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It's a wrap (113,990) by Lambi from USA
JD is actually good though. I love Cruise Control, Love Story, and The One. But it did get stale around MIAM. They brought nothing new to the table.

He did evolve as a producer and got with the times eventually, though I'm not sure if I'd be excited. His latest hits are subpar: Pressure and Soft Girl Era, both by Ari Lennox. IMHO, A No No, written by Muni Long, was infinitely better.

Maybe Mariah, along with BMC, will bring out the best in him. The trio worked on SIO and DFAU, and they were solid bops. She's really pulling all her power moves to retire on a good note, it seems like.

The refusal to tap out is actually crazy. She's been flopping since Memoirs. It's been 17 years, and she is still going. I gotta respect the hustle.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 17:26)
this is a reply to message 113,988
It's a wrap (113,989) by TheButterflyReturns from United States
It certainly does seem like Mariah has been in a pattern of "arrested development" since the "Butterfly" era. She has worked with different producers but they're overall from the same musical lane. There have been rare exceptions - "Right to Dream" with Willie Nelson, "Giving Me Life" with Blood Orange, "Beautiful" with Miguel.

From where I sit, Mariah seems unwilling to step outside her comfort zone and content to release a throwaway album here and there while concentrating energy on legacy releases and the massive royalty checks coming in at Christmas time.

Music doesn't seem to bring her much joy these days, so I wonder if it might be an opportune time to attempt acting again even if it's just Made for TV movies or a periodic TV show role. She did good work in "Wisegirls", "Precious", and "Tennessee". I'd rather see her do that for a while than just watching her lip sync past hits joylessly in overpriced stadium shows year after year.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 15:35)
this is a reply to message 113,988
It's a wrap (113,988) by Bill from the UK
I did see that my friend, and like every time I see her and JD in that damn studio together I inwardly sigh because she's once again staying in the same gear she's been in since Butterfly. At this point I'm wishing they are there to close that blessed studio down once and for all.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 14:51)
this is a reply to message 113,978
MC songwriting (113,987) by Lambi from USA
She kind of already wrote about those though: "Where do I go from here? How do I disappear?" is from the tremendous embarrassment of NYE. "I remember so many nights in the bed alone" is a precursor to being a single mom, and "all my tears dissipate cause our love is supernatural" is peak motherhood. I think it was Lara who said "but when you leave, you take a little bit of fiber that's embedded in me" may be about Roc & Roe going to Nick's for the weekend, and I actually agree with that read.

But true, I'm not exactly sure why there isn't an easily distinguishable theme in some of her songs. She writes rather vaguely. I tried to decipher HFIA, and what I got was essentially loving someone through the highs and lows of a relationship: the glory, the shakes, and withdrawals. The heart of the song is probably her children, though. It makes sense because they are the closest to her, and sadly they would also be the ones most affected by her mental illness.

Her writing is pretty abstract in my opinion, even in Portrait. It's all broad concepts and suggestive language. Languishing and TAOLG also fall into the same category. It's still very emotional but you can't always tell what/who it's about, at least for the average listener. I'd say she still managed to deliver the true emotion of those songs, but in a more indirect, symbolic way, probably for a reason. She is queen of discretion after all.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 11:39)
this is a reply to message 113,980
MC songwriting (113,986) by Zachariah from Croatia
I don't know if it's fair to say she's "scared". Not every artist processes their life through direct autobiography. Mariah has always been selective about what she reveals in her music, often using metaphor, fantasy, romance, or reflections on past experiences rather than documenting her current life in a diary-like way.

Also, just because she doesn't explicitly sing about motherhood, aging, or being single doesn't mean she's avoiding vulnerability. Different artists express themselves differently. Some write very literally, others prefer themes that are more universal or timeless.

The Meaning of Mariah showed she is capable of opening up deeply when she chooses to, but a memoir and a song serve different purposes. A memoir allows for detailed explanation and context, while songs often rely on mood, symbolism, and emotional snapshots.

It's possible you'd like more songs about her present-day experiences, and that's a valid preference. But concluding that the absence of those topics means she's hiding or afraid seems like a leap.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 06:25)
this is a reply to message 113,980
MC songwriting (113,985) by Zachariah from Croatia
I don't know if it's fair to say she's "scared". Not every artist processes their life through direct autobiography. Mariah has always been selective about what she reveals in her music, often using metaphor, fantasy, romance, or reflections on past experiences rather than documenting her current life in a diary-like way.

Also, just because she doesn't explicitly sing about motherhood, aging, or being single doesn't mean she's avoiding vulnerability. Different artists express themselves differently. Some write very literally, others prefer themes that are more universal or timeless.

The Meaning of Mariah showed she is capable of opening up deeply when she chooses to, but a memoir and a song serve different purposes. A memoir allows for detailed explanation and context, while songs often rely on mood, symbolism, and emotional snapshots.

It's possible you'd like more songs about her present-day experiences, and that's a valid preference. But concluding that the absence of those topics means she's hiding or afraid seems like a leap.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 06:25)
this is a reply to message 113,980
MC songwriting (113,984) by Zachariah from Croatia
I don't know if it's fair to say she's "scared". Not every artist processes their life through direct autobiography. Mariah has always been selective about what she reveals in her music, often using metaphor, fantasy, romance, or reflections on past experiences rather than documenting her current life in a diary-like way.

Also, just because she doesn't explicitly sing about motherhood, aging, or being single doesn't mean she's avoiding vulnerability. Different artists express themselves differently. Some write very literally, others prefer themes that are more universal or timeless.

The Meaning of Mariah showed she is capable of opening up deeply when she chooses to, but a memoir and a song serve different purposes. A memoir allows for detailed explanation and context, while songs often rely on mood, symbolism, and emotional snapshots.

It's possible you'd like more songs about her present-day experiences, and that's a valid preference. But concluding that the absence of those topics means she's hiding or afraid seems like a leap.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 06:25)
this is a reply to message 113,980
It's a wrap (113,983) by Stacey from USA
Maybe not. But her union to Nick Cannon did produce two children. Being a mom may be the only thing keeping her going at this point.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 06:06)
this is a reply to message 113,975
MC 2017? It's A Wrap? Bye Bye? (113,982) by Lainsky from Philippines
I hate to agree with you, TJ, but I share your sentiments, especially regarding the IDKH situation with JLo. We all understand where that expression is coming from and the truth behind it. I've watched her movie on Netflix, and despite her diva-like attitude (which is reportedly worse than Mariah Carey's, according to the media and those who have worked with her), I still appreciate her as an actress.

As for singing, songwriting, and her album, recent messages from dedicated fans seem to suggest that they are ready for Mariah to wrap things up, leading to her song, "Is it a wrap? Or are we really singing 'bye-bye?'" I don't think so. Remember when Mariah mentioned in previous interviews that she can't envision doing anything other than singing and creating music? I believe she will continue to pursue that passion despite the challenges you've all highlighted. While her voice may have been affected over time, she can still sing and, most importantly, continue writing songs. Hey, I believe writing songs is her innate coping defense.

It's hard to predict where she will go with her current situation musically, but we can only hope and pray for the best. Let's continue to support her while enjoying the classic status of her early music.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 05:01)
this is a reply to message 113,970
MC songwriting (113,981) by Bobby A from United States
Do you remember when MC's songwriting took a downward fall on Memoirs because she had to write lyrics to match The-Dream's melody and lyrics on his demo? Some critics called her out on that. Her vocals and lyrics were not that great on Memoirs. Fast forward to MIAM and this one reviewer said MC got the memo for MIAM. Her vocals and lyrics improved from Memoirs because she wrote about her broken marriage to Nick and motherhood. MC has been very unhappy for a while not being in love and having a family unit for Roc and Roe. Bryan gave her stability and love when they were together. It seems like MC lost motivation in the studio during the seven years it took her to complete HFIA because of her vocal decline. I hope she can find love again during the recording of MC17.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 03:50)
this is a reply to message 113,980
MC songwriting (113,980) by jaker20 from US
I think she opened up with Here for It All (the song), but the rest of the album have generic lyrics because she doesn't want to open up. She can't keep in singing about things from 30 years ago, which is her way of hiding.

Why can't she write about motherhood, about the hardships of being alone without partner, about aging, about being viewed differently by the public. It would her to sing some lines and thoughts in The Meaning of Mariah.

But I think she is scared. Frankly it's easier to write experiences for a book matter-of-factly, than put emotions into those words through a song, because she is an artist.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 02:47)
this is a reply to message 113,976
It's a wrap (113,979) by jaker20 from US
I think her songwriting or lack thereof is directly related to her voice. Her voice is her instrument, she used to hum all the time to create lyrics in her mind. And when she couldn't get the notes, her imagination go down with it.

When she's singing My All, that is real extreme passion in her. I'll keep it PG but that's the time she's experiencing real deep emotions and desires and passion and its magic because the feeling matches the lyrics perfectly. They are connected.

That is why I want her to keep writing, so that she would continue humming and singing. It's a muscle that needs exercise.
(Monday 15 June 2026; 02:40)
this is a reply to message 113,971
It's a wrap (113,978) by Bobby A from United States
Bill, I don't feel MC is ready to just be a songwriter for Ariana or another artist. Did you see that she went back into the studio with JD and Bryan-Michael Cox yesterday? MC17 just might be in our hands next year.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 21:45)
this is a reply to message 113,969
It's a wrap (113,977) by Lighty from China
Oh how I miss that running Mariah in the Game of War commercial.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 18:40)
this is a reply to message 113,972
MC songwriting (113,976) by nancy from Switzerland
The best songwriting is in the album [Butterfly]. Like other artists too then she started to mention brands like [Harry Winston] or Balenciaga etc. But in the latest album she has good lyrics too.Which are deep and personal songs. But fortunately she does not swear too much like other artist do. What makes it more classy and elegant.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 17:59)
It's a wrap (113,975) by T from USA
I agree with all of this. I hope there are no more albums. A song here or there is fine but I think Here For It All is a perfect ending to an amazing vocal career. The next album will basically have to be spoken word at this point. Mariah will never live through another person. Can you imagine if she has enough writing in her to produce ten more #1's and she gifts them to Ariana to pass her in the all time list. It's just never going to happen with someone who is as competitive as Mariah. I think she is hooked on some kind of drugs and has been since she fell of that table in 2013 curtsey of Nick Cannon. A person she had no business marrying in the first place.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 16:31)
this is a reply to message 113,969
Article: Mariah Carey doesn't show up for longtime collaborator (113,974) by T from USA
It's a shame it had to end the way it did with them. Even one song between them on each of her albums after Glitter would've been really great. I will always wonder what Charmbracelet would've been like with Walter producing the ballads. I think it would've been another Butterfly classic tbh. Her voice does grace a song of his in 2025 but again her voice isn't nearly as strong as it was during the Walter years so maybe there's that too. She probably can't sing the classical music he produces.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 16:24)
It's a wrap (113,973) by Lambi from USA
I was kind of half joking. She's probably capable of walking by herself when the high heels are off, but because of her perpetual low energy, she seems like the type who would rather not walk these days.

In 2018, when she publicly revealed her bipolar disorder, she said that she finally sought treatment (therapy and medication) after the hardest couple of years she had been through, so it was only then that she began receiving consistent, intensive treatment.

They definitely got her hooked on something, and to be completely honest, it feels like they're just slowly walking her into fully losing the spark she once had. She's not at all any better. In fact, she seem to be more exhausted than ever about life as the years go by.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 13:56)
this is a reply to message 113,972
It's a wrap (113,972) by TJ from Norway
Your last point made me laugh. It is so sad if that is the real problem with her creativity. It is time to claim those insurance money.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 11:32)
this is a reply to message 113,971
It's a wrap (113,971) by Lambi from USA
She's definitely still one hell of a writer though. With You proves that. And if you took away some of the production and the state of her voice, Cry, HFIA, and NII were pretty stellar work.

But fair, meds absolutely affect your creative process. She still has her writing chops, but because of this seemingly declining health she's got going on, it just takes longer.

Another thing I noticed is that Mariah has always said she likes to go on walks for ideas to come and marinate. It's also a way for creatives to work through a mental block. She can't even walk now.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 08:15)
this is a reply to message 113,966
MC 2017? (113,970) by TJ from Norway
I think she has stagnated as a musician a long time ago. She makes what she thinks is safe, and then it fails. This old school RnB is just boring (in my opinion). Her voice has become metallic and sounds more like the chipmunks characters. It's difficult to hear what she is singing, because of the voice and the mumbling throughout some songs. I also think that her lyrics used to be more mature back in the days. It's to much swearing and brand naming in her latest work. The melodies are almost gone compared to how she sang and produced in her early days. I'm tired of the "I don't know her" attitude, and I think she has lost that fight against J.Lo (who acts much more mature, polite and classy about the whole thing). Mariah comes out as simple and bitter, acting like a spoiled child. Her interviews are not interesting because there has been absolutely nothing new for the last 10-15 years. It's like she's on repeat. She doesn't get the respect she wants and there's reasons for that. She just doesn't realise it.

I believe that most people outside this board think she is an outdated diva with crazy demands and no connection with the real world (or that she stopped making music in 2005). Most of my friends can't stand her, and when I mention her name to people they are either "who is that?" or "she is horrible". Guess who is fighting for her in those discussions. That's me.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 08:09)
this is a reply to message 113,956
It's a wrap (113,969) by Bill from the UK
I can't even begin to imagine how she must feel having to lip sync everything, and spend literal years in a studio to make an album that vocally wasn't good at all, when 30 years ago she could sing effortlessly, and brought the house down with her performances.

The reality is her voice is completely damaged beyond repair. At this point, it doesn't even matter if the reason is alcohol, medication, improper care, nodules, over singing etc. Her gift has gone and whether that was down to her arrogantly squandering it, or for reasons beyond her control I don't think we will ever know.

But keeping up this charade must psychologically take its toll. That is why I have always said it would be better that she admits defeat, gracefully bows out, and spends her remaining years writing. Imagine her writing an entire album for Ariana? It would be Ariana's dream, and MC could live vicariously through someone that can sing as well as she once could.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 07:39)
this is a reply to message 113,966
It's a wrap (113,968) by Lighty from China
Respectfully agreed. As much as I'd love to hear new music from Mariah, I'm pretty satisfied if HFIA was her last original studio album, she really gave her all with what she's still got. And the song HFIA itself sounds like a perfect closure from her to us fans, musically and lyrically. Of course she can still release new compilations, live albums, anniversary editions, soundtracks, concept albums (jazz, grunge, Christmas, covers, whatever), but if there's not gonna be an MC17, I see no harm.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 07:03)
this is a reply to message 113,966
It's a wrap (113,967) by Bobby A from United States
Lara, you make some valid points in your post. I miss hearing MC use those higher order vocabulary words in her lyrics. It must hurt MC that her studio sessions are not what they used to be. I guess that is why she stopped posting photos on X and Instagram. She was improving vocally until she had to let the world know about her bipolar diagnosis. Disclosing her diagnosis did something to MC emotionally and physically.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 01:44)
this is a reply to message 113,966
It's a wrap (113,966) by Lara from Middle East
Her voice is seriously damaged from all these years, which is somehow expected. And her writing skills are nowhere where they're used to be, and that is probably from her medication literally blocking her brain. Most bipolar artists get creative during (hypo)mania episodes and the medication work on blocking those (among with the depressive ones). Mariah knows it but can't do anything about it, I guess that explains the lack of energy we see. Don't expect anything more from her, at this point I don't know if she's still enjoying making music with all her limitations.
(Sunday 14 June 2026; 00:21)

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