Hello Loves,
Disclaimer: I have been raised on Mariah Carey’s music since I was old enough to start to truly appreciate music. I am also a musician; a singer to be specific. Both of these characteristics elicit some bias.
The singer in me bows down to Mariah’s musical and writing prowess. The woman has a five octave range and additionally can hit notes in the 7th octave. The average person can only sing between 1.5 and 2.5 octaves. She has written songs that are now American classics, including what I would call the most renowned modern Christmas song “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” She is currently working on her 14th studio album. Even if her singing style is not palatable to you, there is no denying that she is one of the greatest singers of our time. Even if her singing style is not palatable to you, she is one of the best selling artists of all time. All. Time.
The writer (and English teacher) in me admires Carey’s ability to write songs, mostly themed in love but also transcending it. She has written songs about love and love lost, but additionally learning to love oneself. Racism, family, and unifying society are also topics that she has tackled in song. The power ballad singer’s music has the ability to take a humdrum shopping trip and turn it into a unique social phenomenon where ladies, and gentleman, are caught singing and humming along to “Always Be My Baby” and smiling at fellow shoppers as it plays throughout the store.
The woman in me identifies with her in her struggles and successes on a human level. To be frank, Glitter was a low point. To be able to surmount that less than wonderful experience, and come back to play a role in the award-winning Precious shows determination and perseverance to do what she loves. To have struggled with a pregnancy that resulted in miscarriage, and continued on to produce two BEAUTIFUL children with her husband, Nick Cannon, shows strength. Another success is her role as a philanthropist, being a major contributor to the Fresh Air Fund and Camp Mariah. Even in her stunning musical career, and in tandem her personal life, did she go through a major slump but overcame it.
You may not care for her diva persona or her particular brand of musicality, but can you honestly deny the greatness she encompasses? This write teacher(s) may be biased, but for good reason.
Live, Love, Learn,