Mariah Carey is one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time, known for her powerful vocals and undeniable talent. Throughout her decades-long career, she has produced countless chart-topping hits and broken numerous records, cementing her status as a pop music icon. With 19 number-one singles and over 200 million records sold worldwide, Mariah Carey’s music has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Mariah Carey songs of all time. From her early days as a rising star to her most recent releases, we will explore the songs that have made Mariah Carey one of the most celebrated and beloved artists of all time. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to showcase some of the greatest songs in Mariah Carey’s illustrious career. So, sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with the top 10 best Mariah Carey songs of all time.
1. Love Takes Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qi3PaPgwnA
“Love Takes Time” is a heartfelt ballad by Mariah Carey, released in 1990 as the second single from her eponymous debut album. The song was co-written by Carey and Ben Margulies and produced by Walter Afanasieff, and it features Carey’s signature vocal range and emotive delivery. The lyrics speak of the pain of a broken heart and the difficulty of moving on from a past love, with Carey’s voice soaring over the soulful melody. “Love Takes Time” became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Carey’s second consecutive chart-topper. The song’s success helped establish Carey as a major force in the music industry, and it remains a beloved classic in her extensive catalog of hits.
2. Always Be My Baby
“Always Be My Baby” is a romantic pop song by Mariah Carey, released in 1995 as the third single from her fifth studio album “Daydream”. The song was co-written and produced by Carey, along with Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal. It features a catchy melody and infectious hook, with Carey’s impressive vocal range shining through as she sings about a past love that still holds a special place in her heart. The song became a huge commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving widespread critical acclaim. It has since become one of Carey’s signature songs, and remains a fan-favorite to this day. “Always Be My Baby” showcases Carey’s talents as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer, cementing her status as one of the greatest pop artists of all time.
3. Anytime You Need A Friend
“Anytime You Need a Friend” is an uplifting gospel-inspired ballad by Mariah Carey, released in 1994 as the fourth single from her third studio album, “Music Box”. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, and features a powerful chorus and choir backing vocals that emphasize the song’s message of love and support. The lyrics speak of being there for a friend in need, and the importance of having someone to lean on during tough times. The song became a moderate commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remains a fan-favorite to this day. “Anytime You Need a Friend” showcases Carey’s versatility as a vocalist and her ability to infuse gospel and R&B elements into her pop music, making it a timeless classic.
4. We Belong Together
“We Belong Together” is a poignant love ballad by Mariah Carey, released in 2005 as the second single from her tenth studio album, “The Emancipation of Mimi”. The song was written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, Johntá Austin, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and produced by Carey and Dupri. The song features Carey’s signature vocal range, with emotive lyrics that express the pain of a lost love and the desire to be reunited with that special someone. The song became an instant commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining at the top for 14 weeks, earning Carey her 16th number-one single. “We Belong Together” is widely considered one of Carey’s greatest songs, showcasing her talent as both a songwriter and a vocalist, and has become a timeless classic in the pop music canon.
5. Heartbreaker (feat. Jay-Z)
“Heartbreaker” is a lively R&B and hip hop-infused pop song by Mariah Carey, featuring Jay-Z. Released in 1999 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Rainbow”, the song was written by Carey, Jay-Z, and DJ Clue, and produced by Carey and DJ Clue. The song features a catchy hook and a pulsating beat, with Carey and Jay-Z trading verses about a cheating lover. The music video, directed by Brett Ratner, features a cameo from Jerry O’Connell and became an instant hit. “Heartbreaker” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Carey’s 14th chart-topper. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a fan-favorite, and it remains one of Carey’s most beloved hits.
6. All I Want For Christmas Is You
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a holiday classic by Mariah Carey, released in 1994 as the lead single from her first Christmas album, “Merry Christmas”. The song was co-written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, and features a joyous and upbeat melody, with Carey’s impressive vocal range and Christmas-themed lyrics. The song became an instant hit, earning widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, and has since become a beloved holiday staple that is played every year during the Christmas season. The song’s catchy melody and joyful lyrics capture the spirit of Christmas and has made it one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” showcases Carey’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist, and her influence on the music industry.
7. Bye Bye
“Bye Bye” is a heartfelt and emotional ballad by Mariah Carey, released in 2008 as the second single from her eleventh studio album, “E=MC²”. The song was written by Carey, Johntá Austin, Jermaine Dupri, and produced by Carey and Dupri. The song features a soulful melody and expressive vocals, with lyrics that speak of loss and the difficulty of saying goodbye to a loved one. The music video, directed by Justin Francis, pays tribute to Carey’s late father, and features cameo appearances from several celebrities. “Bye Bye” received critical acclaim and was a moderate commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Carey’s powerful vocals make it a standout track in her extensive catalog of hits.
8. Emotions
“Emotions” is an upbeat and soulful dance-pop song by Mariah Carey, released in 1991 as the lead single from her second studio album of the same name. The song was written and produced by Carey and David Cole and Robert Clivillés of the dance music group C+C Music Factory. The song features a catchy and infectious melody, with Carey’s powerful vocals and whistle notes taking center stage. The song became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and earning Carey her fifth consecutive number-one single. “Emotions” showcases Carey’s versatility as a vocalist, and her ability to seamlessly blend dance, pop, and R&B elements into her music. The song remains a fan-favorite and has cemented its place in pop music history.
9. Beautiful (feat. Miguel)
“Beautiful” is a soulful and romantic duet by Mariah Carey and Miguel, released in 2013 as the lead single from Carey’s fourteenth studio album, “Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse”. The song was written by Carey, Miguel, Nathan Perez, Brooke Davis, and Mac Robinson, and produced by Carey, Miguel, Perez, and Robinson. The song features a melodic guitar riff and a smooth beat, with Carey and Miguel trading verses about finding beauty in love and life. The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, features Carey and Miguel in a sun-drenched field, and became an instant hit. “Beautiful” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and earning critical acclaim. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track in Carey’s extensive catalog of hits.
10. One Sweet Day with Boyz II Men
“One Sweet Day” is a touching and poignant collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, released in 1995 as a single from Carey’s fifth studio album, “Daydream”. The song was written by Carey, Boyz II Men members Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris, and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. The song features a beautiful and soulful melody, with Carey and Boyz II Men’s harmonies blending seamlessly together. The song speaks of longing and loss, and pays tribute to loved ones who have passed away. The song became a massive commercial success, spending 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the longest-running number-one song at the time. “One Sweet Day” is widely regarded as one of the greatest collaborations in music history, and showcases Carey and Boyz II Men’s talent as vocalists and songwriters.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
