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MB30 (103,451) by whisperingmisunderstandings from USA "All I Live For (Extended Version)" is interesting because it's much more vocally in-line with the rest of Music Box (I thought the vocals were a bit subdued on the "Rarities" version, although I like that one as well). If this song and the outtake snippet we heard from "All in Your Mind" are any indication, Mariah may have a vault full of alternate takes of various songs that would be worth releasing, (This is more common in the jazz genre, like John Coltrane releasing an album of alternate takes in the 70s. I think Mariah's instrument is strong enough to warrant that kind of treatment.) The drum intro to "Workin Hard" immediately brought to mind BBD's "Poison", and while it's vocally impressive, I can see why it was left off the final track list (Poison was already three years old by the time MB was released, maybe this track was an early one in the recording process and deemed too dated for it's New Jack Swing elements?). "My Prayer" definitely had a similar vibe to "So Blessed" and "Forever", though more jazzy. The instrumentation reminded me a bit of Amy Winehouse, and again I see why it didn't make the cut (would have been more suited for Emotions, or even Daydream considering the doo-wop vibe of Forever). One omission I noticed was the uptempo remix to "Never Forget You" that I've heard on YouTube... does anyone know if that one is legit or just a fan-edit? I actually prefer it to the original, and always assumed it was a foreign-released b-side of some sort, but if so it seems odd that it wouldn't be included on this "definitive" version of MB. Overall I'm happy with the release, and find it exciting that there are still MC songs (particularly from her prime) that we've never heard. Here's hoping that Daydream30 gives us some more unheard gems. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 06:43)

Crybaby (103,450) by Bobby A from United States Crybaby was genius Mariah at her best. It has elements of hip hop, R&B, New Jack, and jazz all in one song. What other contemporary female artist has done that multiple times over. She doesn't receive enough credit for being a damn good songwriter. Her vocal acrobats and diva persona cause her songwriting skills to take a back seat sometimes. Timmy Gatling's creative differences with Aaron Hall of Guy brought me here because MC had the same creative differences.with Sony over Crybaby's release. It's ironic that one of the songwriters had creative differences over Piece Of Love that Crybaby samples. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 05:31)

Taking care of herself (103,449) by Bobby A from United States I am predicting that MC is planning a new album in 2024. She is taking this time get her voice back to at least E=MC2 or Memoirs eras. I would be happy if she can. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 04:38) this is a reply to message 103,443

Taking care of herself (103,443) by Jamie from UK Wow Mariah is looking in great shape, from her recent Instagram post. She really seems in a good place right now and taking care of herself. Let’s hope that with the added confidence of looking her best she starts to focus on giving us some new music and working on those vocals. Maybe reliving the [Music Box] era has given her the push she needed to remember how great she was. (Monday 11 September 2023; 23:05)

MB30 (103,448) by Stacey from USA Shoot I think she's giving Music Box the better anniversary treatment than she did Butterfly. If she hated the Music Box era, she has a funny way of showing it. As always Andrew, you are on point. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 03:36) this is a reply to message 103,444

MB30 (103,444) by Andrew from the UK Mariah was artistically "stifled" on Music Box? How interesting. She did, did she not, write the songs? She did, did she not, produce the songs? She did, did she not, create the vocal arrangements? She did, did she not, commission the remixes on which she...? Oh, you get me. The pretention of you. Mariah does, does she not, sing Hero in every concert? Mariah does, does she not, sing Dreamlover in every concert? Mariah's breakthrough hit, was it not, Without You? The audacity of you. Music Box is one of the best selling records of all time. Do you see Mariah denying or lessening her involvement in it? Do you hear her, for example, wishing it had been different to the extent she was forced into this in slave labour? The stupidity of you. The lambs do bleat foul under the impression that pre-97 Mariah was chained to a piano leg with Walter Afanasieff sucking the creative blood out of her. What absolute nonsense you have willingly been fed. Do not regurgitate it in my presence. (That's a posh way of saying STFU and GTFO.) (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 00:20)

MB30 (103,447) by BFF from United States I think Mariah was more in touch with her inner child on "Music Box" than on any other album. There is a sweetness, wholesomeness, and innocence to the writing, production, and vocals that really recalls a lot of Minnie Riperton and Stevie Wonder's outputs in the 1970s. I wouldn't call it "creatively stifled", but I understand why people have that perception. Tommy and Sony overruled Mariah on some things - sometimes it was the right call (adding Walter's input on "Dreamlover"), sometimes it wasn't (leaving "Everything Fades Away" off the final track listing). (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 02:36) 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 (103,446) by Jamie from UK Well said Andrew I totally agree, she loved those times otherwise she wouldn't be paying them any attention. She was there present at the time and without any effort she looked comfortable and enjoying herself. Nothing is perfect and there were times she wasn't happy but on the whole I'm certain she misses those times. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 01:48) this is a reply to message 103,444

MB30 (103,444) by Andrew from the UK Mariah was artistically "stifled" on Music Box? How interesting. She did, did she not, write the songs? She did, did she not, produce the songs? She did, did she not, create the vocal arrangements? She did, did she not, commission the remixes on which she...? Oh, you get me. The pretention of you. Mariah does, does she not, sing Hero in every concert? Mariah does, does she not, sing Dreamlover in every concert? Mariah's breakthrough hit, was it not, Without You? The audacity of you. Music Box is one of the best selling records of all time. Do you see Mariah denying or lessening her involvement in it? Do you hear her, for example, wishing it had been different to the extent she was forced into this in slave labour? The stupidity of you. The lambs do bleat foul under the impression that pre-97 Mariah was chained to a piano leg with Walter Afanasieff sucking the creative blood out of her. What absolute nonsense you have willingly been fed. Do not regurgitate it in my presence. (That's a posh way of saying STFU and GTFO.) (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 00:20)

9/11 and "Glitter" (103,445) by Andrew from the UK To all those who lost someone on that fateful day 22 years ago: it is only life that ends... not love. Love is a thread woven into the fabric of time. It is without beginning and it is without end. If we never meet - or if we never meet again - I wish every one of you a long and happy life. (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 00:36) this is a reply to message 103,438

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)

MB30 (103,444) by Andrew from the UK Mariah was artistically "stifled" on Music Box? How interesting. She did, did she not, write the songs? She did, did she not, produce the songs? She did, did she not, create the vocal arrangements? She did, did she not, commission the remixes on which she...? Oh, you get me. The pretention of you. Mariah does, does she not, sing Hero in every concert? Mariah does, does she not, sing Dreamlover in every concert? Mariah's breakthrough hit, was it not, Without You? The audacity of you. Music Box is one of the best selling records of all time. Do you see Mariah denying or lessening her involvement in it? Do you hear her, for example, wishing it had been different to the extent she was forced into this in slave labour? The stupidity of you. The lambs do bleat foul under the impression that pre-97 Mariah was chained to a piano leg with Walter Afanasieff sucking the creative blood out of her. What absolute nonsense you have willingly been fed. Do not regurgitate it in my presence. (That's a posh way of saying STFU and GTFO.) (Tuesday 12 September 2023; 00:20) 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)

Taking care of herself (103,443) by Jamie from UK Wow Mariah is looking in great shape, from her recent Instagram post. She really seems in a good place right now and taking care of herself. Let’s hope that with the added confidence of looking her best she starts to focus on giving us some new music and working on those vocals. Maybe reliving the [Music Box] era has given her the push she needed to remember how great she was. (Monday 11 September 2023; 23:05)

AYNAF Extended Version (103,442) by Bobby A from United States Wow. What extended version was I listening to on YouTube last night? I am going to listen to the CD version later. (Monday 11 September 2023; 19:39) this is a reply to message 103,439

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)

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)

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