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About Lighty from China: Been a Mariah fan since 1994.

The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,194) by Lighty from China I totally agree. As an Asian I always wonder why some people have to make everything about race, when sometimes it clearly is not the case. (Tuesday 29 July 2025; 15:54) this is a reply to message 110,191

The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,191) by BFF from United States Do black artists not sing pop music? Are black and white the only types of people in the world? Last time I checked Mariah has devoted fans across many continents and of many different backgrounds other than "white" and "black". I'm not an OG fan. I became a fan in the 1997-2000 period and my first Mariah album was "Rainbow", so I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the way Mariah integrated hip-hop into her music. I think it worked best on songs like "The Roof" and "Crybaby" and the remixes for "My All" and "Thank God I Found You". And I also love the stuff from 1990-1996 - the ballads ("Can't Let Go"), the gospel-inflected tunes ("Any Time You Need a Friend"), the house and disco influenced uptempo songs ("Emotions", "Now that I Know", etc). Last time I checked, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Donna Summer, and many, many other African-American/black artists have put out music that most people would categorize as "pop". Pop isn't a genre - it is shorthand for "popular" and encompasses a wide range of styles and idioms. And "pop" music isn't synonymous with "white". Country songs go to #1 on the "pop" charts. R&B and Hip-Hop songs have gone to #1 on the "pop" charts. House tracks have gone to #1 on the "pop" charts. Alternative rock songs go to #1 on the "pop" charts. In 2003, Liz Phair caught a lot of flack for "going pop" on her self-titled album, but she brilliantly pointed out that it's dishonest for recording artists (and critics) to pretend that they aren't in business when they are. Having a career as a recording artist means that you're often (out of necessity) trying to appeal to the widest possible audience - it has nothing to do with "race" and everything to do with capitalism. Sometimes you need a "pop" hit to pay your bills, get out of debt, to build your clout, etc. There's no shame in it. I actually think the main reason that Mariah began to feel the need to pander a bit was due to music critic Nelson George labelling her "a white girl trying to sing black", which is itself a racist statement because it conflates skin color with singing ability. This was a misnomer because she was already singing gospel, R&B, and house-influenced songs on the debut album in 1990 and the "Emotions" album in 1991. Last time I checked Adele is a more impressive vocalist than Janet Jackson, but this reductive thinking would have us believe that somehow "race" automatically correlates with singing ability. It doesn't. Mariah being called a "white girl trying to sing black" by music critics became such an issue that she had a press conference/sit down with many of them early on to tell them to cut it out. The reality is that Mariah never denied being mixed race, and I don't agree with the argument that Tommy tried to hide that aspect of her. Critics like Nelson George were ones who created this issue because their color struck, racialist thinking disallowed the idea that someone who looked like Mariah could sing and write so brilliantly. Sorry for getting on my soapbox, but it makes me angry that Mariah has felt pressured into pandering to this nonsense. Maybe we should stop trying to label music with such simplistic "racial" categories and just enjoy the music? (Tuesday 29 July 2025; 15:21)

Bazaar UK cover (110,160) by Lighty from China So refreshing to see Mariah in a suit for a magazine cover shoot. The interview itself is not that informative though. (Tuesday 29 July 2025; 05:48)

Jimmy Kimmel (110,051) by Lighty from China Not familiar with the interviewer lady but she kinda gave me a Rosie vibe, but a discount version of Rosie if you know what I mean. Mariah seems to be much more lively and responsive than in her other recent interviews, which is a good thing. Dress is not bad but I think they could've done better with the whole styling but hey, it is what it is. (Friday 25 July 2025; 16:06)

Amazon CD pre-order (109,922) by Lighty from China Is that even a recent trend? TEOM already had that Ultra Platinum Edition back in 2005. They've been doing this kind of thing for a really long time. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 14:24) this is a reply to message 109,919

Amazon CD pre-order (109,919) by Bobby A from United States There seems to be a trend these days after an album has been out a couple of months the artist releases a new single and then a complete or deluxe edition. Teddy Swims did it with his single God Went Crazy to release I've Tried Everything But Therapy the complete edition with an extra six songs. Coco Jones released her debut album Why Not More with bonus digital tracks. Also, she removed one song and and added different songs both for the Target exclusive vinyl and standard vinyl releases. Gamma may give Here For It All a deluxe or complete edition this November for the holiday season. Maybe that is the reason for just 11 tracks for the initial release. It all just depends how the album sells and how successful the 2nd and 3rd singles are on the Hot 100. I believe Sugar Sweet is going to give MC TMB radio and streaming numbers for the next of couple of months. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 13:29)

Here For It All (109,906) by Lighty from China Actually Daydream was released in the US on October 3rd, 1995. The 9/26 date was when it was released in Taiwan. The good old days when albums/singles were released on different dates in different regions. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 05:20) this is a reply to message 109,899

Here For It All (109,899) by Stacey from USA I love the title. It speaks to her amazing career and all those events (good and bad) that have shaped who she is today. Did you guys know Here For It All has the same release date as Daydream? That can't be a coincidence, right? 9/26 is also my daughter's 17th birthday. So of course in her honor I'll be buying Mariah's new album, lol. Amazon has exclusive cover art releasing on July 23rd. As a Tommy era fan, I'm not stressing about anything. I always hope for the best. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 01:56)

Here For It All (109,872) by Lighty from China MC16 announced. What do you guys think of the title? (Monday 21 July 2025; 16:04)

Release date (109,870) by Lighty from China The Billboard Hot 100 weekly tracking period for sales is currently Friday-Thursday, after being changed in July 2015. (Monday 21 July 2025; 15:38) this is a reply to message 109,850

Release date (109,850) by Jamie from UK So they are saying SS will be released 25th July. Is there a reason things are only released on a Friday? (Sunday 20 July 2025; 20:07)

Sugar Sweet (109,828) by Lighty from China Such a cute little song. From the snippet, I already like it better than T-Dang. (Saturday 19 July 2025; 19:01)

Vision of Love (109,734) by Lighty from China Vision of Love was on Mariah's famous demo tape. (Monday 14 July 2025; 18:02) this is a reply to message 109,731

Unpopular opinions (109,731) by Bill from the UK Vision of Love was written after she signed to CBS in celebration of that momentous event. It was a thank you to the good Lord above for getting her to that place. So it didn't exist at the point Clive was sniffing around. (Monday 14 July 2025; 16:24)

New album (109,733) by Lighty from China I was talking about her album rollouts in the US, not China. It's a very different music market here and for western artists they don't have big marketing campaigns or whatsoever, just maybe banners in streaming apps. (Monday 14 July 2025; 17:59) this is a reply to message 109,729

New album (109,729) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End @Lighty. I agree with you because for the past decade, everything Mariah's touched just turned to gold - except new music. It wouldn't be so frustrating if 'Caution' wasn't such an amazing body of work. It's rivaling Butterfly as the album I play from start to finish. Her pen was on fire and I don't know what she's talking about when she complains about her vocal performances in studio or live for that era. Also, not to nag about you always being from China, but like how did you notice her album rollouts not being as Stellar as they could be? How was she promoted over there - before and after Memoirs? @Bobby A's comment: I'm right there with you on the rollout frustrations - something feels disjointed. But I keep reminding myself that Mariah is Gamma's first true mega‑star test case. She owns her masters and publishing, so unlike a traditional label deal, Gamma has to build - and learn- in real time. That "first‑adapter" growing‑pains phase was always going to be messy. Because of that, the usual promo playbook (predictable collabs, the same talk shows, servicing the same U.S. radio formats) just won't cut it. She needs to lean into moments that only an icon of her stature gets: • Every stage is a launchpad. When she's at Sandringham for King Charles, or any festival slot, the set list should highlight the new era - fresh single, inventive remix medleys - so casual viewers instantly link that performance to MC16. • Serve the hungry markets. Regions that still shout for her (Asia, SA, parts of Europe) can't be bypassed. These last four type dangerous remixes were a good idea but should have come out earlier and Team Mariah needs to reach out to more International artists/DJs for future collabs and time the releases so they can actually boost the project when it's hot. • Treat the show as content. Mariah's humor and behind‑the‑scenes banter are social‑media gold. Build quick IG/TikTok bits into the set changes instead of the usual glam‑touch‑up lull (that she doesn't even need). Fans leave with a memory and a shareable clip. Bottom line: the catalog sells itself on streaming. Live appearances should be MC16‑first, everything else second. Gamma will fumble a bit, but if Mariah uses every mic and camera to push the new music, the campaign can still hit the highs we all know she's capable of. End rant. (Monday 14 July 2025; 15:14)

New album (109,716) by Lighty from China Something has been off with Mariah's album rollouts since as early as the Memoirs era. (Sunday 13 July 2025; 18:04) this is a reply to message 109,714

New album (109,714) by Bobby A from United States I am trying to understand, but I just feel like something is off this month with the rollout of the album. I don't like this waiting game. Maybe a joint tour announcement with unlikely male pop artist would generate more buzz for MC16 and increase MC's streams. (Sunday 13 July 2025; 16:31)

Unpopular opinions (109,690) by Lighty from China Adding one more: One of Mariah's best acting performance is in The-Dream's My Love video. (Saturday 12 July 2025; 06:45) this is a reply to message 109,666

Unpopular opinions (109,666) by Lighty from China 1. Mariah should've blamed Tommy more than JLo for the Firecracker sample incident. 2. How Much should've been the third single from Rainbow. 3. The diva persona is cute but overplayed and got more and more annoying over the years. 4. GTFO is the best song from Caution. 5. Type Dangerous is a boring song and the extravagant music video is a waste of money. 6. Heartbreaker (not including the Dessert Storm remix) is a far inferior song to any of the previous lead singles. 7. When Hero was considered Mariah's signature song I never really get it. Now as I've grown old I can sometimes relate to the lyrics. 8. Acting is never Mariah's thing. Even her performance in Precious is just average. WiseGirls is better. 9. Nicki is the better judge on American Idol. Mariah's comments are sometimes like saying nothing at all. 10. I'm not really optimistic about MC16 and the singles, chart-wise. (Thursday 10 July 2025; 12:31)

Unpopular opinions (109,666) by Lighty from China 1. Mariah should've blamed Tommy more than JLo for the Firecracker sample incident. 2. How Much should've been the third single from Rainbow. 3. The diva persona is cute but overplayed and got more and more annoying over the years. 4. GTFO is the best song from Caution. 5. Type Dangerous is a boring song and the extravagant music video is a waste of money. 6. Heartbreaker (not including the Dessert Storm remix) is a far inferior song to any of the previous lead singles. 7. When Hero was considered Mariah's signature song I never really get it. Now as I've grown old I can sometimes relate to the lyrics. 8. Acting is never Mariah's thing. Even her performance in Precious is just average. WiseGirls is better. 9. Nicki is the better judge on American Idol. Mariah's comments are sometimes like saying nothing at all. 10. I'm not really optimistic about MC16 and the singles, chart-wise. (Thursday 10 July 2025; 12:31) this is a reply to message 109,657

Unpopular opinions (109,657) by Haiji from United States Regarding only songs or albums, what are some unpopular opinions you all got? "Hero" still hasn't grown on me yet. "Thank God I Found You" was not #1 worthy and based on how many song I listen to from each album, Caution is my least favorite. (Wednesday 9 July 2025; 16:34)

I Stay In Love (109,646) by Lighty from China I thought that video was indeed directed by Nick. (Monday 7 July 2025; 10:54) this is a reply to message 109,645

I Stay In Love (109,645) by Zachariah from Croatia That song would be such a bigger hit if only the video was made by Nick. The song is epic. Exactly that, classic Mariah. (Monday 7 July 2025; 08:18)

Apple interview | MC China and the origin of Niújiě? | Niú fèn (109,632) by Lighty from China Personally I believe those negativities don't need a remedy. People forget things fast and once she started lip sync less in the States or in other countries, it'll be acknowledged here, too. As to the niu-merch I think fanmade merch is enough, if there's gonna be anyone making those, lol. (Saturday 5 July 2025; 14:18) this is a reply to message 109,626

Apple interview | MC China and the origin of Niújiě? | Niú fèn (109,626) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End So how could MC remedy that negative online chatter in China? Are there any nationwide tv-shows she could go on live and do a little whistle and riff and talk to some of her "cow dungs"? That cracks me up so hard, I can't tell you. Niú fèn? Sounds like New Fan and Niú Bi, like Newbie. Where's the "Cow Dung" merch MC? I want the snapback. Not even kidding. Would that sell in China, Lightly? Obviously we'd want it written in Mandarin. Don't let those turtle shits be first, Team Mariah. I really can't tell you how much I adore your entire response, Lighty. It's gold. Very thorough. I hope M (a.k.a. "Niu Bi") gets to read it somehow, someday. Cowmily Lambs. (Saturday 5 July 2025; 10:47)

While we wait... (109,595) by Lighty from China Mine would be: Disc 1 1. Sent from Up Above 2. To Be Around You 3. I've Been Thinking About You 4. Long Ago 5. Babydoll 6. How Much (feat. Usher) 7. If We 8. The One 9. Stay the Night 10. Migrate 11. More than Just Friends 12. Make It Look Good 13. One Mo' Gen 14. Skydiving Disc 2 1. Vanishing 2. And You Don't Remember 3. All I've Ever Wanted 4. Melt Away 5. Close My Eyes 6. After Tonight 7. Lead the Way 8. I Only Wanted 9. Joy Ride 10. For the Record 11. Languishing 12. Faded 13. Portrait 14. Where Are You Christmas? (Mariah's version) Up-tempos and ballads separated. (Friday 4 July 2025; 04:38) this is a reply to message 109,591

While we wait... (109,591) by Haiji from United States Yall feel like playing a list game? So the concept is choosing 2 non-single, favorites from each album and adding an additional 2 bonus non-album songs to create a rare compilation album. Hope I explained that correctly. I'll go first, hope yall will join in. 1. Prisoner 2. Alone In Love 3. So Cold (I actually love this song lol) 4. The Wind 5. I've Been Thinking About You 6. Everything Fades Away 7. Long Ago 8. I Am Free 9. Babydoll 10. Outside 11. How Much 12. Petals 13. If We 14. Want You 15. Yours 16. Subtle Invitation 17. So Lonely (Pt.2) 18. Joy Ride 19. Migrate 20. For The Record 21. Standing O 22. Ribbon 23. Meteorite 24. Faded 25. Caution 26. 8th Grade 27. Skydiving (the actual studio version) 28. Help Me Make It Through The Night Forgot how extensive her catalog was, thought it would be shorter lol well it is a compilation album. I omitted her Christmas albums to keep the flow of the songs going. Btw, I asked chatgpt for a list of Mariah unreleased songs to refresh my memory and I was surprised to see a few songs mentioned that I've never even heard of. I'll discuss this in my next post. (Friday 4 July 2025; 02:00)

Apple interview | MC China and the origin of Niújiě? (109,593) by Lighty from China Mariah's popularity was huge in China back in the day with hits like Hero, Without You, and later WBT, AIWFCIY, etc. But after the shows in Beijing last year and Shenzhen/Shanghai this year, people start to realize her lip syncing thing and her reputation declined a little bit, especially online. I remember reading someone on this board saying in Asia when lambs took part in a singing contest or an audition they won't sing Mariah's classic hits, instead they'll sing lesser known songs such as TTR, CTTR, Can't Let Go, Never Too Far, to name a few. That is totally not the case, at least not here in China. As to the nickname cow sister, in modern Chinese slang when we say something is awesome/amazing/brilliant, we say it's "Niu Bi" which literally translates to "the vulva of a cow", doesn't sound so good but Niu Bi is a rather positive word. In the case of Mariah, people recognize her amazing vocal skills, 5 octaves, and the whistle tones. So we say she is very "Niu Bi", she's a Niu Bi sister, and in short, she's the Niu sister -> cow sister. And the lambs here are still lambs, but also sometimes called "cow dung", doesn't sound decent either but we take it. As in China, fans of western divas are all more or less called "shit" in some circumstances. For example, fans of Gaga, "turtle shit", as Gaga herself is nicknamed "old turtle" here. (Friday 4 July 2025; 04:18) this is a reply to message 109,586

Apple interview | MC China and the origin of Niújiě? (109,586) by Baby from Dreamville...Where There's No Beginning & There is No End Yeah, that's where my mind instantly went. Standard 10-12 songs plus remixes and then the extra handful for the deluxe, potentially after Christmas. Milk the era, girl. Ooh, and while I'm quoting you, can you share how Mariah's popularity was born in China and how it's evolved? That'd be super interesting to know. Like the story of "Sister Cow" being a term of endearment for her, is that canon of fanfiction? Who coined that? Are lambs in China called calves? (Thursday 3 July 2025; 18:12)

Apple interview (109,556) by Lighty from China Maybe save some songs for a potential MC16 deluxe version? (Tuesday 1 July 2025; 10:18) this is a reply to message 109,553

Apple interview (109,553) by Bobby A from United States MC16 is done. MC16 will have 11-12 songs. There are Mariah ballads. The second single is coming soon. It is very summery and MC loves the beat. I am not complaining, but why just 11-12 songs? Is that an industry standard these days to increase the chances of individual songs streamed to increase album sales? (Tuesday 1 July 2025; 06:59)

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,551) by Lighty from China I think they sound totally different. (Tuesday 1 July 2025; 03:29) this is a reply to message 109,546

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,546) by Bobby A from United States I think Hope Street became Somewhat Loved with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. (Monday 30 June 2025; 17:12)

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,545) by Lighty from China Yeah me too. I'm forever waiting for her to release Hope Street. (Monday 30 June 2025; 16:52) this is a reply to message 109,543

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,543) by Rashidi Rahim Rick from Malaysia Thank you Lighty. Yes I know I've seen Lullaby Of Birdland in the leaked tracklisting in 2013. The reason why I knew that tracklisting is valid because there are several songs on that tracklisting that were actually on the album in 2014. So I'm just assuming maybe, maybe Mariah has a studio version for that song. (Monday 30 June 2025; 13:21)

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,539) by Lighty from China Actually there was. Even Save the Day was on there. [Webmaster: The funny part is that Edward himself commented several times on this tracklisting.] (Monday 30 June 2025; 03:10) this is a reply to message 109,538

Lullaby of Birdland* (109,538) by Edward from USA Mariah stated herself that she never recorded LOB in the studio. While "The Art of Letting Go" was leaked as an upcoming album on some places like Walmart, it was just the name. There not any other leaks that mentioned LOB before she performed live. (Monday 30 June 2025; 01:44)

One Heart, One Voice (109,499) by Lighty from China I totally agree. Very generic 90s ballad and it's not even that catchy. After several listens I still can't remember the melody. Tell Him with Celine is far superior. Oh the good old days. (Friday 27 June 2025; 19:10) this is a reply to message 109,495

One Heart, One Voice (109,495) by Randy from USA I don't like it. Here's the thing. I knew it would be a ballad from the 90s. I knew it would feel "crowded". And I do think it's genius how he interchanged them throughout the verses. I am a Mariah Carey fan and what's most important to me is a lyric. Then the vocal. Then the arrangement. The lyrics are both banal and generic. It's not a song that needed to be written. It's been written before. I feel as though this is one of the songs sung before a Super Bowl national anthem with young girls from around the world tryna count steps with lame choreography. It belongs at the end of a really bad movie where the credits are more entertaining than the plot. My favorite person on this board woke me up out my sleep with a text for this? It's just Another Trite Hope Song rackin my brain like crazy. (Friday 27 June 2025; 16:40)

Fans being obsessed with being #1 (109,462) by Lighty from China Because she herself is obsessed with #1's. (Wednesday 25 June 2025; 02:51) this is a reply to message 109,454

Fans being obsessed with being #1 (109,454) by Jay smith from United States Why are you guys so obsessed with Mariah having a #1 why does it matter if she is being recognized and she is being exposed to the world so you think the general public cares about being #1 no so get over it. (Tuesday 24 June 2025; 17:38)

UK charts (109,420) by Lighty from China Barbra is an album artist, not a single one. She last charted on the Hot 100 with "I Finally Found Someone (with Bryan Adams)" at No.8 in 1996 and after that her singles never cracked the Hot 100 again. (Friday 20 June 2025; 15:14) this is a reply to message 109,419

UK charts (109,419) by Bobby A from United States Yes, Type Dangerous is slowing down in the States too. Gamma is going to need to release a ballad as the second single to properly launch MC16 after gauging what One Heart One Voice will do on the radio and charts. By the way, I wonder why none of the already released singles from Barbra's new album have not charted or received any radio airplay. There has not really been any promotion for her album at all. (Friday 20 June 2025; 15:00)

Thank you DJs (109,257) by Lighty from China It's just the same line from the sampled "Eric B. is President". (Friday 13 June 2025; 03:41) this is a reply to message 109,249

Thank you DJs (109,249) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter Ok do we know why she starts of T-Dang with saying "to show my appreciation for your support, thank you DJs"? (Thursday 12 June 2025; 21:43)

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