Matt, this was incredible. As a die-hard fan, I am stunned by the level of precision in your research. So many non-fans get stuff wrong (either because they didn’t follow the whole story or because they lack context to fully understand what was going on). THIS is how people should write about Mariah. There, I said it.
I also realise (with a certain delight on my part, I ain’t gonna lie) that you probably had to tear down some of the preconceptions we all have as music lovers. I mean, would you have imagined ranking a Christmas album so high? That ability to listen with your brain and heart so in tune, that bravery to say, “you know what? I’m going to make an exception here because this is too good”— essentially having the balls to allow yourself to be blown away by what you didn’t expect speaks volumes of your commitment to music and music writing. I don’t think I could ever do something like this with an artist I’m not a die-hard fan of.
As for the rankings, I was convinced you would rank Butterfly a lot higher, as it’s typically considered her masterpiece, so this was a nice, unexpected surprise (which illustrates my earlier point about the honest approach you took).
I have a lot of love for ballads like My All and even the Prince cover but I do understand what you say about them feeling a bit out of place — this is very interesting as I’m admittedly too biased with certain things, so it was great to see the perspective of someone who can be more objective.
Loved how you wrapped it up, and if Mariah knocked it out of the park with her Emancipation album, you, my friend, have done exactly the same.
Andres! Thanks for your support throughout this discography ranking series. I have to say this one was the most challenging I've done so far (I have two more at various stages of production right now), and it's because of precisely what you said: preconceived notions. But that's also the fun of doing these multi-part deep dives. You get to challenge yourself and discover nuances in your taste and listening habits you didn't know existed previously.
A few notes to expand on your comment (could be interesting for other readers as well):
1. This series was the first time I didn't listen to her records in order. I spun both holiday albums at that time of year to get the full effect. Listening to Christmas albums in March would've taken me out of it. I'm happy I made that choice.
2. Moreso than the Madonna series, I went into the experience looking past the hit singles and opening myself up to spotting trends and really communing with the songwriting and vibe curation, two underrated components of Mariah's legacy. It's a change I'll keep for the next couple I have on deck.
3. I was reminded of an old Roger Ebert (huge influence on my critical writing) quote that basically said he approached every review like a legal trial: You have to give every one its day in court, regardless of whether it lines up with your preferences or not. I do my best to follow that guideline in this newsletter, and it's also why I have little interest in following the hive mind with basic AF takes on music or artists. We get it, everyone loves the Beatles, etc., but there is room for plenty of other voices at the table. I believe broadening one's mind is to live a more enriched life.
Also, with this kind of detailed excavation of her material, it's shocking she's not in the Rock Hall by now. Voters must get off their high horses and get her in next year. Legitimate crime, that.
Anyway, rambling over. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I can imagine it can't be easy but you've done a fantastic job, and it really shows. Thanks also for sharing some of your process behind it. That quote from Robert Ebert is brilliant. If and when I ever do music reviews (not my specialty for now, but who knows for future) I will absolutely bear this in mind!
I completely agree she's long overdue for a Rock Hall induction. I often say that she will only really get her dues properly once she's gone. Sad but it wouldn't be the first or the last time that happened!
This was brilliant Matt! Although her talent is undeniable, I’m not a big fan MC. Her music generally just isn’t in my wheelhouse. But I learned so much from your well researched piece.
If you ever decide to do a ranking of The Cure’s discography I’d be all over that!!
I hear you. Perhaps the only album I'd say you should try is "Caution". Matt gives a great description here. It's one of her most critically acclaimed records (if not the most) especially by people who don't usually enjoy her music. And if you hate it, it's short and sweet: ten tracks, only 40 min long! 🤣
Matt, this was incredible. As a die-hard fan, I am stunned by the level of precision in your research. So many non-fans get stuff wrong (either because they didn’t follow the whole story or because they lack context to fully understand what was going on). THIS is how people should write about Mariah. There, I said it.
I also realise (with a certain delight on my part, I ain’t gonna lie) that you probably had to tear down some of the preconceptions we all have as music lovers. I mean, would you have imagined ranking a Christmas album so high? That ability to listen with your brain and heart so in tune, that bravery to say, “you know what? I’m going to make an exception here because this is too good”— essentially having the balls to allow yourself to be blown away by what you didn’t expect speaks volumes of your commitment to music and music writing. I don’t think I could ever do something like this with an artist I’m not a die-hard fan of.
As for the rankings, I was convinced you would rank Butterfly a lot higher, as it’s typically considered her masterpiece, so this was a nice, unexpected surprise (which illustrates my earlier point about the honest approach you took).
I have a lot of love for ballads like My All and even the Prince cover but I do understand what you say about them feeling a bit out of place — this is very interesting as I’m admittedly too biased with certain things, so it was great to see the perspective of someone who can be more objective.
Loved how you wrapped it up, and if Mariah knocked it out of the park with her Emancipation album, you, my friend, have done exactly the same.
Thanks for the ride!
Andres! Thanks for your support throughout this discography ranking series. I have to say this one was the most challenging I've done so far (I have two more at various stages of production right now), and it's because of precisely what you said: preconceived notions. But that's also the fun of doing these multi-part deep dives. You get to challenge yourself and discover nuances in your taste and listening habits you didn't know existed previously.
A few notes to expand on your comment (could be interesting for other readers as well):
1. This series was the first time I didn't listen to her records in order. I spun both holiday albums at that time of year to get the full effect. Listening to Christmas albums in March would've taken me out of it. I'm happy I made that choice.
2. Moreso than the Madonna series, I went into the experience looking past the hit singles and opening myself up to spotting trends and really communing with the songwriting and vibe curation, two underrated components of Mariah's legacy. It's a change I'll keep for the next couple I have on deck.
3. I was reminded of an old Roger Ebert (huge influence on my critical writing) quote that basically said he approached every review like a legal trial: You have to give every one its day in court, regardless of whether it lines up with your preferences or not. I do my best to follow that guideline in this newsletter, and it's also why I have little interest in following the hive mind with basic AF takes on music or artists. We get it, everyone loves the Beatles, etc., but there is room for plenty of other voices at the table. I believe broadening one's mind is to live a more enriched life.
Also, with this kind of detailed excavation of her material, it's shocking she's not in the Rock Hall by now. Voters must get off their high horses and get her in next year. Legitimate crime, that.
Anyway, rambling over. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I can imagine it can't be easy but you've done a fantastic job, and it really shows. Thanks also for sharing some of your process behind it. That quote from Robert Ebert is brilliant. If and when I ever do music reviews (not my specialty for now, but who knows for future) I will absolutely bear this in mind!
I completely agree she's long overdue for a Rock Hall induction. I often say that she will only really get her dues properly once she's gone. Sad but it wouldn't be the first or the last time that happened!
Thanks again!
This was brilliant Matt! Although her talent is undeniable, I’m not a big fan MC. Her music generally just isn’t in my wheelhouse. But I learned so much from your well researched piece.
If you ever decide to do a ranking of The Cure’s discography I’d be all over that!!
I hear you. Perhaps the only album I'd say you should try is "Caution". Matt gives a great description here. It's one of her most critically acclaimed records (if not the most) especially by people who don't usually enjoy her music. And if you hate it, it's short and sweet: ten tracks, only 40 min long! 🤣