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Music Box (103,556)
by Bill from the UK
(Saturday 23 September 2023; 11:40) | | |
| Interestingly, the non-MB30 edition of Music Box, that was on streaming services at the US 10-track edition, has now added "Everything Fades Away" as the 11th track. I can only speak for UK streaming, would be interested to see what, if anything, has been done across the pond. |
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MB30 - reflections (103,518)
by Bill from the UK
(Sunday 17 September 2023; 02:22) | | |
| The pre-records for Without You actually began in 1994 for the Christmas TOTP performance. Then again at MSG in 1895, the Tokyo Dome dates of the Daydream tour in 1996, and then from Butterfly tour onwards. |
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This is a reply to message 103,513 by
BFF from United States
(Saturday 16 September 2023; 16:30) | | |
I wonder why there wasn't a single live performance of "Never Forget You". It was technically a double A-side single release with "Without You" in the United States and got some airplay on R&B radio. I think it's a wonderful song and makes me wish Mariah had attempted more sessions with Babyface.
I have also always wondered why "Anytime You Need a Friend" disappeared from her set lists between 1996 and 2019. It's easily one of her best "single" releases and every bit as good as "Make It Happen", "Vision of Love", and her other gospel-style compositions. Maybe it was too demanding/hard to sing with the decline in her voice? "Without You" is pretty demanding as well, but she kept it in the setlist and didn't start using pre-recorded tracks for it until the "Charmbracelet" tour. |
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MB30 - reflections (103,478)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 14 September 2023; 10:08) | | |
Now some time has passed, here are my thoughts.
Disc 1:
I've always loved the album, and never understood the group of fans that dismissed it. It's beautifully sung, expertly recorded, it showed more nuances to her voice than before, and her "pen game" as you kids call it these days for some reason, was superb. A 23 year-old writing Anytime You Need a Friend, Never Forget You, Hero, Dreamlover, Everything Fades Away? Wow. Speaking of Everything Fades Away, it was pleasing Mariah included this on the 'original' album. I know over the years each side of the pond has stated their case for the better finish to the album. Perhaps we can agree that All I've Ever Wanted is a gorgeous finale and send off, whereas Everything Fades Away is the hauntingly beautiful epilogue? Looking at this site's discography, more versions of the album included it than didn't, and it seems like Mariah herself views it as the true ending to the album.
Disc 2:
Okay wow. It's strange how on The Rarities, All I Live For was just, there. It was a pleasant little bop, but I was like "yeah, I get why it was left off." How is the extended version like a thousand times better? Honestly it elevates the song to a whole new level, and her vocals are astonishing. Great to see Luther added, as I always viewed Endless Love as part of the Music Box era, and was surprised the album never got re-issued to include it after it did so well. Workin' Hard and My Prayer I can't keep away from. I adore them. I am so sad they were locked up in the vault for 30 years, but look at them now having their day in the sun. The TOTP performances and remixes I am happy with, especially as the two full-length 10-minute epic and iconic club mixes were included. The only small hang up I have is with Hero (2009 Version). Firstly, it was recorded in 2008, so let's get that out the way. Second, I think I would have preferred the Spanish version to be included as it was 'of the time', whereas this was a good stretch afterwards, so it feels somewhat out of place. Everything else is from the period (save the two new mixes). I detested the re-recording when it came out to promote The Ballads, but as I have mellowed I see it was what it was. It's fine now, I'm at peace with it, but yeh. It's the only point where I pause briefly.
Disc 3:
We all love Proctor's Theatre don't we. What a concert. For many of us, the first one we saw. I also had two worn out VHS in my time, and then switched to the DVD when that was issued. It is my go-to 'comfort' concert. Whenever I've had a bad day and I need lifting up, or I'm perturbed by the world and all what's going on, I watch it. It takes me back to childhood, the wonder that was early Mariah, the nostalgia I wallow in, the happy memories it invokes. Like a few of you, every move, hand gesture, giggle, is committed to memory. Having it on audio is so, so good.
General:
Again, I never had an issue with the original cover. It was a bit botched on the cassette version as she was half a head, but the CD always looked beautiful. It gave a Marilyn Monroe vibe, and had a certain simplicity to it. The uncropped version is equally as nice though. If anyone's gone into panic mode over the physical release having a big border around the original cover, this is a slip case that will reveal the uncropped cover beneath it.
But thank you Mariah, for everything. 10/10.  |
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Since we're wondering (103,476)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 14 September 2023; 09:53) | | |
| Yes, the physical formats are not due until February 2024. I suppose they will take the pre-orders and then ascertain how many to manufacture. If anyone ordered through MC's store, you can cancel and re-order through Amazon where you get free shipping if you have Prime. |
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This is a reply to message 103,470 by
Brad from USA
(Wednesday 13 September 2023; 22:54) | | |
| Has anyone decoded the "coat of arms" on the windows Mariah shows in her latest ""Dreamlover" tribute post where she is wearing the black and white flannel shirt? I think this is all very intentional on her part. It's a clue as to where she is (obviously) and what she is up to. I know September 15th will lend some insight too at MSG. I think it's a clue just like pointing to that poster of "I'm gonna need a bigger boat" from back around her birthday. Also, do we have to wait until 2024 for the physical forms of MB30 to be available, I read that somewhere. Thanks. |
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My Prayer (103,452)
by Bill from the UK
(Tuesday 12 September 2023; 08:13) | | |
| I'll you all something for free. My Prayer hits differently in the wee small hours of the morning, three glasses of wine deep, when you're scrolling your ex's Instagram feed. |
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MB30 (103,441)
by Bill from the UK
(Monday 11 September 2023; 18:39) | | |
"These new from-the-vault songs sound horrifically dated."
They're 30 years old, were you expecting 2023 production standards? |
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This is a reply to message 103,440 by
JC from USA
(Monday 11 September 2023; 15:30) | | |
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. |
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My tracklist order for MC30 (103,434)
by Bill from the UK
(Monday 11 September 2023; 08:47) | | |
| Switch the last two around and it's perfect. |
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This is a reply to message 103,426 by
The Real Deal from USA
(Monday 11 September 2023; 00:04) | | |
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 |
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It's here (103,361)
by Bill from the UK
(Friday 8 September 2023; 01:36) | | |
Yes Eddie, it is a cover of the old 50s song and she sings it amazingly. Honestly her voice is exceptional. I've played it like 1000 times already.
All I Live For is a completely different take than the version on The Rarities and her voice is incredible. The whole package is just brilliant. |
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This is a reply to message 103,358 by
Edward from USA
(Friday 8 September 2023; 01:19) | | |
| Is My Prayers a cover as we speculated? |
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It's here (103,353)
by Bill from the UK
(Friday 8 September 2023; 01:05) | | |
| Workin' Hard is phenomenal, and I have no words for My Prayer. I am crying, her voice is sensational. How, how has this stayed locked up for 30 years? Oh Mariah I love you so much. |
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This is a reply to message 103,352 by
Jamie from UK
(Friday 8 September 2023; 00:43) | | |
| Seems it's on Spotify here too, I don't have it though so will wait for iTunes |
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Release date (103,346)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 7 September 2023; 23:56) | | |
| I'm praying for the tour footage/audio to be released too. Why oh why would you keep that in the vault? |
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This is a reply to message 103,345 by
Jamie from UK
(Thursday 7 September 2023; 23:17) | | |
Good because I can't wait any longer  I wonder if there's gonna be more as she said musicbox30 begins 8/9 to me that sounds like there is more surprises to come. I landed this morning from Florida but I'm determined to stay awake. |
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Release date (103,343)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 7 September 2023; 22:21) | | |
| Technically midnight tonight is tomorrow. She's posted a snippet of Workin' Hard on her insta. Wow. To think we'd have another Carey-Cole-Clivilles track in our collections all these years later. What a treat. |
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This is a reply to message 103,342 by
Jamie from UK
(Thursday 7 September 2023; 21:57) | | |
| Seems it's coming out at midnight tonight? Thought it was tomorrow? |
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Disc two (103,326)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 7 September 2023; 00:31) | | |
| I hope so, I'm definitely staying up until midnight tomorrow and hope to listen to it at 00:01. |
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This is a reply to message 103,320 by
Jamie from UK
(Wednesday 6 September 2023; 23:55) | | |
| I’m super excited. Will it be midnight Friday night everywhere? |
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Disc two (103,319)
by Bill from the UK
(Wednesday 6 September 2023; 23:31) | | |
Full tracklisting for the bonus disc:
1. All I Live For (extended version)
2. Endless Love (duet with Luther Vandross)
3. Do You Think of Me
4. Workin' Hard
5. My Prayer
6. Hero (2009 version)
7. Anytime You Need a Friend (extended mix)
8. Music Box (a capella)
9. Dreamlover (live from Top of the Pops)
10. Without You (live from Top of the Pops)
11. Dreamlover (Def Club Mix)
12. Anytime You Need a Friend (C&C Club Version)
13. Anytime You Need a Friend (Soul Convention Remix)
14. I've Been Thinking About You (Terry Hunter Remix)
15. Workin' Hard (Terry Hunter Remix)
This indicates that Everything Fades Away may be placed as track 11 on the regular album (its rightful place). I cannot wait for Friday. |
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This is a reply to message 103,317 by
Robert-Anthony from United States
(Wednesday 6 September 2023; 23:11) | | |
| Go check out MC's Twitter page. She just released the tracklisting for disc 2. There is another new song called Workin Hard along with an extended version of All I Live For and an IBTAY remix. Disc 2 is 15 tracks. This MB 30th is better than The Rarities. |
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Music Box vs. My Prayer (103,304)
by Bill from the UK
(Monday 4 September 2023; 19:13) | | |
| I like this theory. |
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This is a reply to message 103,299 by
Shezz from Pk
(Monday 4 September 2023; 04:46) | | |
| Maybe this is the song the Clark sisters worked on. According to one fan site she used a full orchestra to rerecord an unreleased song. Rest easy Bill, I don't think she's rerecorded the entire Music box album - just unreleased/unfinished song or 2. Friday is too far away after that teaser she released. Sounds like her current voice? |
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Re-recording Music Box 30 (103,297)
by Bill from the UK
(Monday 4 September 2023; 00:17) | | |
| Please no. Why paint the peacock? |
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This is a reply to message 103,296 by
Jamie from UK
(Sunday 3 September 2023; 19:50) | | |
| Just seen a post that there's a rumour Mariah is re-recording one or more tracks for musicbox30 or another project to be released this year. |
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Music Box 30th anniversary revealed (103,291)
by Bill from the UK
(Sunday 3 September 2023; 10:58) | | |
I don't have that version my friend, but that's because it's a lot of snake oil. It won't sound any better than the CD. CD audio (16bit/44.1khz) is better than the top range of human hearing (but a substantial margin), so much like the gold "hi-res" stamp you see, it's marketing with no discernable difference. The fact the K2 CDs play on a regular CD player, which cannot encode any better than the Redbook standard, is testament to that.
The only true difference can be heard on the SACD/HDCD format, which you need to play on special decoders/systems. You will hear nuances in the music and perhaps elements deeper in the mix brought to life a bit more. To my knowledge only #1's and Divas Live has been released on that format from Mariah's catalogue.
Any difference you hear on the K2 version will likely be down to the mastering, and in most cases it's "louder" only. So, put in your regular Music Box CD and turn up the volume dial and you'll have the same outcome.
We are fortunate Mariah recorded her albums in top quality Sony studios (up until Rainbow), the CDs all sound fantastic and are the absolute best they can be. |
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This is a reply to message 103,290 by
Robert-Anthony from United States
(Saturday 2 September 2023; 15:36) | | |
| What do we know about Dolby Atmos technology that was used for mastering the 30th anniversary edition? Also, I just found out Music Box was released on a K2 HD mastering technology CD in 2011. Bill, do you have the K2 CD? |
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Music Box 30th anniversary revealed (103,288)
by Bill from the UK
(Saturday 2 September 2023; 14:00) | | |
| Me too. I just keep praying I don't die before Friday so I get to experience it. |
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This is a reply to message 103,287 by
Jamie from UK
(Saturday 2 September 2023; 13:54) | | |
| Yes I keep looking around to see if it's anywhere online. I can't wait. |
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Music Box 30th anniversary revealed (103,285)
by Bill from the UK
(Saturday 2 September 2023; 13:01) | | |
| I'm not sure, but presumably through her website and, for an artist if her standing, I'd imagine it would be on Amazon and so on. The trailer does say there is an "expanded digital version" which I am assuming is the 3xCD version. It's next week, so I'm surprised it's not yet available to pre-order anywhere. |
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This is a reply to message 103,284 by
Jamie from UK
(Saturday 2 September 2023; 09:38) | | |
| Do we know how we will be able to purchase this yet? And will it also be available on digital download? |
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Music Box 30th anniversary revealed (103,278)
by Bill from the UK
(Friday 1 September 2023; 15:00) | | |
| The 3CD edition is encouraging, as that indicates 1 disc for the album, another for the Thanksgiving audio, and the other for the bonus tracks. I'd imagine it'd include the three tracks from The Rarities, plus the four she's shown on her social media accounts. That leaves plenty of room for other surprises which I am pumped about. Also, the clip on Instagram had footage from the Music Box tour. Could it be, finally, we receive this gem? That is "my prayer". |
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This is a reply to message 103,273 by
Shezz from Pk
(Friday 1 September 2023; 04:15) | | |
| On Twitter she teased that there might be more than one new song. Ughh. Apparently she has also recently registered "Dreamlover - non sample version", has anybody else seen that? Excited for September 8th. |
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Music Box 30th anniversary revealed (103,270)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 31 August 2023; 23:58) | | |
| I am so excited for this news. And wow, a new song from the recording sessions, I can't wait to hear it. And finally, to have the Thanksgiving concert on audio at last. Music Box was my first Mariah album and still to this day remains one of my favourites. It is a beautiful album, thank you Mariah for this gift. |
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This is a reply to message 103,266 by
Robert-Anthony from United States
(Thursday 31 August 2023; 16:45) | | |
It will be out on 9/8. Here's what will be included on the 4LP 3CD cassette anniversary edition:
Expanded edition with bonus tracks
1. My Prayer - new track from the recording sessions
2. Hero - 2009 Version
3. AYNAF - Extended Version
4. Music Box - Acapella... Oooh wee. I need to hear this version.
5. Dream Lover - Live at the Top of Pops
*Live at Proctor's Theatre
1. new remastered audio
*Behind the Scenes of Dream Lover video - Mini Documentary
*Dream Lover video 4k
*MC Then and Now featurette
*And many more bonus features |
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Discounted singles (103,225)
by Bill from the UK
(Saturday 19 August 2023; 22:17) | | |
Being the UK there weren't any tactics like this, other than the CD singles being released in "two parts" to sustain sales in the second week, and make rabid fans like me buy every version for different remixes or the alternative cover art (shout out to the UK exclusive Always Be My Baby artwork). I have been known to narrow my eyes in suspicion at the "one week only" #1s. I agree with what you say about My All and Thank God I Found You. I wouldn't say it applies to Heartbreaker and One Sweet Day though, because they had quite long stays at the top (especially OSD), plus Heartbreaker's great video would have helped as that whole thing was a hoot. This is why I roll my eyes when the (ducks) yaas queens lay down the "she's had two hundred thousand number ones" trump card. It's like, ask Joe Public to name 6 of them. Go on I'll wait. And yes, we all love Loverboy for all sorts of reasons (my affection for it is because it's such a mess), but there's no way that would have even cracked the top ten stateside were it not for it being sold for a penny or whatever it was. I always felt the UK's chart position of #12 was justified. It didn't warrant a top ten position, but deserved to knock at the door and be asked to the party, only to be sent away.
I've had too much wine. |
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This is a reply to message 103,224 by
Randy from USA
(Saturday 19 August 2023; 19:08) | | |
| Good topic. I think the singles that might not have gone to number one without fans rushing to buy physical copies are more-so Thank God I Found You and My All. Loverboy definitely wouldn't have gone to #2. I Still Believe wouldn't have gone to #4 either. I believe Honey, One Sweet Day and Heartbreaker are true driven by the general public number ones. Non-fans know those songs and those videos stayed in heavy rotation on MTV. My All's week at #1 comes after week 4 of Too Close by Next's 5 weeks at #1. Then Too Close returns to number one which clearly shows My All went to number one as soon as a physical copy/discounted copy was offered to rabid fans like me who already had the Butterfly album but wanted remixes and alternate versions. At least the general public has heard of My All. TGIFY is a song nobody but us knows. It's one week interrupted Savage Garden's I Knew I Loved You after its 3rd week at #1. After TGIFY was number one for one week then Savage Garden returned to #1. Again rabid fans like me wanted the Keith Sweat Make It Last Forever Remix. I remember buying that maxi-single. One store was out and another store sold me their last one. |
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The Price Sisters and Melonie - underrated gems (103,219)
by Bill from the UK
(Saturday 19 August 2023; 12:12) | | |
| Absolutely. It gives such a sombre end to the record and feels unfinished without it. Such an epic closer that gives the record more breadth definitely. Jamie I love the new picture, very Magnum PI (that's a compliment). |
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This is a reply to message 103,218 by
Jamie from UK
(Saturday 19 August 2023; 09:22) | | |
| Yeah I get that when you've had the album as a whole from the start, anything else wouldn't feel part of it. To me it wouldn't feel Music Box without it as that's how we heard it over here. I remember thinking at the time why's it a bonus track it's that good. |
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The Price Sisters and Melonie - underrated gems (103,209)
by Bill from the UK
(Friday 18 August 2023; 11:53) | | |
| Yes, I remember Melonie not being on the backgrounds for Honey because she felt the lyrics were too suggestive. She's a devout Christian and as I understood it, Mariah kept her off any tracks that might have sailed a bit close to the wind with the lyrical content. |
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This is a reply to message 103,206 by
Randy from USA
(Friday 18 August 2023; 00:42) | | |
Yea, I do think they were awesome. But Kelly took some subtle digs about her vocal deterioration that I agreed with but didn't think was classy. And Melonie made a snide remark during an interview that "when I was there it wasn't no songs about touch my body", which I also didn't appreciate. Touch My Body to me is a comedy. A toned down version of WAP. It's meant for you to have fun to, not to take literally. Who really thinks MC wants anyone to touch her body?  However, let me be clear. I feel like Trey and Mary Ann are talented but sycophants. They don't care about helping her with her voice or technique. They just say yes, diva and collect their checks. |
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The Price Sisters and Melonie - underrated gems (103,203)
by Bill from the UK
(Thursday 17 August 2023; 21:43) | | |
| I don't feel like The Price Sisters and Melonie get their dues. During the mid-90s they were astonishingly good. I was listening to Merry Christmas (I know, I know, it's August), and I honestly believe they make the album what it is. Their backgrounds on O Holy Night, Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child, Born On This Day, Joy to the World, Silent Night and of course AIWFCIY are phenomenal. Especially AIWFCIY. I'm sorry but that song would not be what it is without their stellar contribution. Then you have their vocals on Anytime You Need a Friend, Dreamlover, Everything Fades Away, Without You, the list goes on. Not to mention the remixes and how their vocal arrangements lift them to complete new heights. What a loss they were. We love Maryann but she's not a patch on those girls. |
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Perfection (103,183)
by Bill from the UK
(Monday 14 August 2023; 22:08) | | |
| Randy's Theme hahaha. I also wish There For Me got a spot on the record, as well as I Lose Control from the debut album. Narada Michael Walden has the master but won't release it until Mariah gives the green light. I'm like, please Mariah. Please. I need every note you ever uttered from 1990 in my life. Here We Go Around Again was a dream come true, I cried when I first heard it. |
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This is a reply to message 103,181 by
Edward from USA
(Monday 14 August 2023; 17:15) | | |
| I agree, but Mariah AI "Last Chance" is different. Most Mariah's AI content doesn't sound like her because they need a base voice and then replaces it with her voice. The problem is that AI will still use the base voice style, enunciation,, diction and accent. "Last Chance" was written and produced by Mariah, the whistles at the beginning were originally sung by her. On top of that, the base voice is singing it as Mariah would, so when the voices are switched, it works perfectly. I haven't been impressed with any other Mariah AI covers, but "Last Chance" is perfect for me. I dropped "Closed My Eyes" and "Save the Horrible Day" from "The Rarities" and inserted "Last Chance", "Help Me Make It", "Randy's Theme" and Almost Home", in chronological order of course. Now "The Rarities" is just perfect. |
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