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Clarification / To the floor (44,318) by PJW from The U.K. I just realised that in my last post I called "To The Floor" a marmite track, by which I meant that people either love it or hate it. Just wanted to give some context. Also, does anyone remember what we used to call "To The Floor" before we knew it's actual title? Was it "Tonight"? (Friday 30 May 2014; 18:13)

Singles (44,317) by PJW from The U.K. The two singles I'll always be annoyed about are "Sweetheart" and "If We". Sony pulled "Sweetheart" after it had been released (big mistake) and obviously "If We" was cancelled after the I'm Real/Loverboy/If We drama, which I still maintain was a silly move. I think both were really defining moments in her career and had Mariah gone ahead with these releases, I think things would've turned out differently and we'd have had TEOM, MOAIA and MIAM a long time before we did. Another totally silly single was "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life". That's basically been erased from history. Talking about "To The Floor", I've always found it strange how this is such a marmite track. I personally love it and have since the day it leaked. It's sleek, sexy, different, fits nicely where it sits on the album. Why is it that people don't like it? (Friday 30 May 2014; 18:09)

JLo (44,316) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter It's painful to see JLo's mindless song "I Luh Ya Papi" peak above Mariah's YME. And now JLo released her second single along with the video. (Friday 30 May 2014; 17:17)

TR (44,315) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I actually happen to really enjoy both Money and To The Floor. And Mariah also only one verse repeated twice in Dedicated so ya. But overall Money is really catchy. As far as the missing lyrics, I feel your pain, I have been trying to catch some of the ad libs for so long but they are really hard to understand. Anyways I don't know if you know this, but a fan did ask Mariah about the the CD not having the lyrics and she said that she is aware of it and that she has something planned for it. Now what is the grand plan is beyond me. The CD is already out, why hold back on the lyrics even if you plan to re-release? This era really is getting messy. Every once in a while I get my hopes up when they start a little promo, like all the surprise magazine covers released just before the previous release date (May 6th) and then nothing. How can they let such an opportunity slide? (Friday 30 May 2014; 16:31)

Money and lyrics (44,314) by TR from USA Money: She said this was one of her favorites on the album. Does she know that she only has one verse and just repeats it twice, and the hook? Feels like it belongs on a Fabolous album. To me, it's one of the weakest ones. Like To The Floor. Skipable. Lyrics: Has anyone heard anything about us getting the lyrics? I look forward to those and the liner notes half as much as the music with each album. She's doing a lot of ad-libbing on this album and I really want to know for sure what she's saying. It's important. (This is what makes me think she's going to re-release it later this year, with lyrics and extra songs. At least I hope so, but we clearly can't rely on Def Jam.) (Friday 30 May 2014; 16:17)

Skip / the label (44,313) by Bill from the UK That was a good series of posts Skip. Playing devil's advocate (or angel's, if you prefer), single releases have been a mess from the outset. I Don't Wanna Cry was due as the second single from the debut but LTT replaced it. You're So Cold was the original lead from Emotions but was changed the last minute. And You Don't Remember was supposed to be the final single from Emotions but was dropped. Underneath The Stars was a song Mariah wanted as the second single from Daydream but OSD was chosen instead. Butterfly had two singles (Breakdown, The Roof) which were due for release but held back by Sony. We all know the debacle that happened over CTTA from Rainbow. So I wouldn't place the blame squarely on Island. With any single release, there will be a team involved testing what will work in the charts and what is best to promote the album, and as much as Mariah may like a particular track, it may not be right commercially in the label's eyes. She'll always have this problem unless she goes independent. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:59)

Sales prediction debate, MIAM (44,312) by Christy from USA I don't usually like to wade into the sales prediction debate but these numbers I'm hearing, now 60-65k for the first week, seem extremely low to me. This album, in the US alone was in the top 3 on iTunes for 3 days (at last check, day 4, it dropped to # 4). Not to mention, I've heard numerous stories of lambs purchasing multiple copies. I, personally have bought 3 so far. Something just isn't right here. I have never understood how they come up with these numbers. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:59)

Oh no you didn't (44,311) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines Since I only come here once in a while, I try not to judge other fans' opinions nor address them personally because I don't know them enough to do so. But this comment generalizing some or most of us as post-Charmbracelet fans is just uncalled for. As a Mariah fan, do you realize how your statement can actually come across as some condescending shade about our taste in music, especially for some of us who actually became fans within the past decade and thus haven't lived through the same golden period you experienced? I hope you understand why some would get fired up if you say something as sweeping as Mariah not releasing anything good since '97, because it just is such a strong statement, even if it was just to your standard. If so, then we must've just imagined the countless awards and critical success she has had post-Butterfly. And Mariah has grown a lot since then. That includes her entire creative process. It's nice that you're hopeful that she may be able to blow you away again someday, but don't brand other fans as people who won't comprehend the earlier part of her career just because they're from this or that era, or imply that some fans are just blind followers who are so consumed by their love for Mariah, which you can't relate to because you have a life. I hope that's not what you really meant because clearly, I'm not the only one here who was ticked off. No one should apologize for expressing themselves, given that they don't step on other fans in the process. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:58)

Skip and single choices (44,310) by PJW from The U.K. Yeah, I agree there has been debate between Mariah and the label as to what should be a single, but then there always has been. Mariah's very sentimental and personal with her choices which doesn't always translate well to a mass audience. Re what you said, there were a few reasons as to why each happened: "The One" got cancelled due to J.D.'s arrests at the time. It was too early after Glitter for those associations. Mariah herself then wanted "Boy". Likewise, she wanted BOTH. IKWYW was just featuring Mariah and was never set to be a single. After Busta's label realised how well it was being received they plugged it and Island requested it be "& Mariah" rather than featuring to jump on the bandwagon. Even then it never got a proper US digital or commercial release as his label didn't push for it. Would've gone to no. 1 with a single, in my opinion. Stay The Night was an option but Mariah said at the time she wanted FLAB and "has proven herself" so they chose that instead. Re Bye Bye, it was always confusing. She stated that it would be the single and promoted it on UK tv before the album came out. She then said to lambs here whilst on the same promo that the video was changing and she was going to film it here in London. Later in 09 Nick then took the rest of it and made the Love Story video. I don't think Mariah wants YDKWTD but they simply can't ignore the reaction it got although she mostly did and then went on pushing what she called "my single", Thirsty. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:25)

MIAMTEC (44,308) by Bradley Zirker from United States I have said this once and I will say it again. I love Camouflage from the album. That song is everything and more to me. From the sorrow in her voice to the high pitch notes throughout the song. Every second of that song makes me shiver. And the back-up singers are an amazing blend with Mariah's voice in this song. Overall I rate this album an A. (Friday 30 May 2014; 15:19)

That sky blue dress (44,307) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I absolutely loved the dress Mariah wore to the Fresh Air event. The color is gorgeous, a much needed break from the same black gown routine. She looks good. This hair makes her face a little narrower than the curls. I hope she seriously starts wearing more colorful pieces like she did in AI. The gloves were not working, but hey if its there to remind her to exercise her hands than I can overlook it. Mariah actually is not in a really bad shape, she is fine, it's just that her face is really bloated. It's the same as her TEOM era. Anyways she looked great in the sky blue dress. A little less cleavage would be nice, but yes that won't happen. But stick to colors Mimi, the constant black gowns are almost making things look funeral-like. (Friday 30 May 2014; 14:34)

Great album (44,306) by Sasha from Nomansland I never thought she would release an album that great after all this time. I'm not saying the previous albums were bad, not at all. But it's been a while since I love every song on a album and she made it with this one. Cry, Faded, Camouflage are everything I love to hear from her, these songs are so haunting and emotional and her voice is a bliss. Dedicated, Money have that good old Rnb vibe that I like. I even enjoy Thirsty much more that It's Like That and Obsessed. She surprised me with Meteorite, it's really different from what she has done previously. One of my favorite song is Make It Look Good, this song's really enchanting me, I have it playing on my mind the whole day. I'm really pleased with this new album and she proves me that she still has it. (Friday 30 May 2014; 13:20)

Because of music like this I know time still exists (44,305) by Loris from Italy Timbaland and Anita Baker have praised the album on twitter. Clearly this is her strongest effort ever after Butterfly (and maybe Daydream). I'm happy that she has finally managed to create this eternal masterpiece. Cry, OMT, Supernatural, Camouflage, Faded are some of the most beautiful gems of her entire catalogue. She has given me the best music I could ever ask for, so as a fan I feel very fortunate. When she sings "there ain't no joy", "I'm so cold inside, maybe just one more try" at the end of OMT, I am without defenses. Supernatural is surprisingly enchanting and bittersweet at the same time, because I wish I could have a child one day, but I am scared my love for men will be an insurmountable hindrance. Mariah has written this song for me. (Friday 30 May 2014; 12:38)

Re: Singles for release by Alain from the Philippines (44,304) by Webmaster Eric from the Netherlands I can't remember Merry Christmas II You had a re-release. Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel also did not have a re-release, nor did E=MC2. The last album that did have a re-release with additional songs was The Emancipation Of Mimi. So you're not buying Mariah's new album because 4 albums and 9 years ago there was a re-release and you think this will happen again with Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse, although the chances are very slim? I find this very strange. (Friday 30 May 2014; 12:08)

Singles for release (44,303) by Lainsky from Philippines After listening to the album's songs via YouTube twice, the standout singles for me are YDWTD, Meteorite and Heavenly. Commercially, I believe YDWTD should be released right now as in now, not later, not tomorrow but right now. It has appeal not only for commercial but also to her 90s fans. Meteorite, like most of you here said, is a new sound but I like it too. And Heavenly is just superb. Dedicated sounds like Cater 2 U by DC. Alongside with YDWTD, Thirsty is a good single for RnB radio. Releasing two songs at once I guess is a cool idea. But there must be a single release for this album. Love the album as a whole but I won't buy it in the next 6 months. I am afraid she might re-release this later this year like what she did with her previous album. I will just wait and see. (Friday 30 May 2014; 11:55)

Slant magazine and Glitter (44,302) by enwar00 from usa Have you guys read their review of MIAMTEC? Well they rated it 3 out of 5 stars but highly praised both YDKWTD and Meteorite, and at the end say at this point is it too late to ask that Mariah buries Mimi and resurrect Miss Billie Frank once and for all? I thought that was pretty funny. Honestly the first time I heard YDKWTD live from GMA, it screamed Glitter to me. And now listening to MIAMTEC, the in between song banter and giggling also reminds me of Glitter. Am I the only one? Lol. (Friday 30 May 2014; 11:11)

Darryle (44,301) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter That's exactly how I feel. It's very believable that she may want to jump labels but abandoning a project (something she could have just put together in months yet she took 5 years) is something I will never understand. I don't think any artist would want their album to be labelled a flop, especially someone with a decorated career like Mariah. And also since her last album underperformed, all eyes are on this album. If she misses this opportunity too, then it'll be sad because people already wrote Mariah off, and now they'll do it more. And the point you raised about Rainbow's promotion is also true. It's an album, which according to Mariah's interview feels like she was not very attached to and yet she promoted it a lot. I particularly remember Heartbreaker being promoted on everyone and their granny's shows. And that album managed to pop out 2 US #1 singles. Coming to 2014, an album which Mariah says is so close to her heart, and something she spent so many years perfecting, is being ignored. God knows what is wrong. It's a solid album. Non-lambs are liking the music but obviously if you are giving out no info whatsoever, apart from a lonely iTunes banner and a couple of BTS shots on your facebook, the GP will remain unaware. (Friday 30 May 2014; 11:06)

Promotion strategy (44,300) by Darryle from USA Mariah needs one. Despite what some are saying I think this album has tons of single choices. All Mariah needs to do is pick one. Maybe she's struggling to pick between one she loves and one that is commercial. I don't know but something has to happen. If this album gets a top 10 hit then sales will be huge. We can't pretend that Mariah's just over big sales and charts because if she was then she wouldn't have tried so hard with all of these singles. Even if there is no single she could do an interview or something there's Ellen, Arsenio, Fallon, morning news shows and so many more. To those saying this is a get me off this label album that could be true but it doesn't excuse the lack of promo. Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Rainbow a get me off this label album. It was finished in 4-5 months. It may be one of her lesser albums but it still had more promo then this. It also had a hit single and I'm pretty sure the label situation was worse then than it is today. (Friday 30 May 2014; 8:17)

Meteorite / You Don't Know What To Do (44,299) by cBerr from Canada While I recommend taking this with a grain of salt, according to a reliable DJ/Remixing forum that I visit, dance mixes are being commissioned for both tracks. Don't know which one will get more of a "push", but we will hopefully get decent remix packages and promotion for both tracks. (Friday 30 May 2014; 6:50)

Me. I am cautiously optimistic (44,298) by Mark from United States Not sure if this has been posted already or not but YDKWTD is officially going to be released as an all-format single to radio with the intro being kept. There will also be 2 versions, one with Wale and one without him. No official date yet but definitely June. This is all great news and gives me some hope for this era, but still not getting my expectations too high since promo has been pretty nonexistent so far. This song just needs some initial airplay and I think it's so good that it'll just take off from there on its own. (Friday 30 May 2014; 5:32)

Finally got the album (44,297) by enwar00 from usa Just ordered the CD off Amazon and it auto ripped to my phone. I'm so excited to listen to it on my plane ride. This bitch battery better not die. (Friday 30 May 2014; 4:49)

London frustration (44,295) by BH from UK Hi everyone. I have been following this messageboard for quite a while now but have never posted, until now. My experiences this week have elicited this post. Having been a fan since she fell to earth, I have always purchased the physical albums from the record store as soon as it drops. However, my experience of trying to buy this album has been unfathomable. The album was released here on the Monday and as I had downloaded the album off iTunes as soon as it became available, I didn't hit the store until Tuesday. I first went to the HMV in Selfridges (up market department store) and I couldn't see the album anywhere so I asked where I could find it. I was told it was sold out and to try the flagship store not far away. This store was also sold out and was told to try again in the week. Being tenacious, I went to another store and that was also sold out. It is now Thursday and four days after release and all the stores have not restocked. I asked one of the managers and he told me the first store only received 10 copies in total of the album (standard and deluxe). He also told me the flagship store only received 40 copies in total. This is Central London. He told me, as I shrieked in disbelief at hearing only 10 copies arrived, that "It's not really our fault as it's down to the record company. They only send small numbers when they think an album will flop." What's so frustrating is that the record company has not restocked any of the stores yet and it is four days after release. The album sold out in the first day. The guy even told me many people have been asking in both stores for the album and that in the first day the album was out-selling Sam Smith which is expected to be number 1 this week. I dread to think all those missed sales in Central London and the fact that after day 1 she has had no shelf presence whatsoever. If it is so hard to purchase the album by a fan who is willing to go from store to store to store, why would a non-Lamb bother? For those of you who are by now shouting out (due to my long post) "Did you manage to get the album?". Yes I did, but I had to go to yet another record store which had only one copy left. (Friday 30 May 2014; 4:28)

Sales predictions lowered (44,294) by G.G. from USA I just read that the first week sales predictions have been lowered to 55-60 thousand. This is not good. It seems that a lot of the Lambs are jumping ship. This makes me sad, because this (in my opinion) is a good album. (Friday 30 May 2014; 4:06)

Super fan (44,293) by G.G. from USA I love the video with Robert. It makes me laugh and smile. If I met MC, I don't even think I would be able to speak. Lol. (Friday 30 May 2014; 3:43)

Skip Love Story (44,292) by enwar00 from usa Wow wow wow. I had no idea that Love Story was replaced by Bye Bye. What a shame, as I love that song and think the video that eventually made it onto Vevo was cute. I did think that it was bizarre how Nick Cannon was appearing in the Bye Bye video, so this makes way more sense now. Wow. (Friday 30 May 2014; 3:02)

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