Nina West

I can stand up once again RRNdmkH8zrI 26. Through The Rain | 7.547 Highest Scores: 11: (Lukuzz, Herbs), 10: (Nina West, elgornio, Josh, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 4: (Jade, vibe) At #26 is Through The Rain, released in September 2002 as the lead single from Mariah's 9th studio album Charmbracelet. Written by Mariah and Lionel Cole, and produced by the former and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was meant to be an insight into Carey personal struggles throughout 2001, and lyrically talks about encouraging others. This was also her first release under new label Island Def Jam after parting ways with Columbia Records & then getting dropped by Virgin Records after many personal troubles & the lack of success for her previous album 'Glitter'. Mariah chose this track as the lead single a contemporary pop ballad as a way to recapture her audience throughout the earlier stages of her career. Upon release the song was well received by music critics, but commercially, it was her lowest charting lead single on the US Billboard charts at the time by stalling at #81. However it gained much stronger charting internationally by topping the charts in Spain & hitting top 10 peaks in Canada, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland & UK. Actually quite shocked at the low #26 ranking on here, but a couple of middling scores caused it plummet. Now I really like the more back to basics approach to this song & if there was one thing to takeaway from the disasterous 'Glitter' era was that things needed to come down a notch and shift the focus back onto the music. I like how Mariah takes back control of the narrative with this shimmering ballad and directly acknowledging the struggles she’d faced. The gentle piano melodies, soft beats and music box synths all sounds fantastic along with Mariah's more restrained vocal delivery before that big key change where her voice soars beautifully over the production. Okay this wasn't quite the big comeback that Mariah had hoped for, its really more of a transitional moment & showed that she could still make great music. The big comeback moment would have to wait for a couple of years, as this was maybe a bit too soon & just needed more time to let the dust settle.

Details don't matter, we both paid the price 8tZkzL4j3BU 27. Don't Forget About Us | 7.547 Highest Scores: 10: (rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 6: (Nina West, Davidson, Bjork, vibe, Liam.k.) At #27 is Don't Forget About Us, released in October 2005 as the 5th single from Mariah's 10th studio album The Emancipation of Mimi. It was written by Mariah, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Johntá Austin, and produced by Mariah, Dupri and Cox. The song was one of the 4 new tracks that featured on the rei-released edition of the album subtitled Ultra Platinum Edition. During a writing session with Jermaine she considered keeping the song for her next album, but after L.A. Reid the CEO of Island Records heard the unfinished version of the track, he convinced Mariah to keep working on new songs & suggested on releasing a deluxe version of the album, which had already sold 4 Million copies by that point & Mariah agreed to the idea & feeling eager to release the song, instead of making her fans wait for a brand new album. Upon release the song became Mariah's 17th #1 hit in the USA, and capping off a successful comeback year for the artist. Worldwide it achieved moderate success by reaching top 20 peaks in UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand & Switzerland as well as top 40 peaks in several other countries. In 2007 the song was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, but lost out in both categories. This track has never been a favourite of mine, always found it a bit unmemorable & felt too similar to the far better "We Belong Together". Now don't get me wrong I don't find the song terrible or anything, its just not something I go back to very often. The laidback tempo gives the song a seductive vibe with its lilting chorus combined with her breathy harmonies plays to Mariah's strengths really well. Especially as it builds throughout with the vocals becoming more intense before she hits those high notes at the end. I remember being very happy to see Mariah make a successful comeback after a rough couple of years & by scoring 2 chart toppers in one year, she silenced all those naysayers who said that her career was over.

Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch Me

Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?

Time for another era's re-cap: Mariah Carey – 2/5 Emotions – 2/3 Music Box – 4/5 Merry Christmas/II You – 2/3 Daydream – 2/6 Butterfly – 3/5 Rainbow – 1/5 Glitter – 0/3 Charmbracelet –1/4 The Emancipation of Mimi – 4/6 E=MC2 –1/4 Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel – 1/5 Me I Am Mariah –1/4 Caution – 0/2 Greatest Hits –1/4 Others – 2/9

Like so many friends we've lost along the way UXxRyNvTPr8 28. One Sweet Day (ft Boyz II Men) | 7.452 Highest Scores: 10: (Simon, Jord, vibe, Herbs, rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 0: (Jessie Where) At #28 is the massive collaboration between Mariah & Boyz II Men One Sweet Day, released in November 1995 as the 2nd single from Mariah's 5th studio album Daydream. The artists co-wrote the song with Walter Afanasieff, who co-produced it with Mariah. Lyrically the song speaks about the death of a loved one & the artists wrote the song about [specific people in their lives, being inspired by sufferers of the AIDS epidemic, which was globally prevalent at the time. Upon release it was met with universal acclaim & became a massive success on the US Billboard charts by debuting at #1 and staying there for a record breaking 16 weeks & held the record for longest running single until 2017 & then bettered in 2019. This was Mariah's 10th & Boyz II Men's 4th US chart topper. Worldwide it wasn't quite as successful but did to reach top 10 peaks in 13 countries, including #1 peaks in Canada & New Zealand. The song would also go onto win many awards throughout 1996 including a BMI award, ASCAP award & together with the 'Daydream' album would be nominated for 6 Grammy awards, however they lost all nominations. I've always found it fascinating that this was such an iconic event in the USA & yet everywhere else it was basically just another standard decent sized hit. Now this is a great Mariah song & love the sentiment behind it, however I wouldn't rank this one of her best, now don't get me wrong its good solid ballad, but there's far better songs in Mariah's discography than this. This is a gorgeous ballad full of genuine emotion, that is swathed in Boyz II Men's doo-wop vocals & Mariah's stunning emotive singing. The melancholy, vulnerability and hope all melded together into that soaring chorus gives everything a warm & rather comforting feel to the production. I've never been a fan of Boyz II Men, find a lot of their stuff a slog to listen to & given the overly long runtime, makes this feel rather saccharine & can be quite nauseating at times. This song isn't something I go back to very often, hell before this review I hadn't listened to it in over 10 years & in no rush to listen to it again. I don't dislike it by any means, its just an okay moment for me.

Taylor Swift: Our Song Fearless: Fearless Speak Now: Enchanted Red: All Too Well 1989: Blank Space Reputation: Getaway Car Lover: Cruel Summer Folklore: The Last Great American Dynasty Evermore: Champagne Problems Midnights: Snow On The Beach

Another US chart topping ballad from the 90's will drop next, just a little hint.

I had it all but I let it slip away FkDpwF6-QiA 29. Love Takes Time | 7.38 Highest Scores: 11: (Bjork, rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 3.5 (elgornio) #29 is Love Takes Time, released in August 1990 as the 2nd single from Mariah's self-titled debut album Mariah Carey. Written by Mariah and Ben Margulies, while produced by Walter Afanasieff, The song was quickly recorded at the last minute due to the album already being completed and being processed for release. Mariah played the song's demo to former Columbia CEO Don Ienner while on an airplane. Don and other officials immediately insisted the song be included on the album, despite the album being in its final stages of completion and Mariah even considered saving it for her next album. Eventually the song made it onto the album as the closing track, however due to its late addition, it wasn't listed on album's early pressings. But subsequent pressings corrected that mistake. Upon release the song was another success for Mariah in the USA where it became her 2nd #1 hit. However worldwide it wasn't quite as a successful as her previous single but did manage a #2 peak in Canada & top 10 peaks Iceland & New Zealand, but elsewhere it didn't make much of an impact with a top 20 peak in Australia, top 40 peaks in UK & Netherlands & a minor peak in Germany. The track also went onto to win a BMI R&B Award for Song of the Year and Songwriter Award, as well as a Soul Train award for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary New Artist in 1991. Despite managing two 11's, strangely enough it didn't gain any 10's in this countdown. This is a beautiful yet breathtaking ballad that pulls you in instantly right until the very last note. Definitely more restrained and subtle when compared to some of her later ballads, but still no less infused with raw emotion, shimmering passion and insightful vocal performance where she makes you experience the utter despair of a break up with such devastating honesty. The gentle bass and twinkling keyboards really adds a nice touch to the production and gives this stunning ballad a timeless quality to it. This deserved far more than the mere #37 peak that it got here in the UK, but at least the USA gave it the full appreciation it deserved.

I'll build my world of dreams around you UIt3dx4an9c 30. I'll Be There (ft Trey Lorenz) | 7.357 Highest Scores: 9: (Bjork, JackTheeStallion, vibe, Herbs), Lowest Scores: 4: (Jessie Where) At #30 is Mariah's cover of the Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, which was performed as a duet alongside American R&B singer Trey Lorenz. Released in March 1992 as the lead single from Mariah's live EP MTV Unplugged. The song was a last minute addition to her setlist, after she had been informed that most acts on the show commonly perform at least one cover. The "MTV Unplugged" special was a huge success & Mariah's label, Columbia Records, received many requests to release the track as a single, which had not been planned. A radio edit of the song was created which removed dialogue portions of the performance. Upon release the song received critical acclaim & went onto become a commercial success by becoming her 6th chart topper in the USA & to date this is the only 'MTV Unplugged' single to hit #1. Worldwide it became her breakthrough hit outside the USA by topping the charts in Canada, Netherlands & New Zealand, as well as a #2 peak in the UK (her most successful at the time) & top 10 in Australia as well as hitting top 20 peaks in most of Europe, where her success had previously limited. In 1993 the song also received 2 Grammy nominations for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song, losing both categories to Boyz II Men's "End of the Road". Mariah & Trey Lorenz performed their rendition of the song as a tribute to Michael Jackson's memorial service in 2009, 17 years after their first performance together. Honestly thought that this would been top 20 at least, but the couple of middling scores really brought it down & the fact that it didn't gain any 10's or 11's is quite surprising. I remember watching that MTV live performance back in the day & this performance was a firm highlight & as soon as it came out my mum rushed out to buy the single & became a fan ever since. This helped establish Mariah as a live performer as at the time many thought she was a studio artist, but boy she proved them all wrong & silenced them with her almighty talent. Mariah's raw and soulful version of this track really elevates it from being just another standard cover version. Everything about this is breath-taking down to the string quartet, rhythm sections, simple piano beats & the gospel choir backing singers, and of course the smooth vocals of Trey Lorenz intertwined with Mariah's astounding vocals perfectly & brings a romantic melancholy to it. A firm classic in Mariah's discography & one of the most iconic live performances of all-time.

The rest of the results will be in 1's

Time for another results re-cap with 31-40 31. The Roof (Back In Time) - 7.275 32. Shake It Off - 7.261 33. Can't Let Go - 7.238 34. I Know What You Want (ft Busta Rhymes) - 7.119 35. Open Arms - 7.095 36. Underneath The Stars - 7.05 37. I'll Be Loving U Long Time - 6.975 38. Breakdown (ft Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone) - 6.925 39. A No No - 6.925 40. I Still Believe - 6.825

So I packed up my Louis Vuitton, jumped in your ride and took off qi5oxzttjgo 32. Shake It Off | 7.261 9.5/9: (JackTheeStallion, Simon, Jord, JosephStyles, Jay), Lowest Scores: -1: (Jessie Where) 31. The Roof (Back In Time) | 7.275 Highest Scores: 11: (Davidson), 10: (elgornio), Lowest Scores: 3: (Herbs) At #32 is Shake It Off, released in July 2005 as the 3rd single from Mariah's 10th studio album The Emancipation of Mimi. It was written and produced by Mariah along with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Johntá Austin. The song was one of the tracks she recorded during her 2 day trip to Atlanta to collaborate with Jermaine Dupri & following this recording session the track was briefly selected as the album's lead single, replacing the other 2 contenders "Stay The Night" & "Say Somethin'". Upon release the song was released in some countries as a double a-side single alongside "Get Your Number", while some countries had the latter track released instead. In the USA it reached a #2 peak, blocked by her own hit "We Belong Together" & Kanye West & Jamie Foxx's "Gold Digger". Furthermore, it marked the first time a female lead artist occupied the top two positions of the Hot 100. Elsewhere it also found success by reaching top 10 peaks in New Zealand, Australia & UK as well as a top 20 peak in Ireland. Mariah's on top form with this bouncy yet sultry R&B number with its simple sparse production which gives it classy & elegant vibe. The chorus is catchy & the lyrics are fantastic which made an instant highlight upon the album's release. At #31 is The Roof (Back In Time), released in March 1998 as the 3rd single for the European market from Mariah's 6th studio album Butterfly. The song was written and produced by Mariah and Trackmasters, and is built around a sample from "Shook Ones (Part II)" by Mobb Deep. The extended remix features a rap verse by Mobb Deep. The track only received a limited worldwide release due to her conflict at the time with Sony. In 2020 Mariah revealed that the lyrics were about her relationship with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, In 2022 Mariah revealed a re-recorded version of the song, titled "The Roof (When I Feel The Need)" & features vocals from singer Brandy & appears on the expanded edition of the album for the album's 25th anniversary. Upon release it didn't chart in most major music markets due to its limited promotion & release, with the exception of Netherlands & UK respectively where in the latter it charted on import sales alone. Yet another major lost opportunity as this like 'Breakdown' deserved so much more than the lacklustre releases they got. This has to be one of Mariah's most alluring singles of her career with its heavy beats, sleek grooves & Mariah's seductive vocals adds a sense of mystery to the production. A hidden gem from Mariah's discography.

Deep Dish - Flashdance

Bodyrox featuring Luciana - Yeah Yeah

The next to drop will be a 'Butterfly' track & 'The Emancipation of Mimi' track, any guesses?

Something in your eyes captured my soul yU1knfz15xI 34. I Know What You Want (with Busta Rhymes feat The Flipmode Squad) | 7.119 Highest Scores: 9.5: (gooddelta, Herbs), Lowest Scores: 2: (rafik4u) 33. Can't Let Go | 7.238 Highest Scores: 11: (Jessie Where), Lowest Scores: 4: (elgornio) At #34 is I Know What You Want, a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes, featuring Mariah Carey and includes verses from his group The Flipmode Squad. Released in February 2003 as the 2nd single from Busta's 6th studio album It Ain't Safe No More & later added to the re-released editions of Mariah's 9th studio album Charmbracelet in Japan & the UK. The song was written by Busta, Rah Digga, Rampage, Rick Rock, and Spliff Star. Upon release the song was a hit across the globe by peaking at #3 in the USA, Australia & UK. This marked a return to form for both artists after Busta's previous single failed to make the top 40 as well as becoming one of Mariah's biggest hits in several years after a string of flop singles. This is a solid little R&B number from the early 00's with its slinky & seductive beats, addictive melodies & a hell of a catchy chorus that acts as that perfect earworm, really getting stuck inside your head. I remember being very happy that Mariah managed to score a hit during this very dark period of her career & while this is a solid return to form, its not something I really go back to anymore. At #33 is Can't Let Go, released in October 1991 as the 2nd single from Mariah's 2nd studio album Emotions and written and produced by Mariah & Walter Afanasieff. Mariah had fallen out with her songwriting partner Ben Margulies following a financial dispute, and her record label suggested that she work with the other producers of her debut album such as Rhett Lawrence, Ric Wake and Narada Michael Walden. She chose to work with Walter, who had produced her 2nd single 'Love Takes Time'. Upon release the song ended her streak of #1 hits in the USA when it reached a #2 peak. Elsewhere its success was quite limited apart from a top 5 peak in Canada, ias well as a top 20 peak in the UK, top 30 in New Zealand & minor dents in Australia & Netherlands. This is a nice slow burning ballad with stunning instrumentals & gorgeous gospel-infused harmonies which gives the track a sense of drama, as well as Mariah's breathy vocal delivery adds a perfect tone to this rather moody number. This may not be one of Mariah's best ballads, but its a decent highlight from her early days.

Ready for another 2?

And we drifted to another state of mind VEz9SAS9iVg 36. Underneath The Stars | 7.05 Highest Scores: 10: (Qween), Lowest Scores: 3: (rafik4u) 35. Open Arms | 7.095 Highest Scores: 10: (Qween), Lowest Scores: 4: (Bjork) At #36 is Underneath The Stars, released in November 1996 as the 6th and final single from Mariah's 5th studio album Daydream and as a B-side to 'Forever' in Australia. The song was written and produced by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff and has been considered as one of her personal favourite songs. Before Mariah began searching for the direction for the album to take, she already had the idea for the melody for the track and felt that it would fit the album no matter what, making this the first track recorded for the album. Upon release the song was critically acclaimed, but only received a limited number of pressings in the USA & due to this it failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts & only managed a #69 peak on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay & top 40 on the US Adult R&B chart. The music video was for many years thought to be lost as it was filmed back in 1996, but Mariah herself didn't know what happened to it and then in 2020 as part of her "MC30" celebrations the video finally got released. Definitely agree that this is one of Mariah's very best album tracks & a firm highlight on 'Daydream' that deserved its time in the limelight with a full scale release that could have elevated it to smash hit status of the previous singles. This stunning tender ballad gives Mariah plenty of space to show off those amazing vocals. Then the tinkling electric piano and soft beats comes in, which gives it an almost mellow 70's sound to it. There's a lovely warmth to this number & so glad that it finally got some attention in 2020 with the video finally getting its long over due release. At #35 another Daydream single drops Open Arms, which was originally recorded by American rock band Journey back in 1982. Mariah's released her version in December 1995 as the album's 3rd single outside the USA. Mariah co-produced her cover version with Walter Afanasieff, and has crossed paths with Journey's drummer Steve Smith who had played drums on many of her earlier singles. Upon release the song was panned by critics, but despite this it became a hit in many countries by reaching top 5 in the UK & top 10 peaks in Ireland, Poland & New Zealand, as well as top 20 peaks in Iceland & Netherlands. I do like Mariah's take on this cover with the cappella opening featuring just her vocals before she's joined by pianos & drums, then her vocals begins to soar as the chorus kicks in. However this always felt like a safe single choice in my opinion & perhaps Mariah tried a little too hard to make this cover her own, but other than that its a decent if typical power ballad.

Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside 7j16uymohGQ 38. Breakdown (ft Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone) | 6.925 Highest Scores: 10: (elgornio), Lowest Scores: 4: (Lukuzz, Herbs) 37. I'll Be Loving U Long Time | 6.975 Highest Scores: 10: (Qween), Lowest Scores: 4: (dandy*) At #38 is Breakdown, released in January 1998 as the 3rd single from Mariah's 6th studio album Butterfly & features rap verses by two members of the group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone. During the recording sessions for the album which took place from January 1997 to August 1997, Mariah conceptualized a song titled "Breakdown" with Sean Combs protégé, producer Stevie J.[ Both men had also worked on the lead single & after Mariah expressed interest in collaborating with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, the rest was history. Upon release the song received limited promotion from Columbia, which Mariah took issue with after they wouldn't issue a standalone commercial release in the USA, making it ineligible to chart on the Hot 100. It was later released as a double a-side with 'My All'. Worldwide had a mixed reception by reaching a top 5 peak in New Zealand and hit top 40 in Australia. Although it wasn't officially released in the UK, it managed to chart as a double a-side with 'My All' at #98 on import sales. This really SHOULD have been a smash hit & would have been if the label wasn't so biased towards Mariah's R&B output. The hypnotic melodies & flawless production which blends Mariah's vocals with Krayzie & Wish Bone perfectly & (pardon the pun) creating soothing harmonies. This is one of the many prime examples of Mariah transitioning into urban music effortlessly. At #37 is I'll Be Loving U Long Time, released in July 2008 as the 3rd single from Mariah's 11th studio album E=MC2, with the song's hook and instrumentation is derived from sampling DeBarge's "Stay with Me". The track was written by Mariah, Aldrin Davis, Crystal Johnson and Clifford Harris, and produced by the former two. For it's single release an official remix featuring American rapper T.I. alongside the original version. Despite being expected to become a huge smash hit the song had a weak chart performance upon its release by only managing to reach a #58 peak on the Billboard charts. Elsewhere it managed top 40 peaks in Japan & Slovakia, as well as minor peaks in Canada & UK where it peaked at #84 in the latter due to digital sales. This is yet another Mariah single that deserved better upon its release & if it wasn't following the lacklustre 'Bye Bye' (which killed all momentum for this era), then this easily could have generated more hype & better sales. Easily one of the best tracks on 'E=MC2' with its breezy laidback grooves, infectious hooks & gorgeous arrangements makes this a perfect summer jam. Good track an underrated gem for sure.

Ready for another 2?

Ed Scissorhands, AKA "I cut you off" (No) 2sap-GTtCiU 40. I Still Believe | 6.738 Highest Scores: 8: (gooddelta, Lukuzz, Herbs, rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 5:(Jessie Where, Simon, dandy*) 39. A No No | 6.825 Highest Scores: 9: (JackTheeStallion), Lowest Scores: 3: (rafik4u) At the #40 spot is I Still Believe, released in February 1999 as the 2nd single from Mariah's first compilation album #1's. The song was originally sung by American singer Brenda K. Starr in 1988 with whom Mariah started out as a backing singer for her in the late 80's & she had helped Mariah jump start her career by handing a demo tape to CBS Records Executive Tommy Mottola & the rest was history. Mariah decided to cover the track as a tribute and a thank you to Brenda K.Starr for believing in her and seeing her star potential. Upon release the song was a big success in the USA where it reached a #4 peak and it was her first song to chart on radio airplay points alone. Worldwide it enjoyed moderate success by hitting the top 20 in the UK, top 30 peaks in Canada, New Zealand & Belgium, as well as top 40 peaks in Switzerland & France. This is a really good cover that Mariah obviously has a huge respect for the original artist, but makes the song her own at the same time, thanks to its elegant production, simple arrangements & stunning vocals. A decent yet rather underrated cover. At #39 is A No No, released in March 2019 as the 2nd and final single from Mariah's 15th studio album Caution & samples Lil' Kim's "Crush on You". The song was written by Mariah, Robert "Shea" Taylor, Priscilla Hamilton, Mason Betha and Camron Giles. As well as the writers of the sampled track who also received writing credits. Originally the song was released as a promotional single in November 2018, then Epic Records serviced the track to rhythmic contemporary and urban contemporary radio as the album's 2nd single. The release was also supported by remixes featuring Stefflon Don & Shawni, each accompanied by a music video. Upon release all versions of the track received positive reviews, but only the original solo version managed to chart at #17 on the US R&B digital charts, making this the first Mariah album to have no charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Easily the most uptempo & catchiest track on 'Caution' with its funky yet laidback R&B grooves, clever lyrics which sees Mariah at her most playful. This is a good solid number that if released back in her heyday then it easily could have been a smash hit.

#40-#31 will be in 2's & then as we enter the top 30 the rest of the entries will be in single posts.

Deep Dish - Flashdance

Robert Miles - Children