Messageboard

Joyce and Badr (39,928) by Marcel from Montréal, Canada I mostly agree on your points. I guess there's something wrong going on because when you are MC you'd expect a lot of big management companies trying to get your contract. Back in Tommy's days and TEOM, management was on top and she followed guidance. Success. We all might remember that with TEOM LA Reid took a Tommy role pushing the album release for almost a year and being in the studio with MC checking every song/note recorded until he was satisfied. Now TAOLG is an ok track and I like that she's finally singing once again, but the track lacks on melody, production and those lyrics. When she said that it was about all she's been going through the last 3 years I was like cool, but phrases are random, making not proper use of the language and using her own nickname within the song is weird. Her voice sounds better than lately yes, but it still sounds husky, raspy, nasal while mostly speaking. At the end it sounds nice but it's so enhanced like on Angels Cry. IMO she needs to tone down the diva behaviour that only lambs seem to enjoy and as someone said yesterday have an image change, nothing drastic but something new, maybe going back to the brown hair with a nice hairdo and not the scouring pad hair look. Back on TAOLG, first I thought was yet another "f**k you Tommy" song but then I was like if she said it's based on her last 3 years would it be Walter? No, he didn't plan reunions, it was Randy's idea so might it be Nick related? That radio interview was intriguing. (Thursday 21 November 2013; 3:33)

Contact email (39,927) by Zachary from Croatia I need some help guys. Is there an e-mail that I could write to Mariah's team or management or something similar? We are having a referendum here in Croatia about making a law that marriage between man and woman is only accepted to the people. They want to dismiss gay people or single parents and make them unsuitable environment to raise children, which is totally unacceptable to us. There is a big movement on Facebook and other media that contains a word "PROTIV", which means "against" on everyone's profile picture on Facebook or even on public places. So, my intention is to maybe contact them and ask them will they put the word PROTIV on Mariah's Facebook page so that the movement gets a more stronger impact. (Thursday 21 November 2013; 1:42)

Re: jaker20 (39,926) by Tory from Australia Actually your message wasn't clear, you made it sound like she only sang a medley of previous hits and didn't include #Beautiful. It's over and done with either way, so who cares? #Beautiful still regularly plays on the radio, people haven't forgotten about it and still like it. (Thursday 21 November 2013; 1:36)

Re: R&B Junkie (39,925) by Billy from Greece Preach fellow PhD student! (Thursday 21 November 2013; 0:30)

The magic of internet (39,924) by R&B Junkie from Poland When it comes to the world wide web, everyone seems to be a management specialist, musician, songwriter, vocal coach, dress stylist, and whatever you all wanna be. So the question is: Are you all really that excellent in everyday life and have you ever achieved something more than just little things (that no one knows)? Now the most shocking part of this messageboard was the one where somebody called TAOLG a flop single. First of all, it is not the regular single (so far), they call it "a song", not "a single". And come on, a true music lover would be glad and grateful for any newly released song. Ask fans of The Beatles or (sorry, there's no bad intentions in it) Whitney Houston, what they would prefer: a song or nothing. We've been given with the song, that's what we should love Mariah for, chart statistics and ways of promotion should not matter. And I have the feeling that most of you forgot that she's not in her 20's anymore, she's married and has children. She's not going to be the best selling pop star for another decade, just because of one reason: it takes time. And for me, the most important thing is that an artist never stop being an artist, it doesn't matter if your album sales are 20,000 or 20,000,000, because it's in your soul. No doubt Mariah has it. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 21:38)

[...] (39,923) by Carlos Jaramillo from USA So, I was thinking guys, those of us whom "really" know Mariah Carey and her work antics know that before she releases a final product, she records many songs, so she has her favorites to select from and ultimately come up with an album. My point, I know she had to have been doing this always. This must be a practice she started in her early years. I did some research and found that Tommy the dictator is owner of many, many completed Mariah Carey unreleased songs. She has to have many of them as well. Imagine if she released these songs. Even if only as a media gimmick to sell individually; release them little by little as she did with the 5 covers of #Beautiful. She can take the vocals and update the music if she just feels they may be dated. Even though we always see this "diva", big personality, persona, I can assure you that she doesn't quite "grasp" the magnitude of the quality, perfection, unexplainable dynamics and unequivocal intricacies of her vocals. Weather you like MC or not, there is no denying that in our lifetime, we will never hear a voice that is even similar to the real MC. We have to relive the experience of hearing new music, but with the vocal prowess that was unleashed during her vocal peak. [...] If enough of us beg and plead, we can have the "real" MC back. I'm sure there are albums worth of flawless MC we can hear. That album would sell [...]. All the [...] would purchase this album. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 19:38)

Facts before Fiction/ commercial release vs. release (39,921) by nikki from usa The only person who promoted TAOLG was Mariah. She never mentioned a radio release, music video, or any promotion afterward. Any column that talked about this only repeated what was written on MC's personal websites, there was no new information. Mariah did a few mini interviews that centralized around her "fans" hearing this and her Q&A upon release, she's releasing it on Facebook for "the fans" to hear, she was on Jimmy Fallon to see the fans reactions to this song. She released it and allowed download. The same thing with Triumphant. It wasn't released to radio either. People are going ahead as if this is the next "commercial" single. MC never backed that. Now take Beautiful. There was a media listen 2 weeks before release and it was reviewed, it was on radio for a full day before they played it at will. The next day it was played at will and allowed for download. We already knew about the video which was released at the end of the week. She went out and promoted it, recreated different versions, along with music videos, and continued to sing it. That's a commercial release. This was not. Music Box was also a song named for an album, it may have been one of Mariah's favorites, but back then a company's not going to release it if it's not going to be a hit on radio. She'd never be able to share it with the fans back then like she can now. The next facts are: there's no news of promoting this further, Mariah will be on Micheal Buble's Christmas Special, Nick Cannon said that after this song, Mariah has something else coming up. If this is a "commercial single", why would she have something else ready for release? Mariah may love this song and want to have a moment with her fans, but it doesn't mean she thinks this will be a radio hit. However, according to the people she worked with and MC's own comments on this album, she does believe she has some great hits on her album. The fact that we don't have an album release date yet, only goes to show this is not her next commercial single. Mariah's crazy like a fox. She's clearly gearing up for Christmas and may want to promote her hit album like she does almost every year now. That may be the new "jump off" to start promoting a commercial single after the new year, fresh off the Christmas high. That's one advantage Mariah has over her competition. Every year her Christmas material comes out and gets played, she can be seen, promote old favorites, before promoting her new work. Something that will do well on radio, and be promoted beforehand. When it's a true commercial release, you'll know. There will be real buzz, real media interaction, and not just repeating what she has written on her websites. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 17:41)

Lyric / a song for lambs (39,920) by Lamb_O_Chop from Australia Lyric, it's not considered a real single because it wasn't put up for radio adds, nor is there any plans for a video as of yet. So how are non lambs or the general public supposed to hear and appreciate the song if they haven't put it on the radio? Mariah stated that this song was for the lambs that wanted to just hear a raw ballad with piano and vocals, and she said it before it tumbled down iTunes. So no I don't believe it's a cop out and yes I believe this was just something to tie us over until she's ready to put the new official single and album out. She's not as out of touch as something people claim or want her to be. I know she will bring that fire like she always do when she's ready to chart. As for people complaining about the lyrics and vocals on the song, I'm sure the "redundancy" that people keep referring to was intentional and it makes perfect sense really. So I don't get why people are bothered. I also can't see how anyone can complain about the vocals, because they are outstanding, and it's supposed to sound raw, it's a raw ballad. I actually love the slight rasp in the first line, it adds that raw soul feeling and sounds perfect her voice is as smooth as butter throughout the rest of the song, so I just don't get why some of you would trash the song. As for me, other's opinion or iTunes positions doesn't matter to me, I still think it's a brilliant piece of work and nobody's touching MC. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 17:12)

Ms. Giselle (39,919) by jaker20 from US I completely agree about #Beautiful. The problem wasn't the song. The song is great, loved by non-fans and got great reviews. The problem was the promo. So this new song is destined to be another Triumphant/Almost Home if she's not on the promo rounds. She didn't sing #Beautiful on many live shows, you know like really live without all the question marks that it's really live? You know like what she did with Fallon. You know, like really strong performance like she really meant it. To be honest I'm not feeling her passion with music anymore. It's more about just being out and about, then let the song be, then go home and take care of the babies. Yeah, I'm sure that's what life really is about no question there. But that just don't cut it these days if you're a pro. Like any other pro in any profession. Madonna's last single made the top 10 and MDNA topped the charts, that's because she worked her behind off on the carrier single, there was hype, and like another poster said, there was the machine behind it. MC is just kind of whatever lately. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 15:25)

Tory (39,918) by jaker20 from US I wasn't interested in the AI medley. I thought my message was clear. I said I wanted her to promote #Beautiful and that song alone. No one cared about the medley except hardcore fans, and she looks like a has-been when she sings medleys. It's not like people can't hear those songs on YouTube. If you're going to promote a song, promote that song alone, not make it look second fiddle to your other songs. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 15:15)

Inseparable (39,917) by B from USA Videos on my phone, I just can't delete them. The first text I ever got from you is still saved on my phone. I thought of this song when I heard the lyrics to TAOLG. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 15:00)

TAOLG lyrics (39,916) by B from USA I think this record hinted at the problems MC is having with Nick. On Memoirs she wrote about baby call my phone and daily emails and now pay attention to the line. Go to Mimi on your contacts press delete plus the interview with Angie. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 14:51)

Showbiz 411 (39,915) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom That Showbiz 411 article was strange. The guy who writes there is usually a lot more supportive of Mariah. I do wonder what is going on in Mariah's camp. Things seem a little disjointed lately. There seems to be no cohesive direction with the album, in terms of dates, singles etc. Its all quite odd. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 13:07)

Strange atmosphere (39,914) by Zachary from Croatia I am not sure what is exactly happening with her, but I am a little bit concerned. People who know me and my love towards Mariah always ask me "where is she" or "I didn't hear a thing from her since 1998". When I mention the Emancipation area, then they remember and say, oh yes, those were her songs. Some of them liked "Touch my body" but since then - zero. Now is 2013 and I don't know; I hear bunch of stupid songs becoming hits, but somehow hers are left in the dark. I don't want to go techno craze on us but song like Emotions or Migrate or "It's like that" would be welcome. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 11:49)

TAOLG (39,913) by Lyric from USA If the song is not an "official single", then why was it released to iTunes, heavily hyped, and basically given the single treatment? Some people truly have blinders on when it comes to Mariah. This song is not commercially successful, but I totally believe that's what Mariah was aiming for. Are we going to claim each single is "for the fans" when it doesn't do well on the charts? This is a woman who has more #1s than any other female artist, I think we can relax and stop worrying about her getting any more. Her legendary status is set in stone. Whether you're a chart queen or not, the best thing to do is enjoy the music. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 11:05)

Is she really in control? (39,912) by Badr from USA I have noticed that Mariah’s career lacks a sense of direction, pretty much since she left Sony. Back then, whether we like it or now, she was properly managed. TEOM era was the only exception, during this era, she would make smart moves, and her career seemed well coordinated and planned in terms of the product itself and promotion. I have heard a thousand times how she is “finally in control”. I wonder what that really means. Yes, she might be able to take part in the decision making process but, in many cases, it does not suffice. I believe she is still capable of repeating the success she’s enjoyed countless times in the past. She, however, needs someone to guide her and advised her, in terms of music and business. Based on the results of TAOLG, JD may not be fully qualified for such demanding position. Needless to say, MC is one of the most talented singers in the industry, having established herself as a true legend. Of course, the current music scene seems to be dominated by clownish exhibitionists and bubble-gum pop, then again, there is always an audience hungry for more. I’m disappointed because she is managing her career as if it was a joke. She’s postponed an album four times already, having released three/four singles. At this point, fans are not even sure TAOLG is a single or not. That tells us something. I couldn’t understand why she releases a song for an album that is not coming until next year. I hope she finds whatever it is she needs. She deserves success. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 8:29)

My two cents (39,911) by Ms. Giselle from USA I love TAOLG and I've enjoyed the other 3 songs and all the remixies. Mariah's been on AI, didn't go over at all on that show. Then back to back bad performances. We still never got a proper great performance for #Beautiful. I honestly think it was a mistake for her to release another song this year. I love Mariah, but she needs to take a break and let everyone miss her (which is weird because we haven't had a proper release since 2009). AI and bad performances really put a dent in it. It's to late now, considering if she does that, the press would have a field day. I don't understand why a artist of Mariah's caliber can't seem to find a great manager. Ever since Benny left it's been down hill since. Mariah and JD seem to think ''Mariah Carey'' name is going to sell for it self. Yeah in the 90's yes, but this is a whole new world. I think we should all just forget about the charts and successes, that time has passed. Just enjoy the music, the fact that Mariah is still very popular all these years later is incredible. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 5:21)

The Art Of Letting Go, flop? (39,910) by clueey23 from USA Okay, this record is not a flop by any means. This record hasn't even been released to radio with very very limited marketing and promo and is making waves around the world! #1 in 8 countries. On the other hand, an artist like Lady Gaga is flopping hard with "Art Pop" and the record company is like out $25 million for the marketing alone. I really don't think an artist as legendary as MC flops. She has said that we are in a "singles" era in the music industry. Hence "Triumphant" and all its remixes. "Almost Home" for a Disney soundtrack, "100%" made for the Winter Olympics back then. Another reason I believe it was easy for MC to release like a ton of remixes for #Beautiful besides the pushback on the release date for the album. I think that TAOLG is a throwback in every sense of the word. Not only in sound but a throwback to before the radio was so heavily programmed and regulated that you can't call up and have the local dj spin the new release because you simply requested it. Looking forward to this record. In love with both singles. And I don't really need everyone to like something in order for it to be considered greatness. The majority of MC best songs ever sang or written are not #1 records, let alone singles. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 4:22)

Re: jaker20 (39,909) by Tory from Australia Umm, she sang #Beautiful at the end of her medley. (Wednesday 20 November 2013; 3:34)

I miss the machine (39,908) by Brad from USA Hi lambs. I think that what some of us are missing with the release of TAOLG isn't even so much about the music. It's about the machine that used to be in place when Mariah had a release. Granted, that was part of the music company's doing, in an era when we actually had viable music companies. That said, it was exciting to have consistent televesion appearances, radio interviews, performances, media coverage and radio airplay. Now, it seems that none of that exists for Mariah. Is it the lack of strong label support or Mariah's veteran status that deprives her of that machine? I am not so sure the world is as flat as Jermaine Dupri thinks it is. Releasing a song to all markets at the same time may make sense but one has to build a market for the product and without the machine Mariah hasn't really been able to do that of late. I guess I long for a revised machine that lets the lambs be part of the process of making a Mariah single successful. That involves more than just being able to buy it. It means helping to make it part of the cultural dialogue because people have either seen Mariah on TV, heard the song on the radio or read an article about it. Without all of those trappings being a lamb just isn't as satisfying sometimes. It's kind of like having a turkey without any of the trimmings. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 23:59)

Mariah (39,907) by Liz Archer from Sweden Mimi's has always had problem with spreading the word of her singles to her fans around the world. The only way I know about it is since I follow her music progress when coming to sites like this. Facebook was a interesting idea, but I am not sure what else she needs to do to get her singles /music out to possible new fans out there. Maybe she needs to go on to shows like Ellen and sing. I haven't seen her perform on any tv-show like Ellen, Late Night etc as of late. Her latest labels and represents just seem to think her name is enough, but she really needs promotion in today's world. It's all about how to present the music etc. I don't know what is going wrong. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 23:07)

TAOLG flop ? Not radio friendly (39,906) by lil star from untied states I think it's weird how everyone keeps acting like Mariah doesn't know that TAOLG is not radio friendly. This is the woman with the most 1's. I think she would know what could be a hit. Come on people, this is Mariah. I'm sure there is a game plan. You know there is going to be a remix and that will probably serve as the radio single (wether or not that will work we will have to wait and see). And yet it's to soon to say it's a flop. No music video or performances or remix yet. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 22:24)

Not good (39,905) by Joyce from USA The Art Of Letting Go doesn’t seem to be going very well. It stands on an island, all alone and not relevant to current pop progress. “Throwback” is not always a good thing, especially if a track hopes to do well in a market dominated by electro-pop music or 808 drumbeat electro-laced R&B. Should she remain true and stick to her safe island, where she rules that realm? Yes, if you don’t care about your song much like a proprietary product, competing with new updated edgy products on the market. No, absolutely not if you are trying for success in the pop song chart success. Her voice sounds tired and horse in the beginning, as if she just woke up or battling a cold. If they released this song because it was one of the strongest in the bunch, the new album is in trouble. For that reason, we won’t see a new album from her untill late next year. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 20:19)

Keep believing (39,904) by Tony from Ireland I strongly agree this song can't be referred as a flop. I mean, still there's no promotion as it should be and all the critics are saying the same. It does not smell like a number one hit, but definitely is a song that shows Mariah at her best. And I'm so happy the world is realising this. Look at the Hungarian charts and how after almost 16/17 years "Close my eyes" is number one. I'm so exited about her new album and I really hope it will have the same flavour. I mean, she rocks and as I read in an article she can easily bring most of the singers out there to tears. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 17:39)

American Idol appearances (39,903) by Billy from Greece Apart from that horrendous turquoise dress and the accompanied hairdo that she wore at a time during the early auditions stage, Mariah looked stunning in most of the live shows. I've been looking at some of her appearances and everything is perfect. The guy who was doing her hair really got it on point in terms of how she looks her best. During the first live show in particular, where she wears a black dress, she is just exquisite head to toe. She was similarly breathtaking in the blue Donatella Versace dress that she wore on April 4. Great styling overall. Random, I know, but thought I should mention it. (Tuesday 19 November 2013; 17:30)

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