Twenty-four years ago today Mariah Carey released her third studio album Music Box successfully directing her career into a more pop and r&b oriented direction. Wedged in between her diva debut album Emotions and her iconic Merry Christmas album, Music Box can be easily forgotten. Cheesy power ballads are mixed in with sultry club songs and the order just feels messy, the songs blend together in a synthesized snooze.

The most successful ballad on the album “Hero” has painfully basic lyrics which are saved by Carey’s strong vocals. The only song that escapes this lazy tempo, “Now That I Know” delivers a high energy dance track with a gospel-like choir in the background. After that, it’s back to power ballad after power ballad and I like a good power ballad as much as the next girl but…

The first two songs on the album standout, “Dreamlover” and “Hero” went on to be chart toppers worldwide. The heartbreakingly slow “Without You” and “Dreamlover” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Knowing what Carey is capable of now makes Music Box lackluster but in 1993 this album took the world by storm and launched Carey’s global success. Music Box was Carey’s first album to reach number one in Germany, France, Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom reinforcing her diva status around the world.

Happy Jamming!

Listen to the Album on Spotify:

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