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About Jon from Netherlands: Facebook: joao.calado.71

YDKWTD (49,374) by Jon from Netherlands Someone posted this on youtube. Scarce resources (from this era) but a good job putting a video together. The song is a gem. It makes me think how Rainbow was made just so she could release Heartbreaker. That's how good that song is and I feel the same about YDKWTD. The song deserved a great video with Mariah playing a confident, emancipated woman with a great party feel to it. Visually I imagine something like Breakdown. I could see something really epic about this because the lyrics are so confident. Her acting could be like in Shake It Off but more energetic. Releasing that horrible song [...] has a single and messing with different possible second singles when they could have just released this is a really bad sign. If Mariah really believed [...] could have any sort of success in today's radio world she lost touch with what people are listening to (and that's something she always had in her favour). Anyway didn't want to be negative, it's done now. Just wanted to celebrate this wonderful song. (Thursday 22 January 2015; 22:55)

Mariah and Vegas (49,153) by Jon from Netherlands A lot of artists are doing talent shows or residencies for one reason only: it's more profitable than releasing an album. The 90's were the peak of the music industry with a lot of money pouring in. That is long gone and the industry has been slowly declining. None of this is new. The fact that Mariah has done AI and now Vegas is different though. It's not just any artist. It's the one that reigned over the 90's and was extremely prolific with an average of one album per year. The fact she goes for something like AI or Vegas (even though other reasons may apply) instead of being in the studio is a testament to the end of that era and the final closing of that chapter. This, of course, considering only the financial perspective. I also believe, as L.H said, that it's done for the kids and taking into account a possible custody battle. At the end of the day Mariah might be outsmarting everybody and getting her priorities right and reaching her goals. I think I admire her more than ever now. She's a rare type of person: a fighter that isn't vicious. It's not about walking over others, it's about making it happen for herself and at this point it's all about the kids, the music and the fans (I'm now more convinced than ever she did the tour to be with the fans). (Wednesday 14 January 2015; 1:23)

When (49,125) by Jon from Netherlands It's supposed to be next Thursday. (Sunday 11 January 2015; 23:36)

Songs of the decade (49,118) by Jon from Netherlands That explains the hate. You can't be so sucessful and also talented and good looking. Its not allowed. (Sunday 11 January 2015; 21:30)

Ellen (49,116) by Jon from Netherlands As a fan I don't think I'm entitled to anything but it is important to me to get some input from MC and to know how she is. My life is deeply intertwined with her music and different eras and though it's a one way street I like to know how she is because I actually care for her. I think she is a sweet person with whom I can empathise since we share a lot of personality traits and at the end of the day she has done more for me with her music and example (yes, there is a lot to learn from her) than a lot of people in my life. I hope the Ellen appearance can shine some light on her state of mind. Nothing wrong with sharing some negative moments of past year and be honest about it. I hope it's not just about the Vegas residency. (Sunday 11 January 2015; 19:41)

Jazz album (48,910) by Jon from Netherlands Agreed Shelly. With Mariah singing LOBL and DE on tour it seems her musical taste of late might be going more towards Jazz (at least I get that vibe, otherwise why sing LOBL?). I love her melismas but her subtle renditions are equally mesmerizing and I feel like as I grow older I'll be liking them more and more. But what about Mariah writing her own Jazz songs? I didn't know LOBL and thought it was an original (I know I know my bad). It had a Mariah feeling to it (just a little too sweet but it could be a Mariah song). If Mariah could give me a smooth Jazz album to listen to on a late night car ride I would be so happy. She doesn't have to do a formal album. Just do a concert and release it for the fans. Rearrenged songs would be great but I would love original ones. Something emotionally raw like Don't Explain. Simple lyrics but with depth. Underproduce the hell out of it and focus on melody and voice. Something like Nina Simone. (Friday 2 January 2015; 21:28)

Reflecting on 2014 (48,798) by Jon from Netherlands Highlights: The concerts. There were a lot of good performances and MC really showed love for the fans in some of them. She also spread a lot of joy in her Christmas concerts. Her ability to weather the storm was also admirable and a reason to be proud of her and to see how different she is from others that are/were on the spotlight. Album reviews. Not one of my favourite albums but it does have a few amazing songs and is nice to see the critics on Mariah's side. Dissapointing: Choosing Eternal as the first single. Most of us feel like it is one of the worst songs on the album and totally not radio friendly. The rest of the promotion of the album doesnt bother me as I understand she had other things in mind. Album title? Management. Choosing a close friend and collaborator as manager was a bad idea. Either go alone or go with a pro. Starting the tour so emotional. It's understandable and we are all human but the next stop in Tokyo might not be so crowded. Musical moments: The now discovered uncut version of AIWFCIY is amazing as is the rendition of Lullaby Of Birdland. Annoying: Nick. He went from cute goofy guy to annoying brat. Not saying Mariah is perfect but she was there when he was sick, even wrote a song for him but this dude seems to only care about his career. I don't know him personally of course but he's certainly not as classy as he wants people to believe. (Saturday 27 December 2014; 15:25)

Merry Christmas everybody (48,783) by Jon from Netherlands Wishing you all lovely holidays and here's hoping that Mariah keeps doing the Christmas concerts so that I can be there next year. (Thursday 25 December 2014; 0:53)

Signature song (48,678) by Jon from Netherlands We talked about the song that Mariah is recognized for. I was wondering what song better symbolises Mariah, the song that she could sign underneath saying "this is who I am and what I did as an artist and this reprensents my career". I would say "Fly like a bird": it has the vocals she is known for, the big production, the choir elements she uses often, the religious content that she believes in, it's not a love song (which is not how I think Mariah would like to be remembered) but an inspirational (ish) one which is very Mariah, it's part of her big comeback and a testament of her perserverance and proof of her endurance and that Grammy performance could be the performance for which she is remembered. It is also evidence of her vulnerability as a person and honesty as a songwriter. If I were to choose another one I would say "I wish you well". It's clearly one of her most (if not the most) personal song. I don't think it's very representative of her music though. It's not her typical sound but it represents who Mariah is very well. (Sunday 21 December 2014; 1:58)

Being relatable (48,642) by Jon from Netherlands I understand the concept but I find it forced. None of these celebrities are relatable, no matter how much they try to be. Lorde is relatable now but if she keeps this level of sucess in 5 years when she has 3 mansions I'm pretty sure she won't be. For someone like Mariah (in her own league) it's not about relatable or down to earth (which would be fake and in a way insulting) but grateful and classy. Everything considered I think she makes a good effort (let's remember Whitney with "I'm too rich to smoke crack"). She said no to questions about other females on WWHL and I think that's great. When JLo did what she did to Mariah her answer "I don't know her" was pretty classy. Her answer in 96 to Madonna was not so classy. It's no always perfect but at least is real. When she says she loves Beyonce you know it's true. Most people under the pressure and exposed to level of sucess of Mariah would be insane. I couldn't cope. She does it wonderfully and after everything still puts on a show and smiles. It all comes from the education she got from her mother and the "believe in yourself" attitude. Not everybody has that good of an education. (Friday 19 December 2014; 21:15)

Signature song (48,641) by Jon from Netherlands Jake, you nailed it. I forgot to mention My All but it's pretty apprecited outside the "lambily". In a way Mariah as Hero and AIWFCIY as signature songs. I think both will stay around for long time. As long as there are "Idols" like shows Mariah will stay around, even 100 years from now, because her songs were built for a type of voice anyone will like to emulate. Twisterman, I think it's so interesting how songs come and go. You mention IWTKWLI but look at OSD. Biggest song ever in the States, nobody knows it now. I feel WBT is going the same way. Otti I also appreciate your posts, specially the hate the game not the player. I feel like Mariah wants less and less to play the game. After all she has more important things to do like "taking care of dem babies and singing" as she said in a recent interview. (Friday 19 December 2014; 21:01)

Nikki (48,627) by Jon from Netherlands I loved your message. So positive and all based on facts. Certainly there are other facts that would make one less optimistic but your message made me happy. She does get a lot of respect from artists like Mary J. Blidge and everybody that works with her loves her. Mariah is sweet at heart and that's why I defend her even though I see that sometimes there's something wrong. But it's not her heart. Even if she was a horrible person her music is unbeatable. Being a nice person makes me a fan of not only her music but also a fan of hers. Mariah has saved a lot of people from bad situations. Her music is in our hearts. It's not just bubble gum pop. I'll stand by her even if I don't stand by everything that she does. (Friday 19 December 2014; 2:01)

Shelly (48,626) by Jon from Netherlands Unfortunately this is the society we have. It's rather superficial and tacky. Mariah could be out there talking about the divorce but she isn't. She's keeping it classy. Has anyone said anything about that aspect? Of course not. Has anyone said her redintion of Lullaby Of Birdland showcases a different and in certain levels better Mariah? No. When she goes for the melismas some people hate it, when she goes the other direction not a word. Is really having vocal issues the worst a singer can do? What about the bad examples of so many that are out there? Mariah suffers the syndrome of the little girl: when she came out she was the little girl, like a daughter is to a father; then she freed herself and people didn't like to see it the same way a father wouldn't like to see a daughter in short skirts; and when she fails people are happy to say "I told you so" because she doesn't conform to the idea people had of her (like a bitter father). As Mariah said back in the Butterfly era: what I'm doing is pretty tame, is not like I'm going around with whips. So many hate on her because she's "divalicious". Well is that really the worst one can be? It's not like she's actually arrogant and rude to peole. Just a bit histerycal but it comes from being insecure. The general public doesn't get it, it hurts her image but they can always go for a fabricated pop star (that will end up like Britney in 2007). I for one don't need the public to like Mariah. It's their loss. (Friday 19 December 2014; 1:42)

Signature song (48,624) by Jon from Netherlands I live in Amsterdam and the other day I was with a piano player and asked him if he knew how to play any Mariah Carey song. He said no but ended up saying he could try Hero (which he did from memory). For a lot of people it's Hero. She sings it more than any other song and the public loves it. To me that bridge is the most epic musical thing I ever heard. When it comes to Mariah it is hard to say which song is her signature one. TGIFY is probably not even in the 10 most known ones. It really depends on the perspective, market and age group. For some people it's VOL. For those more concerned with cultural impact is Fantasy remix. In the Asia market Through The Rain is pretty big. If you go to Brazil is I Wanna Know What Love Is. For those in their early twenties now is WBT. For some it's actually When You Believe (very liked in some markets though technically not a Mariah song). Without You is the Mariah song for those in their 30's, 40's and located in more "ballady" markets (a Celine Dion fan will easily associate Mariah to Without You). Having said that, with time AIWFCIY will cement it's position as her signature song. Don't really know why but it makes me sad. It feels like a fluke, like she got lucky with a song that has the Christmas factor so it gets played every year. I would love to see ABMB be her signature song. It's a brilliant masterpiece that is just absolutely irresistable. (Friday 19 December 2014; 1:26)

Questions for positive lambs (48,605) by Jon from Netherlands The problem when it comes to MC is that for the general public perception is reality. They can't see through the surface and most of the time can't even get a joke (and Mariah is always joking, which can come across as full of herself for those that don't get it). (Thursday 18 December 2014; 14:58)

Shelly (48,591) by Jon from Netherlands Mariah tired of fame? I actually hope so. She's had so much sucess she doesn't need it anymore. You have silly little teenagers saying Mariah copied Taylor Swift when it comes to the song Shake It Off. Mariah at this point is for those who care about music not for the teenager market (the one she would have to reach in order to achieve fame). So focus on making music for the fans. If MC ever decides to go on a jazz route she would have great fans like Diana Krall has that actually appreciate music. I feel like Mariah could have another 25 years of a completely different career, in a way much more successful cause it could be even more about the music. She doesn't owe the fans anything and doesn't owe me anything so this is wihsful thinking but I would love to see her put her catalogue behind and start fresh. Sinead O'Connor doesn't sing NCTY anymore. I say MC could do the same. She has gazillions songs in store for us and we could enjoy a new repertoire and leave the old one in the albums and youtube clips. To start new she would have to accept letting go of fame and her trademark songs. Perhaps it would come back, perhaps not. One thing is for sure: her musical talent will not go away and we would still love her. (Thursday 18 December 2014; 2:34)

The queen of Christmas (48,491) by Jon from Netherlands Is it just me or is calling Mariah the queen of Christmas a bit insulting? All this craze over AIWFCIY makes it look like she is a one hit wonder only to be seen at Christmas. (Saturday 13 December 2014; 10:07)

The test of time (48,284) by Jon from Netherlands We all agree on this: Mariah's music never loses its magic. I grew up with so many songs from other artists and now I'll go back to listen to those songs only for the nostalgia. Sometimes it's a little emotional, sometimes I don't even care for the song anymore. Either way I'll only listen to it once or twice. Somehow with Mariah her music doesn't lose it's magic. I truly believe I'll be enjoying ABMB when I'm 80. I can't get enough of Honey or TMB or Hero or VOL (and so on and so on). There are songs that after their "era" I don't care for anymore (looking specially at you Charmbracelet) or don't care as much but there are so many that I have listened to exhaustion and still like it. That's not how music works normally. Thankfully for Mariah that's what happens with the general public concerning AIWFCIY. (Friday 5 December 2014; 15:49)

A bit of a rant (48,258) by Jon from Netherlands It really can't be easy to be Mariah. When you get to such a high level it must be hard to drop from that, specially when people love to knock down stars from their podium because it makes them less frustrated with their lifes. And if you are a woman you are not supposed to be sucessful for too long. As a "pop star" ages there is a process of accepting that you are not as young, or marketable or in as good vocal shape as you were. I fear Mariah is not going through that process as she should. It's hard for everybody to accept certain things as we age but for those that are extra insecure it's extra hard. It's ok to criticize Mariah in the press, the problem is that you never see the other side. Where's the recognition for someone that has done so much for so many? That actually has (an humongous) talent. That actually works hard at what she does. I'm sure it would be easier for her if people were fair. They are not. In the end of the day Mariah suffers mostly from one curse: herself. How can she live up to best voice that was ever recorded? She set the standards so high even she can't reach them. It's sadly ironic. In a way Mariah should leave Mariah behind. It feels like she is competing with herself. Let that girl go and embrace the woman. The woman has an amazing voice, beautiful to hear but it's a different voice. Btw I thought the Rockefeller performance was ok and the intro was nicely done. Sorry for the rant. (Friday 5 December 2014; 3:43)

Can Mariah still handle it live? (48,103) by Jon from Netherlands Most of us accept Mariah's voice is not as good as it used to be but the "Always be my baby" segment at minute 7 made me think for a second that her voice is actually better now. Unfortunately the "Obsessed" segment took that illusion away. I do believe (as many others) that without the drinking and with a lot of discipline her voice could remain outstanding for the rest of her days (not far from what it was at her prime). I think our Mimi lost a bit of discipline and ability to sacrifice herself for her voice (the drinking is undeniable). It's still her choice and she has the right to exercise it but it makes me sad. The last tour proved that when she felt her reputation could be in jeopardize she immediately uped her game and regained some discipline (I assume she took better care of her voice and controlled herself a bit more). Some people when criticized get depressed, Mariah gets to work and that's why she still has a lot to offer. (Saturday 29 November 2014; 22:56)

Acapella moments (48,092) by Jon from Netherlands A lot of moments that I didn't know about. A really nice suprise. Hope you enjoy. (Friday 28 November 2014; 1:01)

Mariah as a musician (48,081) by Jon from Netherlands So the general public sees Mariah as a blonde bimbo that was gifted with a great voice. Mariah and the lambs try to change this image and insist that she writes her own lyrics and she is indeed an amazing songwriter. What I don't understand is why there is no recognition of Mariah as a musician. She composes brilliant melodies. Afanasieff said he never met anyone with so much music inside. It's probably her biggest talent (and that's saying a lot since she has the best voice ever recorded, IMHO). Why isnt there any focus on this? Even a goofy song like "Touch my body" translated to a simple piano is beautiful. Not to mention much better songs than that. "I wish you well" is brilliant just as an instrumental song. This is her biggest gift and she should be refered first as a composer. Her musicianship really shines through when she improvises. She not only knows what fits a song but what takes the song to another level. I don't wanna sound like a blind lamb, I just find her amazing as a musician and I can't find others as good as her. Sorry but there aren't. (Wednesday 26 November 2014; 23:56)

MCIIY (48,079) by Jon from Netherlands Oh Santa does not receive the love that it deserves but I wouldn't say it's better than AIWFCIY. Having said that I think people are too focused on only AIWFCIY and miss other great Mariah Christmas songs. "Christmas time is in the air again" is the epitemy of a Christmas song. It could have been sang by Frank Sinatra. It really sounds like a classic. I would expect "One child" to be massive in the Christian community and I would imagine being the first go to song by church choirs. "When Christmas comes" is not as strong as the others but has a place on radio station come Christmas time. And then there is Mariah's masterpiece: "Miss you most". This is one to make anyone broken hearted. I personally believe it to be (one of) Mariah's best I-have-my-heart-broken ballad. I've actually suffered listening to this song and it was difficult to hear it for a long time. Coincidently another of Mariah's best I-have-my-heart-broken ballad is "Miss you" (but on the r&b side of things). "We belong together" doesn't even come close in terms of emotion. Actually as great as WBT is, it's not really that emotional. (Wednesday 26 November 2014; 23:41)

Confused (47,980) by Jon from Netherlands I love this interview. Mariah's singing and speaking voice are equally mesmerizing. In this interview we have the real Mariah: goofy, divalish, melodramatic and most of all hilarious. She has the people in the studio cracking up. The moments about Nick have me confused. Thirsty was already done and part of the album but she still says "I love you Nick" and means it. There are a lot of hints that things could be wrong in the marriage but it actually feels like just two adult persons that have their disagreements but still love each other. What to make of all of this? How could she be putting a song like Thirsty out there? Did they have a pact? You talk about our sex life and private things and I'll write songs that humiliate you. What about the fact that she says "Nick creates the rumours"? Could Mariah be smiling to pretend things were still ok and it was worth to give it another try or was she lying to herself and not accepting it was almost over? Was this just public bickering? It just doesn't make sense to me because it really feels like she believes in the marriage but then she says (partially as a joke) "he should have married someone else", "I hope Nick is listening", "I would prefer to have some decorum", "Nick is with the dembabies while they are fun then back to the crib", "he's not even gonna be home", and has a song like Betcha Gon Know remix in the album (clearly included because of Nick). I'm confused. (Thursday 20 November 2014; 16:54)

Mariah's strength (47,977) by Jon from Netherlands Hey there lambily. My first time posting on the board. I was watching a documentary about Whitney and I realised more than ever how strong psychologically Mariah is. Looking at MJ, at WH and so many artists and then looking at Mariah you just realise this woman is incredible. She has never done drugs, she always recovered from very difficult situations and even now with the tour she could have gone the WH way and make a mess out of it but she recovered so beautifully. This is probably one of the most difficult times of her life and she is fighting back. She could have been completely lost after Motolla or after Glitter but she didn't. The most amazing part is that she does it on her own. There is really no one there to direct her behaviour. A lot of people don't like her but I say kudos to Mariah for being herself. I know she is far from perfect and she is getting more and more insecure as she ages but at least she is real and she is putting herself out there instead of a fabricated public image. What an example. (Thursday 20 November 2014; 1:03)