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Name: Andrew
Country: United Kingdom
A look back at 2023 (104,383) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 22:08)
No, dear. Age before beauty. You go right ahead
1 like reply
This is a reply to message 104,382 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 21:20)
Rockin' Around (104,381) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 20:45)
Yuh-huh. "Rockin Around the Christmes Tree" I might call a "cute little ditty". I know it from Home Alone and wasn't exactly enthralled by it then. It's no "I Love Sausage Rolls". Doesn't even come close to that masterpiece.

Thought it might be fun for non-Brits to watch the video for "Stay Another Day" by East 17: this is the song that, 29 years ago, kept Mariah from being the UK Christmas No.1 (I cried). Check out the masterpiece music video. Considering it's a song about suicide, again "I Love Sausage Rolls" it isn't. Which ought to feature a warning that it might make you want to commit suicide.

MusicFanJ is given a free pass for the (shocking) oversight of never having seen Mariah sing "If It's Over" at the Grammys, for, I believe, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" also reached Number 2 at Christmas in 1994 in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Y'know, back when charts were quite simple and meant something and not full of ridiculous calculations that you'd need a doctorate to understand win an entire album of tracks from one artist comprising an entire top 10.

I'd feel old saying that. But I still look young and beautiful.
3 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,375 by Edward from USA
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 19:49)
A look back at 2023 (104,379) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 20:24)
What is "special guest star status" (I ask with a due sense of exhaustion and dread)? I've posted on this board hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

Chill out. You get a tad cringe, now and then. But mostly now. And always then.
1 like reply
This is a reply to message 104,367 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Sunday 3 December 2023; 16:07)
Emotions formula (104,346) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 22:17)
Let's remind ourselves what weak certainly does not look like.
5 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,340 by Jamie from UK
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 20:49)
Emotions formula (104,345) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 22:08)
Sure, I'll sit down. Put a cushion under your head though so you're comfortable.
3 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,334 by Terna from Nigeria
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 19:25)
Mariah vs Brenda (104,324) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 11:33)
Rockin Around The Christmas Tree is bloody awful. Why it is so popular in the United States is beyond comprehension. But, then, we are talking about a country that sprays cheese out of a can. I'll add it to the list of American Unforgivables.
8 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,315 by Edward from USA
(Friday 1 December 2023; 18:28)
Emotions formula (104,323) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 11:29)
"The numbers never lie"? Do you mean sales equate quality? That's a dangerous path to walk when talking Mariah Carey albums. Is every album that sold more than Butterfly better than it? Many will agree, but a great many will disagree. I will say this, an as example: E=MC2 is definitely a better record than The Emancipation of Mimi, despite selling far less.

What, then, if you had to select three post-1997 ballads to be sung to Mariah in tribute at an awards show would you and others select? They need to be well-known and within the capability of the artists selected to sing them.
5 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,316 by Terna from Nigeria
(Friday 1 December 2023; 21:00)
Mariah vs Brenda (104,321) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 02:34)
So who is the victim of who now?
2 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,318 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Saturday 2 December 2023; 00:13)
Emotions formula (104,314) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Friday 1 December 2023; 17:17)
""Emotions" was also a near sophomore slump that just wasn't as strong as the first record, neither were the tunes even as memorable like the debut."

I must differ, also. But go with me here, you may be surprised how this ends. "Emotions", the album, is superior to "Mariah Carey", its predecessor. The former has 80's-hangover style production, far less sophisticated lyrics, and basic tunes on half the record. The latter has the title track, Can't Let Go, Make It Happen, So Blessed and the majestic Till The End of Time - it is, in every aspect, superior. "Mariah Carey" had to have a great ballad shoe-horned onto the end of it to make it better. It is thus far the only MC album I have never owned.

However, everything else in your post is *cough* spot on. The singing style, too-clever melodies and over-production is old hat. It makes it very difficult for songs to be sung in karaoke or in tribute.

It is slightly frustrating that in tribute to Mariah she - and we - had to listen to Vision of Love and Love Takes Time. She has written over one hundred songs since then. But what successful ones can be reproduced? I think we all need and want to move past the pre-No.1's catalogue, right?

Chest voice not head voice. Semi-tone keychange not octave keychange. Simple structure chord progression not complicated altered second verse with no middle eight chord progression. Meaningful Universal lyrics not Fritos kitchen window lyrics. On trend producers not, well, Jermaine Dupri.
12 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,297 by Terna from Nigeria
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 11:11)
Would you rather (104,306) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 18:47)
That's very kind of you. She's doing well. It's not her time. I've told her she will know when her time comes because she will see me standing over her with a pillow. She's driving me bloody crazy.

Perhaps pm the subject matter and to loop back around to Mariah: Shane MacGowan of The Pogues has died. "Fairytale of New York" is a supermassive Christmas (especially Christmas Eve) song in the UK and Ireland. I think it's a given now that this will be the Christmas No.1 here with Mariah at No.2, hopefully.

Is "Fairytale of New York" a popular Christmas song in the United States? Does it pose a threat to Mariah there? It's truly brilliant (despite its use of the word "faggot" which should really be taken in context along with a chill pill or two).

I do hope The Pogues get the UK Christmas No.1. And that Shane MacGowan rests in peace.
2 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,303 by Edward from USA
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 17:08)
Would you rather (104,305) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 17:25)
Crikey.

Justin Timberlake was arguably the biggest artist in the world, at the time. Not wanting to match him with an artist who was "past her prime", so to speak, was an obvious and wise business decision by whoever in his label made it (disappointing for us, though it was). But you win some and lose some. And she did win again. Big time. Turns out Mariah didn't need him, after all.

What is it the Americans say? "No harm - no foul"? I would be very surprised if she called him a "lowlife". Whilst well-thought-out your comments have always been, that was not one of them.
4 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,294 by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 02:39)
Would you rather (104,302) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 16:42)
I agree with your sentiments: Immortality is a masterpiece and so dear to me. I left it on my mother's pillow when I left for University. She recently had a stroke and I played it on repeat between receiving the news and reaching her. The melody itself and the words "we don't say goodbye" are comforting in those terrifying moments when you think you might finally have to.

Unfortunately the album Immortality was on had a lot of filler and was way too heavy on the schmaltz. Without "My Heart Will Go On" I don't think it would have sold half as well as it did.
6 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,288 by Edward from USA
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 00:35)
Would you rather (104,301) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 16:24)
So Mariah should not record a song with Justin Timberlake because of two actions two decades ago? The outcry over the breast exposure at the SuperBowl was an overreaction from a very conservative section of what was at the time (and possibly still is) a very conservative country. That Justin Timberlake didn't want his career to die on that particular hill is hardly surprising, nor unforgivable. Further, the lows of his consensual private relationships are not in the public interest. "Someone-in-their-twenties-twenty-years-ago-dumped-someone-for-someone-else Shocker" is hardly cause for cancellation. Or at least it ought not to be. But the lunatics appear to have taken over the asylum.
6 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,289 by Edward from USA
(Thursday 30 November 2023; 00:40)
Would you rather (104,286) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 22:54)
What's Justin Timberlake done that is "shady"? And only to women? To which women?
1 like reply
This is a reply to message 104,282 by Libra Lamb from USA
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 22:29)
Would you rather (104,285) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 22:41)
I recently streamed a documentary on the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb. If you haven't seen it, I do recommended it - it's quite extraordinary.

One notable thing from it was the retelling of Barry Gibb's move into composing for other artists once the group's career had begun to wind down. He has surprisingly written many very well known and recognisable songs for other world famous artists. Mariah ought to have done this a long time ago. She may still yet have time.

In terms of her own releases, a duets album is preferential to a standard studio album that will chart one week only to disappear the next.

I don't know about you, but I am already over All I Want For Christmas Is You.
4 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,279 by Stacey from USA
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 20:51)
Quality non-album tracks (104,283) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 22:30)
Almost Home, Triumphant, The Art of Letting Go, #Beautiful, You Don’t Know What To Do. That was a magical time.
3 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,278 by Edward from USA
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 19:58)
Andrew (104,281) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 22:27)
He said pompously in a condescending manner.

I shall say to you what I said to my father: thanks, but it's too late for your love.
3 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,270 by Bradley from South Africa
(Wednesday 29 November 2023; 00:53)
Andrew (104,258) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Tuesday 28 November 2023; 10:53)
Do please stop discussing me. You know I can't abide attention.
5 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,257 by Lady B from USA
(Tuesday 28 November 2023; 07:44)
Andrew (104,248) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Monday 27 November 2023; 16:57)
I love you, too. Keep readin', sweetheart.
7 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,244 by David from USA
(Monday 27 November 2023; 03:12)
Grio performances (104,236) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 26 November 2023; 19:24)
All three performances were absolutely awful. Jennifer Hudson and Patti Labelle plodded through songs - which are supposed to build in momentum - only for them both to climax in the most awful screeching. It's very easy to see why Mariah sold records in the way she did. And the less said about the lady singing with Boyz II Men the better.

Mariah's speech endearing. She was unassuming, funny, concise and beautiful. Her speaking voice is noticeably a lot deeper than before. I think she is now going through a lot more vocally than previously realised. Despite that, it was a good showing from her.
17 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,231 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Sunday 26 November 2023; 10:31)
New music? (104,229) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 26 November 2023; 10:10)
Hey, could you post a link to a URL that shows Mariah has a 2024 Grammys nomination?

Webmaster: Here is the list. Terry Hunter is nominated in the Best Remixed Recording category (number 82 in the list) voor the Terry Hunter Remix of Workin' Hard.
2 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,223 by Xavier mariohmix from Spain
(Sunday 26 November 2023; 01:56)
Our love will never die (104,221) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Sunday 26 November 2023; 00:01)
I really like the way Mariah sings this line now. I first heard it this way during the ICON performance, I believe, and just heard it in during the medley in the Kansas City show: "Our love will never dye-ee-aye". I love it so much I wish it was sung like this on the record. It's how I sing along with it, now. I don't where she pulls these melodies and vocal arrangements from. It's pure musical genius.
4 likes reply
New music? (104,220) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 25 November 2023; 23:50)
From where are you getting this information? I can't find it anywhere.
0 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,216 by MC1989 from Spain
(Saturday 25 November 2023; 10:49)
The sound of MC16 (104,212) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 25 November 2023; 01:37)
What Mariah Carey albums where not "cohesive bodies of work"? Once again, genuinely interested.
4 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,210 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Saturday 25 November 2023; 00:20)
Billboard performance (104,211) by Andrew from United Kingdom
(Saturday 25 November 2023; 01:36)
So it was Mariah Carey's best performance of 2023 because of her singing, you say. Cool. But could I ask you to specify which lines, out of the ones she sang live, you liked? I know the song very well so could you just tell me the specific lines, perhaps. Out of the ones she sang live, I mean. Genuinely interested.
2 likes reply
This is a reply to message 104,207 by Robert-Anthony from United States
(Friday 24 November 2023; 17:14)
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