Mariah Carey, an iconic artist, has been creating music for more than 30 years and has achieved global record sales of over 200 million copies.
Her compositions have transcended borders, becoming cherished anthems for fans worldwide, while her distinct voice is instantly identifiable.
Throughout her career, she has showcased an evolving musical style, transitioning from early R&B hits to captivating collaborations with hip-hop artists in recent years.
Given her extensive discography, selecting the top 15 tracks from her repertoire proved to be a challenging endeavor.
But we did it, and we think you’ll agree that these songs are some of the best Mariah Carey songs!
1. “Fantasy”
Prepare to be captivated by “Fantasy” – it stands as one of Mariah’s most monumental hits, and resisting the urge to dance along is simply impossible.
Originally released in 1995, this song is frequently hailed as one of the finest pop compositions ever created.
With its lively tempo, infectious melody, and Mariah’s unmistakable soaring vocals, “Fantasy” swiftly solidifies its status as an enduring masterpiece.
The song achieved remarkable commercial success, claiming the top spot on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart for a consecutive and impressive duration of eight weeks.
For devoted fans of Mariah Carey or anyone who appreciates the vibrant pop sounds of the 90s, “Fantasy” unquestionably demands a listen.
2. “Always Be My Baby”
“Always Be My Baby” remains a timeless classic in Mariah Carey’s discography.
The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a favorite among fans, and it’s not hard to see why.
The song’s lyrics are relatable and heartfelt, capturing the essence of a love that never fades.
Mariah’s vocals are flawless, as always, and she effortlessly delivers the song’s high notes.
“Always Be My Baby” was released in 1996 and has since become one of Mariah’s signature hits.
It’s a song that never gets old and continues to be a fan favorite.
3. “Vision of Love”
From the very beginning of her career, Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” showcased her extraordinary vocal range.
Released in 1990 as her debut single, it quickly became a chart-topping hit, earning her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s powerful lyrics and Carey’s impressive vocal runs and whistle notes were a testament to her unparalleled talent as a singer and songwriter.
The influence of “Vision of Love” can still be heard in the music of contemporary artists today, proving that it’s a timeless classic that will forever be a staple in the world of pop music.
4. “Emotions”
Feeling the beat of the music, you’ll find yourself transported back to the early 90s when “Emotions” hit the airwaves and Mariah’s soulful voice had everyone singing along.
This song was a true showcase of Mariah’s incredible vocal range, hitting high notes effortlessly and delivering a powerful emotional performance.
The catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it an instant hit, and it remains one of Mariah’s most beloved songs to this day.
The lyrics speak of the rush and intensity of falling in love, and Mariah’s delivery perfectly captures the feeling.
“Emotions” is a standout track on Mariah’s greatest hits collection and a testament to her talent as a singer and songwriter.
5. “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
You can’t help but tap your feet and sing along when you hear Mariah Carey’s festive hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”.
This timeless classic has become a staple of the holiday season, with its catchy melody and joyful lyrics.
Carey’s powerful vocals shine through in this song, as she delivers a message of love and togetherness that resonates with people of all ages.
The music video, featuring Carey frolicking in the snow with Santa Claus and a group of children, is just as iconic as the song itself.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among fans, solidifying its place as one of the best Mariah Carey songs of all time.
6. “Honey”
“Honey” is a sultry and smooth R&B track that showcases Mariah Carey’s range and versatility as a musician.
Released in 1997, the song features a catchy beat and memorable lyrics that make it one of Carey’s most popular hits.
The song has a unique blend of hip-hop and R&B elements, with Carey’s vocals soaring effortlessly over the syncopated rhythm.
The song’s music video, directed by Paul Hunter, features Carey in a variety of glamorous outfits and settings, cementing her status as a fashion icon.
“Honey” is a prime example of Carey’s ability to create timeless music that transcends genres and generations.
7. “Someday”
Now that we’ve grooved to the smooth beats of “Honey”, let’s turn up the tempo with another classic Mariah Carey hit: “Someday”.
This upbeat track was released in 1990 and quickly became a fan favorite with its catchy chorus and empowering lyrics.
In this song, Mariah sings about moving on from a past relationship and finding the strength to move forward.
The energetic instrumentation and Mariah’s powerful vocals make “Someday” a fun and uplifting addition to any playlist.
It’s no wonder this song has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic among Mariah Carey’s greatest hits.
8. “One Sweet Day”
Described as a timeless ballad that evokes deep emotions, “One Sweet Day” captivates listeners with its moving lyrics and captivating vocals.
Released in 1995, this remarkable collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men skyrocketed to the pinnacle of music charts, staying there for an unprecedented 16 weeks.
The song delves into universal themes of love, loss, and sorrow, striking a chord with audiences worldwide.
Even today, “One Sweet Day” continues to resonate with fans, touching their hearts and becoming a cherished favorite.
It serves as the perfect refuge, offering solace and comfort to those experiencing heartbreak, longing for a loved one, or simply in need of a cathartic release.
9. “We Belong Together”
Transporting you to a realm of sorrow and yearning, the initial piano chords of “We Belong Together” captivate your emotions.
This remarkable track was featured on Mariah Carey’s acclaimed album The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005.
Stands as an enduring masterpiece, showcasing her awe-inspiring vocal prowess and remarkable songwriting abilities.
Unfading in its allure, this song continues to resonate deeply with fans, solidifying its status as one of Mariah Carey’s greatest and most beloved compositions.
10. “Love Takes Time”
Feeling the ache of a broken heart, “Love Takes Time” speaks to the pain of trying to move on from a love that has ended.
Mariah Carey’s voice is soft and vulnerable, yet powerful, as she sings about the struggle to let go of someone who once meant everything.
The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the emotions that come with heartbreak.
There’s a sense of hope in the chorus, as Carey sings that love will come again, but the road to healing is a long one.
“Love Takes Time” is a timeless ballad that showcases Carey’s vocal range and emotive delivery, cementing its place as one of her best songs of all time.
11. “Heartbreaker”
Moving on to another classic hit from Mariah Carey, we’ve got “Heartbreaker”.
This upbeat track features Jay-Z and is known for its catchy chorus and memorable music video.
The song was a huge success upon its release in 1999 and has remained a fan favorite ever since.
Its blend of R&B and pop elements showcases Mariah’s versatility as an artist and solidifies her as a true icon in the music industry.
“Heartbreaker” is definitely a must-listen for any Mariah Carey fan and a perfect addition to any playlist.
12. “I Don’t Wanna Cry”
You don’t want to miss out on the emotional ballad “I Don’t Wanna Cry” by Mariah Carey.
It was released in 1991 and became her fourth consecutive number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song showcases Carey’s impressive vocal range and emotive delivery.
The lyrics are about heartbreak and the struggle to move on from a failed relationship.
The song’s melody is haunting and the piano accompaniment adds to the overall emotional impact.
It’s a timeless classic that showcases Carey’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
“I Don’t Wanna Cry” is a must-listen for any fan of Mariah Carey or those who appreciate a powerful ballad.
13. “Don’t Forget About Us”
After indulging in the nostalgia of “I Don’t Wanna Cry”, it’s time to shift your focus to another timeless Mariah Carey hit, “Don’t Forget About Us”.
Released in 2005, this heartfelt ballad beautifully showcases Carey’s exceptional vocal range.
Serving as a love song, it captures the universal fear of losing someone special and the desire to keep them close forever.
Featuring an unforgettable chorus and deeply emotive lyrics, “Don’t Forget About Us” has established itself as an essential piece in Carey’s extensive discography, beloved by fans worldwide.
Remember to include this enduring track in your ultimate compilation of Mariah Carey’s greatest songs, as it truly embodies her musical brilliance.
14. “Dreamlover”
Let’s take a trip back to the 90s with Mariah Carey’s iconic hit “Dreamlover”.
This song will transport you to a carefree summer romance with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody.
This classic track was released in 1993 as the lead single from Carey’s third studio album, Music Box.
The song’s infectious chorus and playful lyrics about finding love and adventure make it a timeless anthem that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
With its joyful energy and joyful spirit, “Dreamlover” is a testament to Carey’s incredible talent and enduring legacy in the music industry.
15. “My All”
Let’s get lost in the sultry and romantic vibes of “My All”, a timeless Mariah Carey track that will have you feeling all the emotions.
Released in 1998, this song was an instant hit and became one of Carey’s signature ballads.
The hypnotic guitar intro sets the mood for the song as Carey’s powerful vocals take over.
The lyrics are poetic and evoke a sense of longing and desire, as Carey sings about giving her all to a lover who may not reciprocate.
The chorus is hauntingly beautiful and showcases Carey’s range and control.
The song’s production is minimalistic, allowing Carey’s voice to shine through and showcase her talent as a vocalist.
“My All” is a classic Mariah Carey track that will always be remembered as one of her best.
Best Mariah Carey Songs – Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the 15 best Mariah Carey songs of all time.
You’ve taken a trip down memory lane and relived some of the greatest hits of this legendary artist.
From the upbeat and festive “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to the soulful ballad “My All”, each song showcases Mariah’s incredible range and talent.
It’s no surprise that Mariah Carey has become a household name and one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Her music has touched the hearts of fans all around the world and continues to do so today.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, these 15 songs are a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet sounds of Mariah Carey.
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