Music Box (Mariah Carey album)

Music Box
A soft, sepia-toned close-up portrait of Carey, with her face almost filling up the entire frame
Studio album by
Mariah Carey
ReleasedAugust 31, 1993
RecordedOctober 1992 – May 1993
Studio
Genre
Length42:01
LabelColumbia
Producer
Mariah Carey chronology
MTV Unplugged
(1992) 		Music Box
(1993) 		Merry Christmas
(1994)
Singles from Music Box
  1. "Dreamlover"
    Released: July 27, 1993
  2. "Hero"
    Released: October 18, 1993
  3. "Without You"
    Released: January 21, 1994
  4. "Never Forget You"
    Released: January 21, 1994
  5. "Anytime You Need a Friend"
    Released: May 24, 1994

Music Box is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on August 31, 1993, by Columbia Records. Seeking a more radio-friendly approach, Carey chose a sound oriented towards pop and R&B on Music Box.

Carey worked with both new and returning producers and songwriters, including Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Robert Clivillés, Walter Afanasieff, David Cole, and Daryl Simmons. Music Box consists mainly of ballads written by Carey and Afanasieff, who had previously collaborated on Emotions (1991), as well as several urban dance tracks. Despite the involvement of multiple producers, most of the songwriting was handled by Carey and Afanasieff, who collaborated on subsequent projects until Butterfly (1997). She also experimented with different musical instruments, resulting in a shift away from the style of her previous two albums, Mariah Carey (1990) and Emotions.

Music Box was promoted with the North American Music Box Tour, her debut concert tour. The album spawned five singles; the first two, "Dreamlover" and "Hero", reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining at the top for eight and four weeks, respectively. "Without You", a cover recording of Badfinger's song of the same name, reached the top three of the chart and became the most album's successful song internationally, topping charts worldwide. "Dreamlover" and "Hero" were each nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 36th (1994) and 37th (1995) Annual Grammy Awards, respectively.

On release, Music Box saw generally mixed reception from music critics; they praised Carey's vocal performance and the album's tracks but criticized the more mellow and laid-back tone in comparison to her previous work. Retrospective reviews of the album have been more positive. The album debuted at number one in fifteen countries, including Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. In the lattermost country, it peaked atop the Billboard 200 for eight weeks and was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. Music Box remains Carey's bestseller and one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 28 million copies sold worldwide.

Background and recording

In 1988, American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey was discovered by Tommy Mottola, chief executive officer of Columbia Records, and was promptly signed to the label.[2] Her debut studio album, Mariah Carey (1990), primarily involved re-recording and reworking songs she had written during high school with her classmate Ben Margulies.[3] The record incorporated elements of pop and R&B,[4] and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised her vocal abilities.[5][6] Mariah Carey was commercially successful, selling approximately fifteen million copies worldwide.[7] Emotions (1991), her second album, incorporated influences from gospel, R&B, and soul. Although some critics viewed the album as more mature, it did not match the critical or commercial success of her debut, with much lower sales.[8][9][10]

Biographer Chris Nickson wrote that with the success of her live extended play, MTV Unplugged (1992), Carey gained increased control over her music, allowing her greater freedom to pursue her own artistic preferences.[11] After her marriage to Mottola in June 1993, there was public speculation that her third studio effort would be a more pop-oriented album with polished production and lighter themes. However, as work on the album began, Carey described it as a more "subtle progession", incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and gospel, alongside some uptempo tracks and a more restrained use of her upper vocal range.[12] Music Box saw Carey working with producers from Emotions, including Walter Afanasieff, Robert Clivillés, and David Cole, and new producers Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and David Hall.[13] The success of Emotions and MTV Unplugged inspired Carey to conceive her third album with a blend of styles, combining R&B elements with the "orchestration and polish[ed]" production of her self-titled 1990 debut.[13]

Mariah and Dave did this loop thing, and it was new to us pop producers at the time. Their version of "Dreamlover" was missing a lot of stuff. The spirit of the song was up but it wasn't hitting hard enough. [My work on the track] put a whole different shade of colors into it.

— Afanasieff on working on "Dreamlover"[14]

One of the earliest songs developed during the recording sessions was "Dreamlover", an upbeat pop track that Carey wrote alongside Hall.[15] After hearing the track, Mottola suggested that it should be made more commercially oriented. He then approached Afanasieff, who reworked the keyboards and drums, which Nickson said gave the song "more swing and more drive".[14] While working on Music Box, Afanasieff was simultaneously involved in scoring the film Hero (1992). As part of this, he and Carey began writing a theme song intended for Gloria Estefan.[16] After completing the song, both felt it exceeded their expectations. When Mottola heard the track, he encouraged Carey to keep it for herself rather than contribute it to the film.[17] Following this, Carey and Afanasieff revised the lyrics, shaping them into the more personal ballad "Hero".[17]

Afanasieff helped co-write four other tracks—"Anytime You Need a Friend", "All I've Ever Wanted", "Just to Hold You Once Again", and "Music Box"—on the album with Carey. Clivillés and Cole contributed to writing, performing, and producing two of the album's dance-oriented songs, "Now That I Know" and "I've Been Thinking About You". Nickson opined that the approach introduced a degree of stylistic variety in both the musical direction and sound of Music Box.[18][19]

Composition

Music and lyrics

For if Emotions had demonstrated her quick advancement from the material on Mariah Carey, then Music Box stood as a quantum leap forward.

— Nickson, writing in Mariah Carey Revisited: Her Story (1998)[18]

Music Box is a pop and contemporary R&B album, primarily consisting of ballads with elements of soul, gospel, dance, and jazz.[20][13] Nickson observed that the record featured gospel and soul elements to a lesser extent than Carey's previous albums, attributing the shift to her need to evolve and make gradual changes in her sound.[18]

Carey sought to balance her preference for layered studio production with a more open, live-oriented sound on the album. While she continued to employ multitracked backing vocals and contemporary studio technology, including synthesizers and drum machines, the arrangements were more restrained. The overall production placed greater emphasis on clarity and space within the mixes.[21] The Morning Call wrote that her singing on Music Box was "noticeably subdued", suggesting that criticism of her "stunt-singing" on Emotions may have pushed her toward a more restrained approach.[22]

According to Marc Shapiro, Music Box showed signs of Carey's lyrical and vocal maturity, and represented an album she was truly proud of.[23] Unlike her previous albums, Music Box featured limited use of Carey's upper register.[24] She said that she approached the album by singing "from the heart" in her natural voice, adding that her speaking voice is low and that her lower register felt more comfortable.[1] Music Box was designed to appeal to a wider audience through radio-friendly songs. Lyrically, many tracks portray Carey as a hopeless romantic, as in "Just to Hold You Once Again", while others like "Hero" speak about self-sufficiency.[25]

Songs

The original release of Music Box contains ten tracks and runs for forty-two minutes and one second.[26] The album opens with "Dreamlover", a mid-tempo pop song with some R&B influences.[27] Lyrically, it describes a longing for an idealized romantic partner—a mythic "Dreamlover"—who will rescue the singer, take her away, and provide genuine love and safety, instead of past pretenders who disillusioned her with false promises.[28] Carey employs her upper-octave vocals on the track;[20] Shapiro described her voice as sounding "perpetually happy", likening it to that of a little girl.[29] The song incorporates a sample of the hook from "Blind Alley" by the Emotions—previously used in "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" (1988) by Big Daddy Kane—into its melody and instrumentation.[14][30]

Whitney Houston performing into a microphone while on stage.
Critics observed similarities between songs on Music Box and other tracks, such as "Hero" resembling Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All" (1986).

The second track, "Hero", is a sentimental, radio-friendly ballad in which Carey employs her lower alto register.[31] One of the album's more emotional songs, the song gradually builds with each verse, growing in intensity until it finally breaks through, both in the lyrics—realizing one's inner power—and in its production, as it lifts from a minor key into a more major one.[32] Its overarching theme is recognizing that every individual can be their own hero.[33] Some critics noticed similarities between "Hero" and Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All" (1986).[34][35] "Anytime You Need a Friend", the third track, is a pop ballad in which Carey allows her voice to "roam free". The song includes lower, rougher vocal tones. Like most tracks on Music Box, its lyrics convey a positive message, and it is the only song on the album that incorporates elements of gospel-style vocals in the chorus.[32]

The fourth track, "Music Box", was described by Carey as the most difficult song on the album to perform, mainly due to its use of legato, a singing technique that involves maintaining a smooth, connected tone at a soft volume.[20] Nickson wrote that the track required a great amount of control to maintain the song's "softness and sweetness", without having to resort to volume.[32] He described her vocals on the track as "soft and controlled", maintaining a balance with an ease that allowed them to move smoothly over the keyboard and subtle guitar. Lyrically, the song speaks of commitment and promise, in combination with a "tinkling" music box–like synthesizer motif.[32] One of two songs on Music Box produced by Clivillés and Cole, "Now That I Know" is a dance track with soul influences.[20]

"Never Forget You", the sixth track on Music Box, is an R&B slow jam.[36] Carey and Babyface contribute background vocals, with the former's parts layered in the chorus through overdubbing. The lyrics lament a romantic relationship.[37][38] It was described by Nickson thought of it as a standout track, one that could have easily become a hit single, "with an appeal that would have easily transcended generational barriers".[37] "Without You", a melodramatic ballad, is a cover of the Badfinger song based on the version by Harry Nilsson.[39][40][25] In the rendition, Carey explores her lower vocal register and is supported by layered background vocals—including her own—arranged to create the effect of a powerful, gospel-style chorus.[35] Eighth track "Just to Hold You Once Again" features elements such as a gospel choir, and, with its climactic progression, a key change near the end. The song is about the confusion following a breakup, with the narrator questioning the separation.[37][25][20]

"I've Been Thinking About You" is the other dance track on the album, and samples Melvin Bliss's "Synthetic Substitution" (1973) and Slave's "Just a Touch of Love" (1979). Lyrically about unexpectedly falling in love with a friend, "I've Been Thinking About You" was the last song Carey, Clivillés, and Cole had worked on before Cole's death in 1995.[25] Music Box concludes with "All I've Ever Wanted", a ballad-style love song. Its lyrics, dedicated to Mottola, express a desire to ignite a romance with a longtime love interest.[25][41] "Everything Fades Away", which incorporates elements of R&B and new jack swing, was released as a B-side to "Hero" and included as a bonus track on international editions of the Music Box.[42][20][43]

Release and promotion

For if Emotions had demonstrated her quick advancement from the material on Mariah Carey, then Music Box stood as a quantum leap forward.

— Nickson, writing in Mariah Carey Revisited: Her Story (1998)[18]

Music Box was released on August 31, 1993, in both the United States and the United Kingdom,[20][44] followed by releases in Hong Kong on September 8 and Japan on September 11.[45][46] To promote the album, Carey launched her first headlining concert tour, the Music Box Tour. Overcoming her stage fright—which had prevented her from touring for prior albums—she agreed to the tour at Mottola's urging amid the album's success, scheduling just six shows with rest periods to protect her voice.[47] Before the tour, she performed at Proctor's Theatre in July 1993, captured in the one-hour television special Here Is Mariah Carey. There, she performed four songs from Music Box: "Dreamlover", "Hero", "Without You", and "Anytime You Need a Friend".[48][49] On December 10, 1993, Carey performed "Hero" at Madison Square Garden, announcing that all proceeds from the performance would be donated to the families of the victims of the Long Island Rail Road shooting.[50]

The Music Box Tour began on November 3, 1993, in Miami, Florida, and ended on December 10 in New York City.[51] Tickets for the concerts sold steadily upon release, without immediate sell-outs. The opening night at Miami Arena drew about two-thirds capacity, causing concern for Carey's management, though she began the show with enthusiasm. While opening night at Miami Arena drew mixed reviews and partial attendance, subsequent sold-out dates earned praise.[52] In addition to the Music Box Tour, Carey promoted the album through appearances on American and European television, where she performed various singles from the album. 1993 performances included "Dreamlover" on The Arsenio Hall Show[53] and "Hero" on The Jay Leno Show.[54] She also made multiple appearances on Top of the Pops between 1993 and 1994, performing "Dreamlover" live and promoting "Hero", "Without You", and "Anytime You Need a Friend" through both live performances and music video broadcasts.[55]

Singles

The album was promoted with five singles. The lead single, "Dreamlover", was released on July 27, 1993.[56] On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song entered the chart at number forty.[57] "Dreamlover" reached number one in its sixth week and stayed atop the chart for eight consecutive weeks. It marked Carey's seventh number-one on the Billboard Hot 100.[58][59] The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of one million copies.[60] Elsewhere, it topped the charts in Canada, and became a top-ten hit in Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal and the United Kingdom.[61][62] Critics had a positive response to the song,[63] with Larry Flick of Billboard describing the production as "elegant" and her vocals as "openhearted".[64] By the time "Dreamlover" began its descent from the Billboard Hot 100, the second single, "Hero", was already ascending towards the top.[16][65]

"Hero" was released as a single on October 19, 1993, in the US.[66] It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number seventy-one and reached number one in its tenth week, giving Carey her eighth US chart-topping single.[67][68][16] It spent four weeks at the top spot of the chart. The proceeds from the song were donated to the families of the victims of the Long Island Rail Road shooting.[17] It eventually outsold "Dreamlover", earning a three-times platinum certification from the RIAA.[69] Outside the United States, it reached the top five on charts in Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, and Norway, as well as the top ten in Australia and the United Kingdom.[a] Flick called it an "inspirational winner with a sure, dignified message",[74] while J. D. Considine called the lyrics "uplifting" and chorus "soaring".[75]

"Without You" was released as the third single on January 21, 1994, entering the Hot 100 at number fifty-three before peaking at number three.[76][77] It fared better internationally, topping the charts of countries such as Austria, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.[78][79][80] Carey's rendition of "Without You" brought renewed popularity to the song through, ranking among the year's fifty most-played tracks and ultimately outselling Harry Nilsson's version.[81] "Never Forget You" was released in the US as the B-side to "Without You", and promoted there as the album's fourth single.[82][83] "Anytime You Need a Friend", the album's final single, was released on May 24, 1994.[84] It reached the top ten in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It peaked at number twelve on the US Billboard Hot 100, following its four-week climb from number forty-five.[b]

Anniversary

A three-disc deluxe edition of Music Box to mark its 30th anniversary, featuring unreleased tracks, remixes, live recordings, and remastered audio, was released digitally on September 8, 2023.[90] Disc one contains the original album and the bonus track "Everything Fades Away". The second disc includes an extended version of "All I Live For" and the original version of "Do You Think of Me", both of which were previously released in 2020 on The Rarities. It also features Carey's duet with Luther Vandross, "Endless Love", followed by two previously unreleased tracks, "Workin' Hard" and "My Prayer", the latter a cover of a song written by Georges Boulanger. The second disc contains the 2009 re-recorded version of "Hero" from The Ballads, an a cappella version of "Music Box", an extended version of "Anytime You Need a Friend", and two live performances from Top of the Pops. Disc three presents her full 1993 concert at Proctor's Theatre in New York, previously featured in Here Is Mariah Carey.[91]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Contemporaneous
Review scores
SourceRating
The Detroit NewsStar[92]
Entertainment WeeklyC+[93]
Los Angeles TimesStarHalf star[94]
The Philadelphia InquirerStarStar[95]
Regina Leader-PostStarStar[96]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[35]

Music Box received generally mixed reviews from music critics upon release. While they praised Carey's vocal ability as the album's main strength, many found it lacking in emotional depth and substance.[97][63]

Stephen Holden, writing in Rolling Stone, described Music Box as "so precisely calculated to be a blockbuster", stating the album made Carey sound "a little more like a wailing street kid and a little less like [Whitney] Houston". He called the effect liberating but pointed out the lyrics as the album's main weakness, consisting entirely of pop and soul clichés.[35] Time's Christopher John Farley argued that Music Box favored formulaic, mainstream pop over showcasing her vocal ability and criticized the album's repetitive themes and lack of passion. While praising tracks like "Anytime You Need a Friend", "Music Box", and "Without You", he concluded it was a missed opportunity for artistic growth.[98]

David Browne of Entertainment Weekly wrote that on Music Box, Carey's voice "drip[s] over [the ballads] like syrup instead of overpowering them; she lets the melodies speak for themselves". Although he highlighted "Dreamlover" and "Anytime You Need a Friend", Browne described the album's lyrics as "absurdly generic" and argued that its "catchy" but familiar material and lack of authenticity ultimately limited its artistic impact.[93] In the Los Angeles Times, Dennis Hunt said that Carey reduced her vocal "showboating" on Music Box, but criticized the album for lacking emotional depth. Hunt suggested its pop-soul sound was tailored to a mainstream audience that prefers "soul whitewashed and in small doses".[94] The Detroit News wrote that the album did not contain "even a scintilla of honest emotion" and said that it is "all technique — a gospel turn" rather than genuine feeling.[92]

People criticized Music Box as a mismatch between Carey's vocal ability and its material, describing it as "great pipes, lame songs". While praising "Dreamlover", "Anytime You Need a Friend", and "Without You", the critic found much of the album "weak", with "limp and formless" melodies.[99] Parry Gettelman of the Orlando Sentinel opined that although Music Box showed Carey using greater vocal restraint and a more controlled style, she lacked an "original aesthetic sensibility", with songwriting that felt "banal". Gettelman lauded her improved lower-register vocals and a more measured production method.[100]

Commercial performance

In the United States, Music Box debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 174,000 copies.[101] In its fifteenth week—on the chart dated December 25, 1993—the album reached number one, selling 295,000 copies sold in its first week at the top,[102][103] 395,000 the following week,[104] and a peak of 505,000 copies in its third consecutive week at the top.[105] After being dethroned by Doggystyle by Snoop Doggy Dogg for a week, it returned to number one for three consecutive weeks, marking six weeks at the top.[106][107][108] Four weeks later, it again reached number one, where it remained for an additional two consecutive weeks, for a total of eight non-consecutive weeks at the top.[109][110][111] Music Box spent 128 weeks on the chart, including 31 weeks in the top ten.[112][113] It spent two weeks atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[114] It became the best-selling album by a solo artist in the US in 1994, ranking second overall behind The Sign by Ace of Base.[115] Music Box was Carey's first album to earn diamond certification from the RIAA, indicating shipments of 10 million copies.[25]

Music Box reached number two on the Canada Top Albums chart.[116] It was certified seven-times platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association.[117] Outside of North America, the album saw immense success in Europe, topping the charts of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[c] It topped the UK Albums Chart for six non-consecutive weeks and earned quintuple platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry, making it her best-selling album in the United Kingdom.[118] Music Box spent eighty weeks on the German Albums Chart, including eleven weeks at number one,[119] and was certified double platinum by the Bundesverband Musikindustrie for over one million shipped copies, with total sales reaching 1.4 million.[120][121] Music Box became a million-selling album in France, earning Diamond certification and topping the French Albums Chart.[122][123] It achieved six-times platinum status in the Netherlands and spent ninety-one weeks on the Dutch Album Top 100, including twelve non-consecutive weeks at number one.[124][125] The album was the best-selling of 1994 in Europe, with six million copies that year and another million by 1995.[126][127]

Music Box topped the Australian charts for eighteen non-consecutive weeks and earned a twelve-times platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association for 840,000 shipped copies.[128][129] It finished as the number one album on the 1994 end-of-year chart.[130] In Asia, it sold 2.6 million copies in Japan, making it one of the country's best-selling albums of 1994. Sony reported good sales elsewhere: 320,000 in Taiwan, 110,000 in Singapore, and 80,000 in Hong Kong by July 1994.[131][132][133] It has moved over one million copies in South Korea, making it one of the best-selling albums in the country. It is one of only two albums by Western artists to sell more than one million copies in the country alongside The Bodyguard soundtrack by Whitney Houston.[134] As of 2019, Music Box has sold over 28 million copies worldwide, making it Carey's best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.[135][136][137]

Legacy

Carey smiling with curly hair wearing a dark green blazer
Music Box helped Carey the best-selling artist of the 1990s.

According to Billboard, the success of Music Box—as well as its follow-up, Daydream (1995)—helped Carey become the best-selling artist of the 1990s.[25] Retrospective reviews of the album have been more positive. Rolling Stone wrote that on Music Box, Carey was the "people's pop princess, ruling radio with hit after hit, while soundtracking weddings, proms and parties alike". They wrote that it showed off "the power of Carey's now-instantly recognizable voice as she belted her way through ballads".[138] While describing the album as "unchallenging" and "easy to swallow"—qualities the source suggested aligned with Sony's expectations for Carey—Slant also considered Music Box the release that made her as a "bona fide superstar".[139]

Stereogum wrote that while her earlier achievements had made her a "mere" pop superstar, her label wanted to make her "the pop superstar". With Music Box, the critic suggested she had acheived the latter.[140] Clash described Music Box as one of Carey's most "formidable achievements", writing that the album signalled the emergence of her as a "pop savant".[137] Billboard rated the album 80 out of 100 and opined that it is one of the "strongest albums in her catalog", with the best hits-to-filler ratio of any other pop album.[20] Complex ranked it the twenty-ninth best R&B album of the 1990s, writing that tracks such as "Dreamlover" and "I've Been Thinking About You" started her shift away from her earlier ballad-driven style and helped evolve her sound.[141] Writing for AllMusic, Ron Wynn observed that Carey deliberately toned down her vocal intensity on Music Box, saying she "trimmed the volume" to showcase a softer style. He called it "partly successful" and believed it was smart of Carey to explore her vocal approach differently.[142]

In a less positive retrospective review, The Village Voice critic Robert Christgau labeled it a "dud", indicating "a bad record whose details rarely merit further thought".[143] Wynn found much of the album felt "detached," with the restraint often resulting in "an absence of passion".[142] According to Nickson, Music Box was a significant artistic development for Mariah Carey, combining more sophisticated and subtle musical arrangements with lyrics that created a "very personal statement". He argued that, while some critics dismissed the songwriting as "hackneyed high-school poetry", the album's focus on faith, particularly "in love as a reason to carry on and as an inspiration".[144] Billboard also mentioned that the album includes a few ballads that feel "dated and soggy" and that it showed signs of her "uncomfortable marriage" to Mottola, questioning why a "happily married woman" would start her album with the plea, "Dreamlover, come rescue me".[20]

Track listing

Music Box track listing[a]
No.TitleLyricsMusicProducersLength
1."Dreamlover"Mariah Carey
  • Carey
  • Dave Hall
3:54
2."Hero"Carey
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
4:19
3."Anytime You Need a Friend"Carey
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
4:26
4."Music Box"Carey
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
4:57
5."Now That I Know"Carey
  • Carey
  • Robert Clivillés
  • David Cole
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Carey
4:19
6."Never Forget You"
  • Carey
  • Babyface
3:46
7."Without You"
  • Ham
  • Evans
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
3:36
8."Just to Hold You Once Again"Carey
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
3:59
9."I've Been Thinking About You"
  • Carey
  • Cole
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Carey
4:48
10."All I've Ever Wanted"Carey
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
3:51
Total length:42:01
International and 2023 edition bonus track[145][146]
No.TitleLyricsMusicProducersLength
11."Everything Fades Away"Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
5:25
Total length:47:26
30th anniversary edition disc two: bonus tracks[147]
No.TitleLyricsProducersLength
1."All I Live For" (extended version)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:28
2."Endless Love" (with Luther Vandross)Lionel RichieAfanasieff4:20
3."Do You Think of Me"
  • Carey
  • Morales
  • Afanasieff
4:46
4."Workin' Hard"
  • Carey
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
3:29
5."My Prayer"
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
2:50
6."Hero" (2009 version)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:18
7."Anytime You Need a Friend" (extended mix)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
5:21
8."Music Box" (acapella)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:42
9."Dreamlover" (live from Top of the Pops)
  • Carey
  • Dave Hall
 3:04
10."Without You" (live from Top of the Pops)
  • Ham
  • Evans
 2:52
11."Dreamlover" (Def Club Mix)
  • Carey
  • Hall
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Hall
10:44
12."Anytime You Need a Friend" (C&C Club version)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Afanasieff
10:53
13."Anytime You Need a Friend" (Soul Convention remix)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
 4:51
14."I've Been Thinking About You" (Terry Hunter remix)
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Terry Hunter
6:30
15."Workin' Hard" (Terry Hunter remix)
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Carey
  • Clivillés
  • Cole
  • Hunter
6:35
Total length:79:43
30th anniversary edition disc three: Live at Proctor's Theatre, NY - 1993[147]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Emotions"
  • Carey
  • Cole
  • Clivillés
4:18
2."Hero"
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:17
3."Someday"
  • Carey
  • Ben Margulies
3:58
4."Without You"
  • Ham
  • Evans
4:21
5."Make It Happen"
  • Carey
  • Cole
  • Clivillés
4:31
6."Dreamlover"
  • Carey
  • Hall
4:03
7."Love Takes Time"
  • Carey
  • Margulies
3:55
8."Anytime You Need a Friend"
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
3:51
9."Vision of Love"
  • Carey
  • Margulies
4:00
10."I'll Be There"
4:26
Total length:41:40
30th anniversary Japanese edition disc four: bonus DVD[148]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."This Is Mariah Carey" 58:47
2."Special Interview (1993)" 8:52
3."Hero" (music video)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:24
4."Dreamlover" (music video)
  • Carey
  • Hall
4:05
5."Without You" (music video)
  • Ham
  • Evans
4:23
6."Anytime You Need a Friend" (music video)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:23
7."Hero" (live at Tokyo Dome)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
4:25
Total length:89:19

Notes

  • ^[a] Credits adapted from the album's liner notes[19]
  • "Without You" is a Badfinger cover (1970)
  • "Endless Love" is a Diana Ross and Lionel Richie cover (1981)
  • "My Prayer" is a The Platters cover (1956)
  • The Latin American edition includes the bonus track bonus track Héroe.[145]

Sample credits

  • "Dreamlover" contains a sample of The Emotions' "Blind Alley" (1972)
  • "I've Been Thinking About You" contains a sample of Melvin Bliss' "Synthetic Substitution" (1973) and Slave's "Just a Touch of Love" (1979)

Personnel

Credits adapted from Music Box album liner notes.[149]

Charts

Certifications and sales

Certifications and sales for Music Box
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina — 95,284[221]
Australia (ARIA)[129] 12× Platinum 860,000[222]
Austria (IFPI Austria)[223] 2× Platinum 100,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[224] 2× Platinum 100,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[225] Platinum 250,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[117] 7× Platinum 700,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[226] Gold 47,382[226]
France (SNEP)[122] Diamond 1,000,000*
Germany (BVMI)[120] 2× Platinum 1,400,000[121]
Hong Kong — 80,000[131]
Japan (RIAJ)[227] Million 2,600,000[132][133]
Netherlands (NVPI)[125] 6× Platinum 600,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[228] Platinum 15,000^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[229] 8× Platinum 160,000‡
Singapore (RIAS)[230] Platinum 110,000[131]
South Korea — 1,000,000[231]
Spain (Promusicae)[232] 4× Platinum 400,000^
Sweden (GLF)[233] Platinum 100,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[234] 4× Platinum 200,000^
Taiwan — 320,000[131]
United Kingdom (BPI)[118] 5× Platinum 1,500,000^
United States (RIAA)[237] Diamond 10,000,000[235][236]
Summaries
Europe (Music & Media)[238]
1993-1995 sales 		7× Platinum 7,000,000[238]
Latin America — 500,000[239]
Worldwide — 28,000,000[135][133]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Cited to multiple sources:[70][71][72][73]
  2. ^ Cited to multiple sources:[85][86][87][88][89]
  3. ^ Sources are cited in § Charts.

References

  1. ^ a b c Nickson 1998, p. 104.
  2. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 26–27.
  3. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 17–18.
  4. ^ "50. Mariah Carey – Mariah Carey: 50 Best R&B albums of the '90s". Complex. Archived from the original on July 11, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2017. danceable pop with gospel–inflected vocals
  5. ^ Sarmiento, Chloe (June 12, 2024). "On This Day In Music: Mariah Carey Releases Her Self-Titled Debut Album". Grammy Awards. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
  6. ^ Sandow, Greg (June 8, 1990). "Music Capsules (Mariah Carey: Mariah Carey)". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  7. ^ Runtagh, Jordan (September 15, 2017). "Music's 30 Fiercest Feuds and Beefs". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  8. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 58–60.
  9. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (September 17, 2021). "Mariah Carey's 'Emotions' at 30: Tracks Ranked Worst to Best". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  10. ^ Morse, Steve (September 17, 1991). "Mariah Carey: On A More Personal Note". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  11. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 82–83.
  12. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 72–75; Nickson 1998, p. 89.
  13. ^ a b c Shapiro 2001, p. 72.
  14. ^ a b c Nickson 1998, p. 100.
  15. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 72; Nickson 1998, pp. 82–83.
  16. ^ a b c Nickson 1998, p. 101.
  17. ^ a b c Nickson 1998, p. 102.
  18. ^ a b c d Nickson 1998, p. 105.
  19. ^ a b Music Box (booklet). Mariah Carey. Columbia. 1993.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hampp, Andrew (August 31, 2013). "Mariah Carey's 'Music Box' at 20: Classic Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  21. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 104–105.
  22. ^ "With First-Ever Tour, Mariah Carey Takes Wraps Off Her Music". The Morning Call. November 28, 1993. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  23. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 77.
  24. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 72; Nickson 1998, p. 104.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g Gabbara, Princess (August 31, 2018). "All the Tracks on Mariah Carey's 'Music Box,' Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  26. ^ "Music Box by Mariah Carey on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  27. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 107; Shapiro 2001, p. 78.
  28. ^ Cummings, Jozen (September 28, 2009). "Verse-Chorus-Verse: Mariah Carey – "Dreamlover"". PopMatters. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  29. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 78.
  30. ^ Frere-Jones, Sasha (March 27, 2006). "On Top". The New Yorker. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  31. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 101, 108; Shapiro 2001, p. 78.
  32. ^ a b c d Nickson 1998, p. 108.
  33. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 113.
  34. ^ Gettelmem, Paul (September 3, 1993). "Mariah Carey". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  35. ^ a b c d Holden, Stephen (August 31, 1993). "Music Box by Mariah Carey". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 30, 2010.
  36. ^ Flick, Larry, ed. (January 29, 1994). "Single Reviews". Billboard. p. 79. ProQuest 1506036359.
  37. ^ a b c Nickson 1998, pp. 109–110.
  38. ^ Joyce, Mike (September 5, 1993). "Big Voices Are Back: Carey, Braxton and Dayne". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023.
  39. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 102–103.
  40. ^ Flick, Larry (January 29, 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 79. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  41. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 111.
  42. ^ Helligar, Jeremy (October 2, 2020). "Mariah Carey's 'The Rarities' Shows That Even Her Castoffs Sparkle: Album Review". Variety. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  43. ^ Camp, Alexa (October 2, 2020). "Mariah Carey 'The Rartities' Review: The Album Peeks Behind the Curtain". Slant. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  44. ^ "Ad Focus" (PDF). Music Week. August 28, 1993. p. 14.
  45. ^ "Mariah Carey – Album". Sony Music Hong Kong. Archived from the original on October 6, 2003.
  46. ^ "ミュージック・ボックス" [Music Box] (in Japanese). Sony Music Japan. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  47. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 81.
  48. ^ Carey 2020, p. 171.
  49. ^ Arnold, Chad (April 15, 2026). "When Mariah Carey, the Queen of Christmas, ruled Schenectady's Proctors". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  50. ^ Carey 2020, p. 173.
  51. ^ Shapiro 2001, p. 81; Nickson 1998, p. 105.
  52. ^ Nickson 1998, pp. 125–130; Shapiro 2001, pp. 81–86.
  53. ^ "15 Incredible Mariah Carey Performances". Rolling Stone. May 15, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  54. ^ Mariah Carey - Hero (Live at Jay Leno 1993). April 15, 2011 [1993]. Retrieved April 18, 2026 – via YouTube.
  55. ^ Brazier, Callum (April 2, 1999). "Artist Profile: Mariah Carey". Top of the Pops. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  56. ^ "#1's – Mariah Carey – 'Dreamlover'". Sony Music. Archived from the original on January 22, 2001.
  57. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (August 1, 1993)". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 18, 2026. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  58. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (September 5, 1993)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  59. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 99.
  60. ^ "Gold & Platinum: Dreamlover". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  61. ^ "Mariah Carey". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  62. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 37. September 11, 1993. p. 14. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  63. ^ a b Smith, Troy L. (October 21, 2020). "Every No. 1 song of the 1990s ranked from worst to best". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved June 25, 2024. 'Dreamlover' was universally loved
  64. ^ Flick, Larry (August 7, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 53. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  65. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (November 6, 1993)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  66. ^ "Mariah Carey: "Hero" (LP Version) (Single)". Sony Music Store. Archived from the original on September 30, 2003. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  67. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (October 23, 1993)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  68. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (December 25, 1993)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  69. ^ "Gold & Platinum: Hero". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  70. ^ "Mariah Carey – Hero". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  71. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Image 2326". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  72. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Hero". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  73. ^ "Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive". Official Charts Company. November 13, 1993. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  74. ^ Flick, Larry (October 16, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 61. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  75. ^ "The Stars Align: It is a rare day indeed that brings new releases by chart toppers Garth Brooks, Jewel and Mariah Carey. We're all ears". Baltimore Sun. November 17, 1998. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  76. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 103.
  77. ^ "American single certifications – Mariah Carey – Without You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  78. ^ "Mariah Carey". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  79. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Without You". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  80. ^ Myers, Justin (February 14, 2014). "Official Charts Flashback 1994: Mariah Carey – Without You". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  81. ^ Matovina 2000, p. 395.
  82. ^ Samuels, Keithan (August 7, 2020). "Mariah Carey Revisits 'Music Box' Era With Three EPs". Rated R&B. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  83. ^ "Mariah Carey's Studio Albums Ranked: Staff Picks". Billboard. September 30, 2025. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  84. ^ "Mariah Carey". Sony Music Canada. Archived from the original on November 27, 2003. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  85. ^ "Mariah Carey – Hero". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  86. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (May 28, 1994)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  87. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (June 25, 1994)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  88. ^ "Top Singles – Volume 60, No. 11, October 03, 1994". RPM. October 3, 1994. Archived from the original on September 21, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2010.
  89. ^ "Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive". Official Charts Company. June 18, 1994. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  90. ^ "All the details on Mariah Carey's new 'Music Box' 30th anniversary release". ABC Audio. September 8, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  91. ^ Samuels, Keithan (September 11, 2023). "Mariah Carey Releases 'Music Box: 30th Anniversary Edition'". Rated R&B. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  92. ^ a b Whitall, Susan (September 4, 1993). "Recordings". The Detroit News. p. 19D. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ^ a b Browne, David (August 27, 1993). "Music Review – Music Box". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Archived from the original on December 21, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
  94. ^ a b Hunt, Dennis (December 12, 1993). "Holiday Recordings: Pop: It's Ring-a-Ling Recordings Time: How Sinatra, GNR Stack Up to That Doggy in the Window". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  95. ^ Moon, Tom (September 5, 1993). "Daryl Hall Solos; Bobbie Cryner Emotes, Riccardo Muti Conducts". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. M10. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  96. ^ Davitt, Patrick (September 7, 1993). "Worth its Wait in Gold". Regina Leader-Post. p. C12. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 106.
  98. ^ John, Christopher (September 6, 1993). "Hurray! A B Minus!". Time. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  99. ^ "Picks and Pans Review: Music Box". People. October 4, 1993. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  100. ^ Gettelman, Parry (September 3, 1993). "Mariah Carey". Calendar. Orlando Sentinel. p. 8. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  101. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (November 20, 1999). "Carey On". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
  102. ^ "Billboard 200 (December 25, 1993)". Billboard 200. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  103. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (December 16, 1993). "Carey Rises, Registers Ring". Variety. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  104. ^ Leonardi, Marisa (December 23, 1993). "Sheehan Requests Release: KNBC-TV Channel 4 entertainment...". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  105. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (January 6, 1994). "Dogg tops weak week". Variety. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  106. ^ "January 22, 1994". Billboard 200.
  107. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (January 13, 1994). "Carey album back at No. 1". Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  108. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (January 27, 1994). "Carey extends reign atop chart to six weeks". Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  109. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (February 24, 1994). "Carey again carries the day at top of SoundScan sales list". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  110. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (March 12, 1994). "Between The Bullets". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 10. p. 92. ISSN 0006-2510.
  111. ^ Caulfield, Keith (January 29, 2023). "SZA's 'SOS' Spends Seventh Straight Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  112. ^ a b "Mariah Carey Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  113. ^ Jacobs, Matthew (August 31, 2013). "Mariah's Biggest-Selling Album Turns 20". HuffPost. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  114. ^ a b "Mariah Carey Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  115. ^ "The Billboard 200 – Year-End Charts – 1994". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
  116. ^ a b "Top RPM Albums: Image 2367". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  117. ^ a b "Canadian album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Music Canada. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  118. ^ a b "British album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 31, 2017. Select albums in the Formats field. Type Music Box Mariah Carey in the "Search:" field.
  119. ^ a b "Offiziellecharts.de – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  120. ^ a b "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Mariah Carey; 'Music Box')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  121. ^ a b Marlowe, Chris (October 14, 1995). "Carey's 'Daydream' Follows 'Fantasy' To The Top" (PDF). Music & Media. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 29, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2019 – via AmericanRadioHistory.com.
  122. ^ a b "French album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  123. ^ a b "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. October 8, 1994. p. 16.
  124. ^ a b "Dutchcharts.nl – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  125. ^ a b "Dutch album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved November 9, 2018. Enter Music Box in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1996 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  126. ^ Tilli, Robert (December 22, 1994). "La Carey Picks The Right Song As Album Sales Point" (PDF). Music & Media. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  127. ^ "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 12, no. 12. March 25, 1995. p. 16. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  128. ^ a b "Australiancharts.com – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  129. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2011 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  130. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Albums 1994". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
  131. ^ a b c d White, Adam (July 30, 1994). "Billboard Vol. 106, No. 31: TV Campaigns Boost Carey's 'Music Box' In Asian Markets". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. p. 40 & 42. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  132. ^ a b マライア新記録300万枚突破！. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). December 16, 1998. Archived from the original on March 15, 2001. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  133. ^ a b c "Music Box (REMASTER) [Limited Edition/Analog] | Mariah Carey | Sony Music Official Site". Sony Music Japan. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  134. ^ Ye, Young-joon (December 26, 1996). 머라이어 캐리 '뮤직박스' 100만장 돌파 [Mariah Carey's 'Music Box' sold over 1 million copies]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  135. ^ a b Macias, Ernest (December 6, 2017). "The Catch-Up: Your guide to Mariah Carey's glittering career". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  136. ^ Mims, Taylor (July 22, 2019). "Mariah Carey Returns to CAA for Representation in All Areas". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  137. ^ a b "Mariah Carey's 'Music Box' at 30". Clash. September 4, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  138. ^ Chan, Tim (September 26, 2025). "Every Mariah Carey Album, Ranked". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  139. ^ "Every Mariah Carey Album Ranked". Slant. October 7, 2025. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  140. ^ Breihan, Tom (October 26, 2025). "The Number Ones: Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover"". Stereogum. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  141. ^ "The 50 Best R&B Albums of the '90s". Complex. November 15, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  142. ^ a b Wynn, Ron. "Music Box – Mariah Carey". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 31, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  143. ^ Christgau 2000, pp. xvi, 49.
  144. ^ Nickson 1998, p. 112.
  145. ^ a b "Mariah Carey – Music Box". Dutch Charts. Archived from the original on March 29, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  146. ^ "Mariah Carey - Music Box". Spotify. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  147. ^ a b Allah, Sha Be (September 9, 2023). "Columbia Records And Legacy Recordings Releasing Mariah Carey's 'Music Box: 30th Anniversary Expanded Edition'". The Source. Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  148. ^ "歴史的名盤『ミュージック・ボックス』発売30周年記念、本日3形態で発売！1996年初来日公演での伝説的"神パフォーマンス"「ヒーロー」ライヴ映像もフルサイズで特別公開！". Sony Music Japan. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  149. ^ Carey, Mariah (1993). Music Box (Liner Notes). Mariah Carey. New York City, New York: Columbia Records.
  150. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  151. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  152. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  153. ^ "CDs/ Os mais vendidos". Jornal do Brasil (in Portuguese). December 27, 1994. Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  154. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 25, 2015.
  155. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  156. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe". Music & Media. October 16, 1993. p. 18.
  157. ^ a b "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  158. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  159. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  160. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 1994. 21. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  161. ^ "Tónlist – Ísland (LP/CD)". DV (in Icelandic). February 24, 1994. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  162. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  163. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 11, no. 27. July 7, 1994. p. 20. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  164. ^ "マライア・キャリーのアルバム売り上げランキング" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  165. ^ "Charts.nz – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  166. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  167. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  168. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 27/2/1994 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  169. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  170. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  171. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  172. ^ "Official Albums Chart on 11/9/1993 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  173. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart on 16/10/1994 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
  174. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe". Music & Media. March 19, 1994. p. 19.
  175. ^ "Top 100 Pop Albums". Cash Box. December 31, 1993. p. 16 – via Internet Archive.
  176. ^ "Top 75 R&B Albums". Cash Box. October 9, 1993. p. 16 – via Internet Archive.
  177. ^ Kimberley, Christopher (2000). Zimbabwe Albums Chart Book: 1973–1998. Harare.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  178. ^ "Ultratop.be – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  179. ^ "IFPI Top 75 Albums Chart - 45/2022". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  180. ^ "Hot Albums". Billboard Japan. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  181. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  182. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart on 15/9/2023 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  183. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart on 9/2/2024 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  184. ^ "Top Album Sales: Week of February 17, 2024". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  185. ^ "ARIA Top 20 Vinyl Albums for week of 12 February 2024". ARIA Charts. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  186. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2024-03-04" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  187. ^ "Top 100 Álbumes - 2024 - Semana 6". El Portal de Música. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  188. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Albums 1993". ARIA. Archived from the original on July 21, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  189. ^ "Top 100 Albums of 1993". RPM. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  190. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1993" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  191. ^ "1993年 アルバム年間TOP100" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  192. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1993". RIANZ. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  193. ^ "Topp 40 Album Julen 1993" (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  194. ^ "Top 100 Albums 1993" (PDF). Music Week. January 15, 1994. p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  195. ^ "1993 Top 50 LPs". New Musical Express. January 8, 1994. p. 44.
  196. ^ a b "1993 Year-end Charts" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  197. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Albums 1994". ARIA. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  198. ^ "Jahreshitparade Alben 1994" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  199. ^ "Top 100 Albums of 1994". RPM. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  200. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1994" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  201. ^ "1994 Year-End Sales Charts: European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  202. ^ "Classement Albums – année 1994" (in French). SNEP. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  203. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts 1994" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  204. ^ "Tónlist – Árslisti 1994 – LP/CD". DV (in Icelandic). January 5, 1995. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  205. ^ "1994年 アルバム年間TOP100" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  206. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1994". RIANZ. Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  207. ^ "Topp 40 Album Vinter 1994" (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  208. ^ "Årslista Album (inkl samlingar), 1994" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  209. ^ "Swiss Year-end Charts 1994". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  210. ^ "Music Week" (PDF) (in Polish). Z archiwum...rocka. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  211. ^ "1994 UK Top 50 LPs". New Musical Express. January 7, 1995. p. 6.
  212. ^ a b "1994 Year-end Charts" (PDF). Billboard. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  213. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  214. ^ "Rapports annueles 1995" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  215. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1995" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  216. ^ "European Top 100 Albums 1995". Music & Media. December 23, 1995. p. 14.
  217. ^ "1995 Year-end Charts" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  218. ^ "Top Pop Albums of the '90s" (PDF). Billboard. December 25, 1999. p. 20. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  219. ^ "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums". Billboard. November 12, 2015. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  220. ^ "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums by Women". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  221. ^ "Top 30". Página 12 (in Spanish). January 12, 1995. p. 4. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  222. ^ "The Music Australia Loved". Sydney Morning Herald. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  223. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  224. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 1995". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  225. ^ "Brazilian album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  226. ^ a b "Mariah Carey" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  227. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved July 21, 2022. Select 1994年4月 on the drop-down menu
  228. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  229. ^ "Norwegian album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  230. ^ "Singapore album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Recording Industry Association Singapore. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  231. ^ Ye, Young-joon (December 26, 1996). 머라이어 캐리 '뮤직박스' 100만장 돌파 [Mariah Carey's 'Music Box' sold over 1 million copies]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  232. ^ Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano: Certificados 1991–1995. Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano.
  233. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  234. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Music Box')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  235. ^ Trust, Gary (November 18, 2018). "Ask Billboard: Mariah Carey's Career Sales, Ariana Grande Fun Facts & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  236. ^ David, Barry (February 18, 2003). "Shania, Backstreet, Britney, Eminem and Janet Top All-Time Sellers". Music Industry News Network. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2009.
  237. ^ "American album certifications – Mariah Carey – Music Box". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  238. ^ a b "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 12, no. 12. March 25, 1995. p. 16. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  239. ^ Flick, Larry (September 9, 1995). "Billboard Vol. 107, No. 36: Columbia Blitz For Carey's 'Daydream' A Global Reality". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. p. 1 & 20. Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

Sources

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.