recordings. I also noticed that only with the release of new MC music this board is happy and peaceful, without new music things can get a bit aggressive and confrontational. So for our sake, I'm hoping she keeps releasing more new music or previously unreleased gems. If nothing else, for peacekeeping. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 14:50) this is a reply to message 103,399

Music Box - 30th anniversary (103,399) by Billy from Greece I really got choked up listening to the extended version of "Anytime you need a friend". What can I say about "My Prayer"? A true masterclass. The phrasing, the interpretation, the final belt, wow, just wow. I also can't believe "Working Hard" was left out. Actually, with the three main unreleased songs from those sessions, the two b-sides and details like the full version of AYNAF (or the Walter-less version of "Dreamlover") you really get to see Mariah's true vision for that album and what the intervention of Sony (Tommy) felt like. You really get the artistic sacrifices yet still admire Mariah's to straddle both worlds, meaning her artistry as well as the direction for mass appeal. I have a whole new appreciation for Music Box given that for a long time it's been my least played Mariah album, although it is the first album I fell in love with. Lovely commemoration. (Saturday 9 September 2023; 21:55)

MB30 (103,417) by Bobby A from United States Randy, I was hoping that you would like My Prayer. After you mentioned getting your DJ friend to remix Right To Dream, I found a remix version on SoundCloud that is horrible. It's Def Club meets heavy metal. There were so many screeching sounds that Dee Snider would have disapproved. Lol. Google Right To Dream remix and it will show up in the listing. (Sunday 10 September 2023; 14:38) this is a reply to message 103,403

MB30 (103,403) by Randy from USA Hey fam. I've been busy since I have a new teaching assignment this year. So I finally listened to the new music. I have to say. I am excited you all are excited. But I don't like My Prayer or Workin Hard. Mariah sounds incredible but what would you expect for '93? I just don't like the songs and understand why they were left on the cutting room floor. Hero 2009 had my attention on the first verse and chorus. She sounds absolutely breathtaking. Pun intended. I didn't like the 2nd verse at all. Ima stick with the Never Too Far/Hero Medley as my definitive version. I am not being a negative Nancy, I was summoned by Robert. And to a lesser extent Edward. It's good to see a flurry of activity on the board. Pun intended. P.S. I wonder what a Right to Dream remix would sound like? I have a DJ friend. Hmmmm. (Saturday 9 September 2023; 22:49)

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