Mariah for the reality-TV era? Might just be crazy enough to work. Andre Mayer writes about the arts for CBC.
ca. CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window. I always wonder why the general public doesn't realize that Mariah Carey is a songwriter and producer, as well as a vocalist but this article is the very reason.
In an article about WHY she is the pop diva and why she dominates her art form, there is absolutely no mention of the fact that she is completely in control of all her material, and that along with singing, she does most of the writing and arranging: lyrics, vocals, melodies and all. I think THAT is the reason why Mariah has managed to hold onto her crown -- not because she refuses to appear in cheap reality shows like Whitney, but because true talent prevails. I think this article had good intentions but I really wish you would have stated the REAL reason why Mariah has prevailed.
Yes, her latest CD is catchier, more mature and generally a lot more listenable and cohesive than her last few records, BUT to say that she has started to make relevant r b music that made destiny's child so potent is ridiculous. Mariah is a trendsetter and has been an r b singer for 15 years, despite a heavy pop/adult contemporary influence. Although Emancipation is pretty much a straight r b record, I don't see how 1997's Honey with Puff Daddy and Mase, or Breakdown with Bone Thugs N Harmony is any less r b influenced.
In fact, countless young diva's in training, including the ladies of Destiny's Child, have followed in her footsteps, emulating her musical style. Mariah has been bringing hip hop influences to the pop world throughout her whole career, most importantly in 1995 with the GROUNDBREAKING collaboration with Ol' Dirty Bastard for the Fantasy Remix. Furthermore, Mariah never stopped using that voice of hers.
If you listen to every CD since 1997's Butterfly to 2001's Glitter (no, not just the singles, but the entire albums), MC is singing her tail off! It is her instrument, and with time she gained more control over it and was able to experiment in subtleties and restraint (something, I believe, she has perfected: the less is more approach). What my main point is though, is that Mariah is back on top because she is doing what she does best: writing, producing and singing great r b music.
I'd really love it if she got the credit she deserves. Nevertheless, thanks for the acknowledgment. It was a refreshing read.
Mariah for the reality-TV era? Might just be crazy enough to work.
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