Nina West

Persuade me to relinquish my love kMCGvtlL4fw 6. Heartbreaker (ft Jay Z) | 9.166 Highest Scores: 11: (JackTheeStallion, elgornio, rafik4u, AaronTM), 10: (Nina West, Jade, Jay), Lowest Scores: 7: (dandy*, Qween) At #6 and heading into the 9 averages now with Heartbreaker, featuring American rapper Jay Z & was released in August 1999 as the lead single from Mariah's 7th studio album Rainbow. The song was written by Mariah & Jay Z, along with production by Mariah herself and DJ Clue, with additional writers being credited for the hook being built around a sample from "Attack of the Name Game" by Stacy Lattisaw. This was her second commercial single to feature a rapper & again pushed the artist even further into the R&B and hip hop market. Originally the song was intended to be apart of her movie 'Glitter' soundtrack, however after the film's delay, it was included on her 'Rainbow' album instead. Upon release the song received mixed reviews from music critics, but became a massive commercial success by becoming her 14th chart topper in the USA. Elsewhere it was also successful by topping the charts in Canada & New Zealand, as well as top 5 peaks in Croatia, France, Poland, Spain and in the UK. Another fun bop by Mariah which continued her growing embrace of hip-hop and R&B, opening with an effervescent sample, before the bouncy mid-tempo beats kicks in & an irresistible chorus which instantly hooks you in, thanks to the perfect blend of dreamy vocal layers and catchy late 90's hip-hop bass. Even Jay Z's added verse sounds great & really keeps the momentum of the song going and bringing it to a whole other level. Despite the song being about a cheating spouse, Mariah manages to make it sound light and happy, thanks to the song's slick production and her playful vocals which spans from note to note throughout, showing how diverse of a vocalist she can be. The song is simply fantastic and yet another firm highlight in Mariah's discography & Buzzjack agrees, given the amazing scores it got.

08 Shiver 11 Yellow 10 Trouble 08 Don't Panic 09 In My Place 10 The Scientist 10 Clocks 07 God Put A Smile Upon Your Face 10 Speed Of Sound 11 Fix You 09 Talk 06 The Hardest Part 08 Violet Hill 11 Viva La Vida 07 Lost! 06 Life In Technicolor II XX Lovers In Japan 05 Strawberry Swing 04 Christmas Lights 07 Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall 08 Paradise 03 Charlie Brown 07 Princess of China (Ft Rihanna) 05 Hurts Like Heaven 02 Atlas (Soundtrack From The Hunger Games - Catching Fire) 06 Midnight 05 Magic 07 A Sky Full Of Stars 01 True Love 02 Ink 06 Adventure Of A Lifetime 08 Hymn For The Weekend (Ft Beyoncé) 04 Up&Up 05 A Head Full Of Dreams 01 Everglow 10 Something Just Like This (Chainsmokers Ft Coldplay) 04 Miracles (Someone Special) (Ft Big Sean) 06 Orphans 05 Arabesque

Always in control, how you do it, I don’t know oe1wtkkt9-E 7. #Beautiful (ft Miguel) | 8.952 Highest Scores: 11: (JackTheeStallion, Jay), 10: (gooddelta, Simon, Jord, Jade, JosephStyles, rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 5.5: (Herbs) At #7 is #Beautiful, released in May 2013 as the lead single from Mariah's 14th studio album Me I Am Mariah.. The Elusive Chanteuse, alongside American singer Miguel. The song was written by Mariah, Miguel, Nathan Perez, Brooke Davis, Mac Robinson, and Brian Keith Warfield, with production by Mariah, Miguel & Nathan. The artists didn't reveal that they had collaborated on the song, until April 2013 (just a couple of weeks before release), when Mariah revealed the title in a 25-second teaser video during season twelve of American Idol. she would premiere the music video on that same show on May 9th. Upon release the song received positive reviews from music critics & became her biggest commercial success in several years by reaching a #15 peak on the US Billboard charts, becoming Mariah's 32nd top 20 hit & Miguel's 3rd top 20 hit. Elsewhere it managed top 10 peaks in Australia, Denmark & New Zealand, as well as top 20 peaks in Sweden, Hong Kong & Netherlands. In the UK it managed to reach a moderate #22 peak, becoming her 39th top 40 hit there. This track was definitely the best thing she has released in several years & to date its probably her last great song. A stunning mid-tempo number built around warm arrangements with sensual soulful R&B grooves, its a simple yet catchy song that not only captures that old school vibe, but also captures that summer feeling perfectly. Okay the song does feel more like Miguel featuring Mariah Carey, but when they both sing together, the vocals blend effortlessly, making for a perfect collaboration, with fantastic vocals by both artists. Overall this is a really strong track and a firm standout in Mariah's discography.

The Zutons - Valerie

The Feeling - Never Be Lonely

Just submitted mine

You know the way to make me lose control NrJEFrth27Q 8. Emotions | 8.88 Highest Scores: 11: (Josh, AaronTM), 10: (Nina West, Davidson, Lukuzz, Jord, rafik4u), Lowest Scores: 5.5: (Herbs) At #8 is Emotions, released in August 1991 as the lead single from Mariah's 2nd studio album of the same name. The song was written & produced by Mariah, Robert Clivillés, and David Cole of C+C Music Factory. Perhaps the song is best known for the extensive use of Mariah's upper range and extensive use of the whistle register. After working with the C+C Music Factory, they composed the song 'You're So Cold', which became the first choice for the album's lead single. However after a second session with the production team, they feeling a lighter mood & 'Emotions' was created and finally decided upon that as the first single. Upon release it gained positive reviews from music critics, and became her 5th consecutive #1 on the US Billboard charts, giving her the distinction of being the first (and, to date, only) act to have their first five singles make number 1 on the Hot 100. Worldwide it was a moderate success by topping the Canadian charts, and hitting top 10 peaks in Greece, Netherlands & New Zealand, as well as top 20 peaks in Australia & UK. In 1992 the song would earn a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and would win a BMI award for Best Song. Another perfect lead single choice which expertly showcases her extensive vocal range, as well as expanding her musical range and of course the song takes full advantage of that glorious whistle register to deliver one of her most unforgettable and extraordinary vocal performances, particularly on that climatic high octave notes, which makes this one of Mariah's very best songs of her entire career. The delightful up-tempo disco inspired beats, beautiful melodies, pumping house keyboards & dazzling chorus, all of which dances around Mariah's vocals superbly & you couldn't ask for a better song to represent the follow-up album. This deserved far more than it's mere #17 peak in the UK, it should have been top 10 at the very least.

07.0 Rule The World 07.0 Colours 11.0 Glad You Came 10.0 All Time Low 10.0 Chasing The Sun 05.0 Heart Vacancy 09.0 Gold Forever 08.0 Lose Your Mind 08.5 Lightning 06.0 We Own The Night 04.0 I Found You 05.0 Walks Like Rihanna 04.0 Warzone 06.5 Show Me Love (America) 07.0 Could This Be Love 03.0 Glow In The Dark 05.0 Heartbreak Story

The answer that heaven Has sent down to me tov22NtCMC4 9. Vision of Love | 8.857 Highest Scores: 11: (Bjork, Qween), 10: (Nina West, Simon, Lukuzz, Liam.k., Jay, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 5: (Herbs) At #9 is the one that started it all Vision of Love, Mariah's debut single released in May 1990 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album Mariah Carey. The song was written by Mariah and Ben Margulies. After being featured on her demo tape for Columbia Records, it was re-recorded and produced by Rhett Lawrence and Narada Michael Walden. Upon release the song received universal acclaim from music critics and would become her first chart topper in the USA, where it remained for 4 weeks, and was ranked 6th on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart. Elsewhere it would also manage to top the charts in Canada & New Zealand, along with top 10 peaks in Iceland, Netherlands, Australia, UK & Ireland. The song would also garner several award wins & nominations with 3 nominations at the Grammy Awards & winning Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as well as winning the Soul Train Music Award for Best Female R&B/Soul single and a BMI Award for Best Songwriter. Talk about making a strong first impression with this sleek sounding mid-tempo ballad that defies the conventions by skipping the traditional verse-chorus-verse structure of pop songs. From the shimmering first note synths that builds to a smooth, classy soulful number with gospel elements, which gives Mariah just enough space to showcase her remarkable vocal range especially during the middle-eight section where she belts out those iconic whistle notes brimming with power and confidence. This marked the perfect introduction and remains one of the finest debut singles of all-time, firmly establishing Mariah Carey as a force to be reckoned with. Even after 33 years the song still manages to sound fresh and has aged like a fine wine.

It's a special occasion Mimi's emancipation uI2cwfluyNo 10. It's Like That | 8.833 Highest Scores: 10: (JackTheeStallion, elgornio, JosephStyles, Jay, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 6: (Bjork) Kicking off the top 10 in almighty style is It's Like That, released in January 2005 as the lead single from Mariah's 10th studio album The Emancipation of Mimi & features ab-libs by Fatman Scoop & Jermaine Dupri & borrows the hook "It's Like That Y'all" from the Run–D.M.C. tracks "Hollis Crew" and "Here We Go (Live)". The song was written by Mariah, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Johntá Austin, and produced by Mariah, Jermaine, and Manuel. The lyrics focus celebration and freedom, with Carey's alter-ego "Mimi" being emancipated. Several other tracks were contenders for the album's lead single such as 'Stay The Night', 'Say Somethin'' & 'Shake It Off' were all up for consideration before L.A. Reid suggested to Mariah she record a few more strong songs to ensure the album's success. Upon release the song gained positive reviews & became a commercial success, after a 2 year absence from the charts. In the USA it reached a #16, her most successful song in 5 years. Worldwide it found stronger charting with top 10 peaks in Hungary, UK, Italy, Australia & Switzerland, as well as top 20 peaks in a further 7 countries. In 2006 the song received a nomination for a Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards. The highest ranking song on this countdown not to gain any 11's. This track is easily one of Mariah's strongest lead singles of her career and serves as the theme song to a very successful comeback. Effortlessly sultry, elegant and yet at the same time remains one of her sexiest songs yet, full of swagger, sparse hip-bop beats, heavy bass sounds and simple melodies, this track just oozes class and it helps that its catchy as hell & serving as the perfect comeback single after a rather difficult last couple of years where it looked like Mariah's hit making days were behind here, but thankfully this cracking number proved those naysayers wrong. This could easily be seen as a blueprint for any artist on how to sustain longevity in a music career.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Jonbers Blonde has broken her silence over speculation she is dating Alan Carr. Rumours began swirling the I Hate Suzie star, 34, and the Chatty Man, 47, were more than just friends when they were spotted holding hands and in high spirits during a night out in Soho, London last year. But Jonbers, who reached the finals of BBC’s Drag Race last year, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday (August 18) to declare: ‘I am VERY single.’ The pair had headed into central London to watch comedy show Pleasure Seekers at The Soho Theatre just months after Alan confirmed his split from husband Paul Drayton. A statement read at the time: ‘After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating. ‘They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways. We request that their privacy is respected at this sensitive time.’ They famously tied the knot in LA back in 2018, with Alan’s best friend, singer Adele, becoming ordained so she could marry the pair. After the split, Alan joked that he retained custody of their friendship with the Someone Like You megastar. Earlier this year, Alan announced he was in his ‘slaggy phase’ and was on the hunt for someone to be ‘slaggy’ with. ‘I want to be a slag, but to be a slag you need someone to be slaggy with,’ the comedian said on the Life’s A Beach podcast. Jonbers, meanwhile, has been notching up screen credits after her stint on Drag Race, including a cameo role on I Hate Suzie Too along with Billie Piper.

Here's a reminder of what's left from each era: Mariah Carey - 1/5 Emotions – 1/3 Music Box – 0/5 Merry Christmas/II You – 1/3 Daydream – 2/6 Butterfly – 1/5 Rainbow – 1/5 Glitter – 0/3 Charmbracelet – 0/4 The Emancipation of Mimi – 2/6 E=MC2 – 0/4 Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel – 0/5 Me I Am Mariah –1/4 Caution – 0/2 Greatest Hits – 0/4 Other – 0/9

Here's what's to feature in the top 10: Vision of Love Emotions All I Want For Christmas is You Fantasy Always Be My Baby My All Heartbreaker (ft Jay Z) It's Like That We Belong Together #Beautiful (ft Miguel)

Re-cap of the results 11-20: 11. Honey - 8.714 12. Dreamlover - 8.714 13. Touch My Body - 8.547 14. Without You - 8.476 15. Obsessed - 8.428 16. When You Believe (ft Whitney Houston) - 8.238 17. Hero - 8.214 18. Oh Santa (Remix) (ft Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson) - 8.075 19. Oh Santa - 7.9 20. Anytime You Need A Friend - 7.833

One hit of your love addicted me w3KOowB4k_k 11. Honey | 8.714 Highest Scores: 11: (Nina West, elgornio), 10: (Davidson, Jade, Jay, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 6: (Herbs) Just outside the top 10 at #11 is Honey, released in July 1997 as the lead single from Mariah's 6th studio album Butterfly & samples "Hey DJ" by World-Famous Supreme Team and "The Body Rock" by the Treacherous Three. The song was written and produced by Mariah, Sean Combs, Kamaal "Q-Tip" Fareed and Steven "Stevie J" Jordan. It also redefined her career, pushing Mariah further into the hip hop scene. The song served as the first single after the separation from her estranged husband Tommy Motola. Due to the urban crossover success of her previous album 'Daydream', Mariah began exerting more control over the creative aspects of her career. By pursing a more hip hop oriented sound & began looking for more hip-hop/R&B producers to helm part of her new project. Mariah worked with Puff Daddy on the track, but due to his overbearing nature, she recorded her vocals separately & re-did her vocals many times until she felt that they were perfect. Upon release the song was acclaimed by music critics & became her 3rd single to debut at the #1 spot in the USA, setting a record for most singles to debut at #1, a record she held for 23 years, until it was broken by Ariana Grande. Elsewhere it also managed to top the charts in Canada & hit top 10 peaks in Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The song was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. Mariah certainly made her declaration for independence with this stunning R&B number that beautifully blended hip-hop grooves with an infectious pop hook that lingers in your mind long after its finished. The laid back melodies combined with the staccato piano lines, thumping bass & the clever use of those samples showcases the artist in a new musical setting that's not only cleverly done, but still felt familiar to long time fans. The vocals are charming yet seductive, along with those effortless ab-libs & shows how confident Mariah is as an artist. Then there's of course that cinematic blockbuster music video, an epic masterpiece (that goes to the song as well). This is definitely one of Mariah's best singles of her career.

The next to drop will be a lead single from the 90's, any guesses?

I don't want another pretender To disillusion me one more time CqBtS6BIP1E 12. Dreamlover | 8.714 Highest Scores: 11: (JackTheeStallion), 10: (Nina West, Davidson, elgornio, rafik4u, Jay), Lowest Scores: 6: (Herbs) At #12 is the fantastic Dreamlover, released in July 1993 as the lead single from Mariah's 3rd studio album Music Box & incorporates a sample of the hook from "Blind Alley" by the Emotions—previously used in "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" (1988) by Big Daddy Kane - into its melody and instrumentation. The song's lyrics were written by Mariah, with music composed by herself & Dave Hall, along with co-production by both & Walter Afanasieff. This song marked a more pronounced attempt on Mariah's part to incorporate hip hop into her music, as was seen in her decision to work with Dave Hall, who had previously produced Mary J Blige's 'What's The 411". This decision was due to the mixed reception her previous album "Emotions" got. Upon release the song was a global smash, becoming her 7th chart topper on the US Billboard charts, remaining there for 8 weeks. Elsewhere it topped the charts in Canada & Panama, as well as top 10 peaks in Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal & the UK. Despite having the most singles ranked in the top 20 with 4, but none of the 'Music Box' singles managed to rank in the top 10 here with 'Dreamlover' being the final to drop out. One of Mariah's most ethereal singles to date, beginning with the trademark whistle notes, then a fantastic slick R&B beats drops backed by gentle bass & guitar riff, all of which creates a breezy atmosphere. The chorus is light and bouncy, where Mariah delivers strong yet confident vocal which soars over the harmonies. All of which creates a chilled out vibe that's perfect for the summer. This is a stunning number that shows Mariah at her upmost peak.

Ready for another

'Cause they be all up in my business like a Wendy interview 9b8erWuBA44 13. Touch My Body | 8.547 Highest Scores: 10: (gooddelta, elgornio, Josh, Liam.k., JosephStyles, rafik4u, Jay), Lowest Scores: 4: (Jessie Where) At #13 is Touch My Body, released in February 2008 as the lead single from Mariah's 11th studio album E=MC2. The song was written & produced by Mariah, Tricky Stewart, Crystal "Cri$tyle" Johnson and Terius "The-Dream" Nash. The album was hailed as one of the most anticipated albums of 2008, with many critics weighing their opinions on whether Carey would be able to deliver significant success, following her achievements with 'The Emancipation of Mimi'. 'Touch My Body' was eventually chosen as the lead single through a vote between the record executives at Island Records, with the other choice being "I'm That Chick" then titled (I'm That Chick You Like). Upon release the song gained generally positive reviews, although it also garnered some backlash from certain music reviewers, who felt the song did not properly represent the singer's acclaimed 5-octave vocal range. Despite this it became Mariah's 18th #1 hit on the US Billboard charts, making Mariah the solo artist with the most number one singles in United States history, surpassing the record held by Elvis Presley. Worldwide it was also successful by reaching top 5 peaks in Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland & in the UK where it became her final top 10 hit to date. Mariah doesn't have to use her full octave range to make a great song, as this cute playful little bop proves where her vocal delivery on this is more breathy and restrained set against the laid back grooves. This is a smooth mid-tempo R&B song with simple piano melodies and catchy rhythms with one hell of a memorable hook that really drives the whole thing. I also like how she delivers the rapid fire verses & then slows things down to warn her lover. This is just a fun song with an iconic music video & just goes to show that not every song has to have some deep and meaningful message & sometimes it's okay just to let loose and have fun.

You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows Hat1Hc9SNwE 14. Without You | 8.476 Highest Scores: 11: (vibe), 10: (Nina West, Bjork, Jord, rafik4u, Jay, Qween), Lowest Scores: 5: (Jessie Where, Jade) At #14 is perhaps Mariah's biggest cover version Without You, which was originally sung by Badfinger back in 1970 & then was more famously covered again in 1971 by Harry Nilsson, the version of which Mariah's cover is based on. Released in January 1994 as the 3rd single from Mariah's 3rd studio album Music Box. It's US release date came a week after Harry Nilsson died of an heart attack. Mariah's decision to remake his hit version was based on a chance hearing during the recording sessions for 'Music Box' & after hearing it she stated that she knew that it would be a huge international hit. In the USA the song was promoted as a double a-side with "Never Forget You". Upon release the song reached a #3 peak on the US Billboard charts. Worldwide it remains Mariah's biggest global hit by topping the charts in several countries such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland & in the UK where it became her first #1 there & elsewhere it managed to reach top 5 & top 10 peaks in almost every country it charted in. Mariah's version of this track remains controlled, respectful and yet at the same time delivers a timeless epic ballad. The success she had with this cover more or less became the blueprint for her career going forward, as she would often release a cover version from several albums that preceded this, sometimes they were great, sometimes they were dire. The arrangements gives this a romantic yet dramatic sound backed by a piano and gentle keyboard notes where Mariah gets plenty of space for her vocals to reach those high notes and just soar when the magnificent chorus. This was Mariah's first and greatest cover version & a timeless classic for the ages.

Seeing right through you like you're bathing in Windex H1Yt0xJKDY8 15. Obsessed | 8.428 Highest Scores: 11: (liam.k.), 10: (elgornio, JosephStyles, rafik4u, Qween, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 5.5/5: (Nina West, dandy*) At #15 is Obsessed, released in June 2009 as the lead single from Mariah's 12th studio album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. The song was written & produced by Mariah, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream and lyrically describes her dilemma regarding constant claims of a prior relationship from rapper Eminem, although he is not specifically mentioned. At the time of its release the song was the center of controversy, as critics & the media suggested that she was aiming at Eminem, who had claimed that they were in a relationship at one point & had negatively referenced her in some of his songs. Upon release the song peaked at #7 on the US Billboard charts, becoming her 27th top 10 hit there & would be her last until a certain classic X-Mas song would finally reach the top 10. Worldwide the song wasn't released in certain parts of Europe, as Island Records decided to release the 2nd single 'I Want To Know What Love Is' instead. But did find success in some countries by reaching top 10 peaks in France & Italy, as well as hitting top 20 peaks in Australia, Belgium, Canada & Japan. In the UK it was lined up for an August release, but got pushed back several times & was ultimately cancelled, despite heavy radio & airplay. The song managed a #52 peak there after the album was released due to digital downloads. In 2019, the song became viral due to a TikTok challenge, which caused it to surge in popularity again & even got a response from Mariah herself. This has never been one of my fave Mariah singles, probably due to the awful auto-tune spoiling it for me, but even I could admit that this deserved far more than its mere #52 peak in the UK, I know was down to it's physical release getting cancelled, which to this day I still don't understand why. Now I do like the concept of this mid-tempo bop with the bass notes giving the sound a grander scale, set alongside simple beats & repetitive handclaps which does get a little monotonous at times. Plus this could have done with switching up the melody a little more in places could have balanced things out a little more. The remixes this track got were really good though, especially the Cahill & the Friscia & Lamboy radio mixes, both of which were included on the album & in my opinion the latter could have been used as the main single mix.

The next to drop will be a lead single Any guesses?

Seeking faith and speaking words LKaXY4IdZ40 16. When You Believe (ft Whitney Houston) | 8.238 Highest Scores: 10: (Simon, Lukuzz, Jord, Qween, AaronTM), Lowest Scores: 4: (Davidson) At #16 is the Whitney & Mariah duet When You Believe, a song made for the 1998 DreamWorks musical animated feature 'The Prince of Egypt'. The song was written & composed by Stephen Schwartz. A pop version of the track with additional music & lyrics by Babyface. Released in November 1998, it not only served as the soundtrack's lead single but also featured on both Whitney's 4th studio album My Love is Your Love & Mariah's compilation album #1's. The original version of the song that featured in the movie itself was sung by Sally Dworsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, and a children's choir. The movie's producer Jeffery Katzenberg was the one who approached both Whitney & Mariah to do the duet, by telling them both that the other had already agreed to do it & by the time they found out, both artists had already been committed to the project. Upon release the song was a moderate success in the USA by reaching a #15 peak, despite heavy media attention and live promotion. However elsewhere it achieved much bigger success by reaching top 5 peaks in Belgium, France, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & UK. The song went onto to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the Oscars. However there was some controversy due to Schwartz leaving out Babyface out of the writing credits due to his version only been used at the end credits & not in the movie itself. A big soaring power ballad by two of the greatest female singers of all-time, that might have been regarded as a step backwards had either of them recorded it individually. But together, they created something wonderful and magical. The fact that these 2 artists came together was a feat within itself, given the rumoured rivalry throughout the 90's (which was never really proven) & when both were asked they kinda threw some light shade at each other or just brushed it off altogether. Both Whitney & Mariah sound fantastic on this with Whitney's deep rich tones that grounds the song while Mariah handles the 2nd verse with her trademark style of vocal runs and the increase of her higher register before they both belt out the chorus, blending and harmonizing beautifully. Then there's of course that key change moment with addition of the gospel choir, followed by soaring vocals & soulful riffs, making this collaboration an almighty triumph. This may not be the best of either artists discography, but its still a great song.

Look inside you and be strong 0IA3ZvCkRkQ 17. Hero | 8.214 Highest Scores: 11: (Nina West, Jord), 10: (JosephStyles), Lowest Scores: 6/6.5: (Davidson, Simon, elgornio) At #17 is one of my all-time faves Hero, released in October 1993 as the 2nd single from Mariah's 3rd studio album Music Box. The song was written and produced by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff. Originally Gloria Estefan recorded the song for the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, after Mariah didn't connect to its style or sound. However after being convinced by Tommy Mottola to keep it, she changed some of the lyrics to more precisely fit her personality. The song has been regarded as one of her most inspirational and personal ballads of her career, and remains as one of her most performed songs. Deemed by many as her signature song. Upon release it became a huge global success by becoming her 8th #1 on the US Billboard charts, as well as top 5 peaks in Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand and Norway, and top 10 peaks in UK, Australia & Netherlands. In 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, Mariah re-recorded the song as a mash up single titled "Never Too Far/Hero Medley", where it peaked at #81 on the US Billboard charts. The song won the awards for "Rhythm & Soul Songwriter" at the ASCAP Awards & the following year won awards for "Rhythm & Soul Songwriter" and "Pop Songwriter". The song was awarded a BMI Pop Award at the ceremony in 1995. As well as being nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. A firm iconic classic from Mariah's discography. Flawless, sentimental and uplifting, its the kind of empowerment ballad that defines an artist. The song begins with Mariah's vocals pitched against a piano, as the bass and light percussion gradually builds and delivers one of her most powerful vocal performances. There is no doubt that Mariah excels at a ballad and this one is one of her most memorable and enduring. Everything is enhanced by the vocals and soaring melodies with the track flowing perfectly along with her. The song has provided strength to many people across the world (including myself) and its not hard to see why, its simply amazing. This deserves to rank much higher on here, but at least its got a decent average and its something that will always have a special place in my heart.

A big ONE's gonna drop next, any guesses?