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About Stephen from London, United Kingdom: Mariah fan since 1902.

Edward / covers (40,653) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I've agreed with most of your posts over the past couple of weeks. I'm very excited re the two covers. I do hope she covers Whitney's You Give Good Love, but she better make sure she's been on vocal rest for that one. Great song, and a perfect match for Mariah's voice. I suspect the male artist she is referring to for a duet is Usher. I hope it's not Justin because of the way they treated Mariah before. I also rate Usher more highly as a vocalist and would love to hear he and Mariah do an old school number in the vein of The Closer I Get to You. Imagine if that was one of the covers? I'd be over the moon. (Monday 20 January 2014; 2:22)

UK lambs (40,652) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom This is my first message of 2014, so Happy Belated New Year to all. I have been a Mariah fan since I moved from Ireland to the UK, way back when I was 7. I love her. People loved Mariah in the UK in the 90s. I met a friend at college who was a lamb. We bunked off school one Friday afternoon to meet Mariah, and we did. I was 17. It was the best day of my life. I have met a few other fans. I don't know where you guys are situated, but I find in London there is still love for Mariah. Most of my friends have at least one Mariah record, and have an interest in her. I don't know if that's because I live in an "urban" area, or because Mariah's music from Butterfly onwards is more suited to the "London scene". Some people laugh when I tell them that I'm a massive fan, but I couldn't care less. Music is subjective, and anyone who turns their nose up at someone's taste is a moron, and clearly not someone who understands the point of art. However, most people tell me that they like her or at least used to like her. When they turn their noses up, I just ask them if they have or like AIWFCIY, and they always say yes. The conversation ends at that point, because their snobbery has been highlighted lol. (Monday 20 January 2014; 2:17)

Mariah / Beyoncé (40,219) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom It's a little unfair to compare Mariah to Beyoncé, as Beyoncé is a very visual artist. Mariah could never do 17 videos for one album. There's only so many times she can pout into a wind machine and playfully flash her knickers before people would get bored. What Beyoncé did was clever, calculated and above all empowering and confident. The only thing I'd say Mariah could take from it is to just own what she does and master it. Mariah has lost so much confidence in her abilities recently and it's painful to see her desperation. I wish she'd just own her own legacy and werk it. I'd hate for her to follow a trend or be compared to Beyoncé. Mariah is more than that. She's partly responsible for the likes of Beyoncé and should own it. I know I've been very harsh on Mariah lately, but she's seriously seems lost to me. I expect a lot from her. However, I don't think it's a lot to expect someone to have a game plan and clear direction. She needs a clear out. She needs to fire a lot of people around her and start over, like she did with TEOM. I have no more to say on Beyoncé, because if it's not related to Mariah, it has no business on this message board. (Saturday 14 December 2013; 1:57)

Mariah's voice (40,164) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom If it looks like an orange, peels like an orange and even tastes like an orange, then call it a bloody orange. Mariah's voice has its good moments, but the bad moments are certainly outweighing the good. Some fans need to recognise that Mariah's voice is shot. There's no need for excuses. Bad is bad. Simple. Do I think it's the end for Mariah? No. She's a great songwriter and producer. If she lays off the alcohol, then who knows what may happen. At the moment though, taking care of her voice is clearly not a priority. Anyone for a "splash"?! (Tuesday 10 December 2013; 11:18)

Tree lighting performance (40,084) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom That tree lighting performance was horrible. She was chasing the right key the whole song. Just awful. I don't understand how she can go from Rockefeller to this in a matter of days. It's probably one of the worst performances I've ever heard from Mariah vocally. I respect that she didn't lip it though. (Saturday 7 December 2013; 11:29)

Rockerfeller (40,075) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I'm enjoying both of those performances for what they were; great. I don't care about the copy and pasting, if indeed it happened at all, or any dubbing. I'm sure all the celebrities performing did the same thing. It's standard these days. I was just happy to hear some gorgeous runs and Mariah's beautiful tone, which sounded clearer and thicker than she has done in recent years. Two of her best performances since she did promo for MCIIY. I loved the little high notes added in here and there. Sure, her belting wasn't there, but I think she'll never recover that part of her voice. I loved it for what it was though. I love Mariah at Christmas. (Friday 6 December 2013; 14:07)

Hark (40,037) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom If you look at Mariah's hair, make up, style etc, it's very similar to Can't Let Go and that era. Also, take note of the backing singers. They're are all from the early part of Mariah's career. I can't see it being any later than 1992 tbh. (Saturday 30 November 2013; 14:42)

Randy (40,024) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Very interesting interpretation, and if you're right, it's a hilarious way for MC to introduce the album if you ask me. Such a classy way to take a dig at the useless fuckers over at IDJ. (Wednesday 27 November 2013; 22:31)

Edward (39,975) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I totally agree. At this point it is obvious that her relationship with IDJ is beyond strained. I think both parties know that it's over. It's her last album on her current deal. She won't re-sign, they won't promote her. There are clear creative differences too. I've always thought IDJ to be a Mickey Mouse label in any event, so I understand Mariah's frustrations. At the same time, Mariah needs to be more savvy and make better decisions. Bad decision making and a broken relationship with a label is not what Mariah needs right now. To me, Mariah seems lost at this point in her career. She doesn't seem like she has clue re what direction to take, 3 managers in a year is a clear indicator. Two of the managers are her long time friends, again a questionable decision. I know everyone will say, she's survived this many years, knows better than us, blah blah blah. It's all bullshit, she clearly doesn't have a clue. We all lose our way with regards to our careers in certain respects. Mariah is no different. Mariah needs to strip back, re focus and start again. She needs a whole new team, and people who can say no. This past 18 months have been horrible. (Sunday 24 November 2013; 16:15)

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)

#Beautiful / TAOLG / new letter (39,889) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom #Beautiful was Mariah's biggest hit for a number of years. To say it wasn't is just plain foolish. TAOLG is probably not going to be a hit, but I don't think it's meant to be. I think it's meant to set the tone for this new album. At least I hope it is. I'd take TAOLG over Triumphant any day lol. The new letter from Mariah was lovely. Very sweet. That's more like it lol. (Monday 18 November 2013; 20:08)

Views (39,874) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom People are allowed to express their views, irrespective of whether they are positive, negative, or even just concern, as has been the case recently. This is a message board, and thus people post such views. If you take issue with anything said, don't take it do personally. To quote Stacey "it ain't that deep". Move on and get over it. Defending an opinion gets tiring. Moreover, it's a message board. We all have the freedom of expression. Deal with it. (Sunday 17 November 2013; 11:06)

Out100 / impromptu performance (39,873) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Mariah looked stunning at the Out 100 gala. She looked stylish, sexy and classic, all at the same time. Her impromptu performance was out of this world. I wish I could've been there. She was ver funny too lol. (Sunday 17 November 2013; 11:01)

Licia/Stacey (39,828) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Your response to Stacey was very nicely put. I hadn't thought of it like that, and perhaps you're right. When you think about it, I suppose we all go OTT when one obstacle arrives after another, irrespective of how minor it is. Maybe, that's it. I still think the letter was OTT, and indeed unnecessary, but I appreciate more why Mariah may have done it. I don't want to sound patronising, but can I also thank you for posting such a mature response to those of us who have commented on Mariah's behaviour over the past few days. Rather than calling us crazy, like some deluded nut jobs have on here, you've actually addressed our views in a way which makes me reflect upon my own view, and provoked a discussion. Other people, who I can't even be bothered to address, would rather name call, just because people express a view, or concern for Mariah. Nobody can look at that Fallon interview and tell me that Mariah was not acting beyond quirky. We all love that about her and I'm not surprised by it, but combined with the letter and a few of her comments, I can't help but feel a level of concern. That's all. (Friday 15 November 2013; 16:15)

Tony (39,821) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I don't think those views are limited to just American fans. There just happens to be more American fans on this board. (Friday 15 November 2013; 10:32)

Stacey (39,820) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom I agree. See my earlier post. I mean, yes I'd be mad if that happened, and yes I hear the differences, but none of the changes change the substance of the song. Thus, a message at 3.30 am from the bathroom floor seems a little odd, and OTT. Perhaps, she's just so into this project, and the message is a reflection of that. Sidenote, the song is growing on me, despite there being no hook. There seems to be no plan for a video or release to radio, so something tells me that this is not the first commercial single. (Friday 15 November 2013; 10:28)

Facebook message (39,805) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom That message was a little OTT. Even I'm starting to question whether all is well in the land of Mariah. Perhaps I'm wrong, and totally misreading things, but I don't think there's defo something up. What it is, is anyone's guess. (Thursday 14 November 2013; 21:48)

Mariah on Fallon/Angie (39,797) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom She gave the audience crazy Mariah. That's what people want from her, and that's what they get. Admittedly, I found it awkward and a tad boring to watch, but Mariah knows what she's doing in these interviews. Did anyone get the impression on Angie that perhaps all is not well behind the scenes with Mariah though? I think TAOLG is a dig at the record company, as well as a previous relationship with either Mark Sudack or Luis Miguel. I'd like to think Tommy is no longer worth writing about. Also, I felt she was being ever so slightly negative regarding Nick. Maybe I'm wrong, but the positivity I have seen in recent years just wasn't there. Not saying there's anything in it. All marriages require work and are not always as fun as they once were. (Thursday 14 November 2013; 10:16)

Edward (39,796) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom You did say that, I remember clearly lol. I agree, I think she realises that at this point, fast food hits are not going to satisfy the fans that have kept her a star for 23 years. I also think she's going for a more A/C audience, which is long overdue. They are the people who buy records. Buble sells tons of albums. Appearing with him on his show is a great way of showcasing her more mature artistry. Whether that gives her a hit album or single, I don't know, nor do I care. At this point good music is what matters. Sure, I'd love Mariah to have a hit album or single, but it doesn't matter when she's been there and done that. She has loyal fans who want more than E=MC2 or MOAIA had to offer. As much as I liked MOAIA, it's definitely time for a change in direction from Mariah. This album appears to be shaping up to do that. I'm very excited about the Nas collabo. Imagine if she gave us something along the lines of If I Ruled The World or Cherry Wine? (Thursday 14 November 2013; 10:11)

TAOLG (39,762) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom It has a nice, soulful vibe. An old school feel with a modern twist. I'm not concerned about it being a hit single, and nor should Mariah. Hit singles don't always shift albums, just look at Rihanna. Sometimes, songs that demonstrate a good body of work do. A clever move by Mariah. A number 1 album will help her career more than a number 1 single if you ask me. With that being said, some of the lyrics are questionable and disrupt the flow. I also hate how dry and thin her voice sounds on the verses. It makes me sad. However, she can only do what she can do, so I won't dwell on it. She knocks it out of the park at the end though. I'd give the song 3.5 out of 5. (Tuesday 12 November 2013; 20:54)

Photoshop (39,612) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Did people seriously expect Mariah to have a cover that wasn't photoshopped? She's been doing it since 1902. Yes, it may be tiring, and yes it probably doesn't represent a realistic depiction of beauty, but Mariah is not the only one who does this. There's not a single photo from a photoshoot by anyone famous that isn't photoshopped, irrespective of whether the person is male or female. It's the standard these days. Perhaps people should cut Mariah just a little bit of slack, and just let her be. I'm not saying it's a good or bad thing, but it's Mariah's prerogative to choose what way she wants to look, not ours. Don't get me wrong, I've criticised Mariah in the past for clothing and image choices, but at this stage we really shouldn't expect her to dress or take pictures like Audrey Hepburn. We all know the deal. (Wednesday 30 October 2013; 21:18)

Edward (39,587) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Indeed. It will be interesting to actually hear the song, and the general direction of the rest of the album. These teasers actually seem to have the fans really excited. (Tuesday 29 October 2013; 0:17)

Single cover (39,584) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom That should be the album cover. It's perfect and amazing. Very artistic, tasteful and sexy. Also, I love the fact that she's underneath the stars and covered by orange clouds all at the same time. Do we think she's paying homage to two of her favourite and most personal songs? Could be a hidden clue to fans as to the creative depth of the new album. (Monday 28 October 2013; 21:07)

TAOLG (39,565) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom The teaser looks very promising. Mariah did very well in the promo. I like that she's using social media to promote herself. It's the way forward. The music in the promo sounds similar to MCIIY, which is a good thing, especially given the timing of the release. Without hearing the track, it's hard to say. All I know is with Rodney, MC, and JD in the studio, it's bound to be a banger. Rodney is a great producer. (Saturday 26 October 2013; 20:48)

JD as manager (39,397) by Stephen from London, United Kingdom Lol. All I can do at this point is lol. I don't believe it. The article has a serious error re AIWFCIY, so I'm inclined to believe it's rubbish. If not, Mariah seems determined to write a career obituary. At this point in her career she needs serious, credible and a successful management team. A business brain most certainly needs to be on when making a management decision. (Thursday 3 October 2013; 21:37)

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