Mariah Carey is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished musicians of our time, having sold over 200 million records and earned numerous awards and accolades for her work. With a career spanning more than three decades, Carey has established herself as an icon in the music industry, known for her incredible vocal range, catchy melodies, and memorable lyrics. Over the years, she has released countless hit songs that have become part of the fabric of pop culture.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 best Mariah Carey songs of all time. From her early hits in the ’90s to her more recent releases, we’ll explore the tracks that have solidified Carey’s place in music history. We’ll delve into the stories behind the songs, examining the themes and emotions that Carey explores in her music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Carey’s music, this list is sure to showcase some of her most impressive work. Join us as we countdown the top 10 Mariah Carey songs of all time and celebrate the career of one of the most talented and influential artists of our generation.
1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a holiday classic written and performed by Mariah Carey. Released in 1994, the song has become a Christmas staple, played on radio stations and in stores around the world during the holiday season. With its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and lyrics about the joys of spending the holidays with a loved one, the song has become synonymous with Christmas. Carey’s powerful vocals and the song’s festive instrumentation, including jingling bells and a soaring choir, create a joyful and festive atmosphere. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, cementing Carey’s place as the “Queen of Christmas.”
2. “Fantasy”
“Fantasy” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 1995 as the lead single from her album “Daydream”. The song is known for its upbeat and catchy melody, which fuses R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements, and for its sample of Tom Tom Club’s 1981 hit “Genius of Love”. The lyrics speak of a romantic fantasy, where Carey longs for a relationship with a man she admires. The song’s infectious groove, Carey’s soaring vocals, and its playful lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a timeless classic. “Fantasy” remains one of Carey’s most successful and beloved songs to date.
3. “Always Be My Baby”
“Always Be My Baby” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 1996 as the third single from her fifth studio album “Daydream”. The song is a mid-tempo R&B track that showcases Carey’s powerful vocals, with lyrics about a past lover who she still holds dear to her heart. The song’s catchy chorus, infectious melody, and the use of background harmonies have made it a fan favorite and a classic in Carey’s discography. “Always Be My Baby” was a commercial success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Carey’s signature songs, cementing her status as one of the most successful and influential female artists of all time.
4. “Heartbreaker”
“Heartbreaker” is a song by Mariah Carey, featuring rapper Jay-Z, released in 1999 as the lead single from her album “Rainbow”. The song is a mid-tempo R&B track that features a sample of Stacy Lattisaw’s 1981 hit “Attack of the Name Game”. The lyrics speak of a woman who is tired of her unfaithful lover and is determined to move on. The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and Carey’s soaring vocals, coupled with Jay-Z’s rap verse, have made it a fan favorite and a staple in Carey’s live performances. “Heartbreaker” was a commercial success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of Carey’s most popular and memorable songs.
5. “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 2005 as the lead single from her album “The Emancipation of Mimi”. The song is an upbeat and catchy R&B track that features a sample of “I’m Caught Up (In a One Night Love Affair)” by Inner Life. The lyrics speak of shaking off negativity and moving forward with a positive attitude. The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and Carey’s powerful vocals have made it a fan favorite and a classic in her discography. “Shake It Off” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, and remains a beloved song among Carey’s fans.
6. “Hero”
“Hero” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 1993 as the second single from her third studio album “Music Box”. The song is a power ballad that showcases Carey’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth. The lyrics speak of finding strength within oneself to overcome difficult times and become a hero. The song’s soaring chorus, orchestral arrangement, and Carey’s heartfelt delivery have made it a fan favorite and a timeless classic. “Hero” was a commercial success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100, and has been covered by numerous artists and used in various films and television shows. The song remains one of Carey’s most iconic and beloved songs.
7. “Touch My Body”
“Touch My Body” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 2008 as the lead single from her eleventh studio album “E=MC²”. The song is an upbeat and playful R&B track that features a catchy chorus and suggestive lyrics about intimacy. The song’s lighthearted and playful tone, coupled with Carey’s smooth vocals and the use of synths and hip-hop beats, have made it a fan favorite and a hit on the charts. “Touch My Body” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning Carey her 18th number-one single, tying her with Elvis Presley for the most number-one singles in the chart’s history.
8. “Dreamlover”
“Dreamlover” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 1993 as the lead single from her third studio album “Music Box”. The song is an upbeat and catchy R&B track that features a sample of “Blind Alley” by The Emotions. The lyrics speak of finding love and daydreaming about a perfect romantic partner. The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and Carey’s powerful vocals have made it a fan favorite and a classic in her discography. “Dreamlover” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of Carey’s most popular and beloved songs.
9. “We Belong Together”
“We Belong Together” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 2005 as the second single from her album “The Emancipation of Mimi”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases Carey’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth. The lyrics speak of a lost love and the desire to rekindle the relationship. The song’s poignant melody, powerful chorus, and Carey’s emotive delivery have made it a fan favorite and a classic in her discography. “We Belong Together” was a commercial success, spending 14 weeks atop the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning Carey several awards, including a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
10. “With You”
“With You” is a song by Mariah Carey, released in 2018 as the lead single from her fifteenth studio album “Caution”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that features a simple yet powerful melody, showcasing Carey’s signature vocals. The lyrics speak of being deeply in love and feeling fulfilled by a partner’s presence. The song’s romantic and intimate tone, coupled with Carey’s emotive delivery and the use of a piano-driven production, have made it a fan favorite and a highlight of her recent work. “With You” was a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its heartfelt lyrics and Carey’s vocal performance.