Mariah Carey Albums in Order: A Journey Through the Iconic Career of the ‘Songbird Supreme’.
Mariah Carey, born on March 27, 1969, is an American icon whose multifaceted talent has left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment. Often referred to as the “Songbird Supreme” by Guinness World Records, Mariah Carey is not only a singer but also a prolific songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her extraordinary vocal abilities, featuring a five-octave range and a distinctive use of the whistle register, have set her apart in the music industry.
Mariah Carey’s influence extends beyond her vocal prowess; she played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary music by seamlessly blending hip-hop with pop and popularizing the concept of remixes. She’s even earned the well-deserved title of the “Queen of Christmas,” thanks to her timeless holiday music, particularly the perennial favorite, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” With a career that skyrocketed in the 1990s, Carey achieved numerous milestones, including being the first artist to have her first five singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her chart-topping albums like “Music Box” and “Daydream” solidified her status as a musical powerhouse.
Despite facing setbacks and a highly publicized personal struggle, Carey made a triumphant return to the charts with “The Emancipation of Mimi” in 2005, showcasing her enduring star power. Beyond music, she has ventured into acting, television, literature, and even reality TV, offering fans a multifaceted view of her talents. Mariah Carey’s influence is undeniable, with over 220 million records sold worldwide and a slew of accolades, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Guinness World Records, to her name. She is not just a singer; she’s a force of nature in the world of entertainment. So, if you are a die heart fan of Mariah Carey Albums then check out here we have list of Mariah Carey albums in order of release so far.
All Mariah Carey Albums Available on: Apple Music
The discography of American singer Mariah Carey has released fifteen studio albums, two soundtrack albums, eight compilation albums, four extended plays, and one remix album.
Here is the list of Mariah Carey Album in Order of Release Date:
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Mariah Carey’s debut studio album, released on June 12, 1990, by Columbia Records, marked the inception of a legendary career. Showcasing a blend of contemporary genres, the album featured both soulful ballads and lively tracks. Mariah’s early collaborations with songwriter Ben Margulies led to four original songs that formed her demo tape. After securing her contract with Columbia, these songs were revamped and joined by works from renowned writers and producers, including Rhett Lawrence, Ric Wake, and Narada Michael Walden. The album, praised for Mariah’s vocal prowess, dominated the Billboard 200 chart for 11 consecutive weeks, achieving nine-times Platinum status in the United States and seven-times Platinum in Canada.
With four number-one singles, including the iconic “Vision of Love,” Mariah Carey’s debut album set records and solidified her place in music history, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
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“Emotions,” the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, debuted on September 17, 1991, under Columbia Records. Departing from her self-titled debut, Carey exercised greater creative control, infusing influences from various genres and earlier decades. Collaborating with producers like Walter Afanasieff and writers including Carole King, she showcased her vocal prowess and experimented with the whistle register. Though initially divisive among critics, it garnered retrospective acclaim. While not matching her debut’s global chart domination, it achieved commercial success in multiple countries, earning RIAA 4× Platinum certification in the US and selling over eight million copies worldwide. Notably, “Emotions” produced chart-topping singles like “Emotions” and “Make It Happen.”
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“Music Box,” Mariah Carey’s third studio album, released on August 31, 1993, via Columbia Records, showcased a transformation in her musical style. Collaborating with Walter Afanasieff and new producers like Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Carey ventured into a more pop/R&B-oriented sound while still including her signature ballads. The album spawned five singles, including chart-toppers “Dreamlover,” “Hero,” and “Without You.” Despite mixed critical reviews, “Music Box” achieved immense commercial success, topping charts in 15 countries and earning Diamond certification from the RIAA. With over 28 million copies sold worldwide, it remains one of the best-selling albums in history, solidifying Mariah Carey’s status as a music industry powerhouse.
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“Merry Christmas,” Mariah Carey’s fourth studio album and her inaugural Christmas release, arrived on October 28, 1994, during the zenith of her career sandwiched between “Music Box” (1993) and “Daydream” (1995). This holiday masterpiece boasts a mix of beloved Christmas classics and original tracks, all crafted in collaboration with Walter Afanasieff. The album spawned three singles, with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” becoming one of the best-selling singles ever and the top Christmas ringtone in the U.S. While opinions on its contemporary Christmas theme were divided, it has since achieved eight times platinum status in the U.S. and sold 15 million copies worldwide, cementing its status as a timeless holiday classic.
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“Daydream,” Mariah Carey’s fifth studio album, released on September 26, 1995, marked a pivotal moment in her career. Departing from her earlier work, this album delved into hip hop and urban music, showcasing Carey’s evolving musical direction. Collaborating with renowned producers like Jermaine Dupri, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Boyz II Men, she achieved a subtle transition into contemporary R&B. Despite creative clashes with her label and then-husband Tommy Mottola, “Daydream” received critical acclaim, earning six Grammy Award nominations. It dominated charts worldwide, certified Diamond by the RIAA, and boasts over 20 million global sales. The album’s singles, including “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day,” made chart history, solidifying Carey’s status as a music icon.
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“Butterfly,” the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, debuted on September 10, 1997, under Columbia Records. This transformative release marked a significant departure from her previous work, embracing a fusion of hip-hop and urban adult contemporary elements, a shift initiated by her preceding album, “Daydream” (1995). Collaborating with renowned hip-hop producers and artists like Sean “Puffy” Combs, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, and the Trackmasters, Carey’s sound evolved. The album spawned five singles, including the chart-topping hit “Honey” and the emotionally charged “My All.” Despite her ongoing dispute with Sony Music, “Butterfly” achieved international acclaim and commercial success, certified five-times Platinum in the US and selling over ten million copies globally.
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“Rainbow,” Mariah Carey’s seventh studio album, marked a pivotal moment in her career. Released on November 2, 1999, by Columbia Records, it continued the transition she began with “Daydream” and “Butterfly” into the urban adult contemporary market. The album showcased a fusion of hip-hop-influenced R&B tracks and soulful ballads. Mariah took greater control over her music after her separation from husband Tommy Mottola, collaborating with artists like Jay-Z, Usher, and Snoop Dogg. Despite a public feud over promotion, the album produced two Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers: “Heartbreaker” and “Thank God I Found You.” Critically acclaimed, “Rainbow” achieved triple-Platinum status in the U.S. and sold approximately eight million copies worldwide.
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“Glitter” is both the soundtrack to the 2001 film of the same name and the eighth studio album by Mariah Carey. Released in Japan on August 18, 2001, and in the United States on September 11, 2001, the album marked a significant departure from Carey’s previous work, embracing a fusion of dance-pop, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. Set in the 1980s, the album aimed to capture a post-disco era, featuring covers, samples, and newly written ballads to connect with the film’s narrative. Collaborations with producers like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and DJ Clue added depth to the project. Although initially criticized, “Glitter” has garnered retrospective acclaim, though it was a commercial and critical setback for Carey, leading to the termination of her record contract with Virgin Records.
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“Charmbracelet,” Mariah Carey’s ninth studio album, made its debut on December 3, 2002, under MonarC Entertainment and Island Records. Following her tumultuous period post-“Glitter” (2001), the album marked her return to the music scene. Critics praised it as one of her most personal works, akin to “Butterfly” in 1997. Love takes center stage thematically, weaving introspection and celebration. The album blends R&B with gospel and soul influences, diverging from “Glitter’s” ’80s samples into a softer hip-hop and R&B sound. Featuring collaborations with artists like Cam’ron, Jay-Z, and Freeway, “Charmbracelet” reached the top of charts globally, spawning hits like “Through the Rain.” Carey supported the album with a worldwide tour and multiple high-profile appearances.
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“The Emancipation of Mimi,” Mariah Carey’s tenth studio album, marked a triumphant return for the American R&B singer when it dropped on April 12, 2005, under Island Records. It earned the title of Carey’s “comeback album” by revitalizing her career, becoming her highest-selling release in the US in a decade. Collaborating with notable songwriters and producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West, Carey delivered a more intimate, emancipatory theme, shedding light on her personal and commercial struggles. The album blended her signature ballads with dance-oriented tracks, earning critical acclaim and numerous Grammy nominations. With hits like “We Belong Together,” it became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, solidifying Carey’s status as a music icon.
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E=MC²”: Mariah Carey’s eleventh studio album, released on April 15, 2008, by Island Records. Produced during her 2007 stay in Anguilla, the album is a sequel to her highly successful “The Emancipation of Mimi” (2005). It explores diverse musical styles, including reggae and gospel, while maintaining her signature R&B and pop ballads. Collaborations with artists like T-Pain and Young Jeezy add depth. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking her highest first-week sales. Its lead single, “Touch My Body,” made Carey the solo artist with the most number-one singles in US history. Overall, “E=MC²” showcased Carey’s musical versatility and chart-topping prowess.
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“Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” the twelfth studio album by Mariah Carey, was released on September 29, 2009, under Island Records. Following the promotion of her previous album, “E=MC²” (2008), Carey collaborated with Terius “The-Dream” Nash and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart to create this record, which she unveiled on Twitter. The album promised “big ballads,” with each song capturing a unique moment in a story. Five singles were released, including the hit “Obsessed,” which reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite mixed chart performance, the album received positive reviews from critics, praised for its consistent sound.
It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and saw international success. Carey supported the album with live performances and TV appearances, including on shows like America’s Got Talent and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
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“Merry Christmas II You” is the thirteenth studio album and second Christmas release by the renowned American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. Island Records dropped the album on November 2, 2010. Recorded amid Carey’s pregnancy, she took on the role of executive producer. Collaborating with a range of producers, including Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri, the album blends original compositions and covers, spanning ballads and uptempo tracks infused with R&B, soul, and house music. The album achieved a US Billboard 200 debut at number four and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Holiday Albums charts. While opinions among music critics varied, the album’s standout track, “Oh Santa!,” broke records on the US Adult Contemporary chart. It also produced singles like “Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem)” and “When Christmas Comes” featuring John Legend.
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“Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse” marks Mariah Carey’s fourteenth studio album, released on May 23, 2014, under Def Jam Recordings. The album’s creation began in 2011, during which Carey enlisted Randy Jackson before turning to Jermaine Dupri. It boasts guest appearances from artists like Nas, Miguel, Wale, and Fabolous, alongside her twins Moroccan and Monroe. Notably, R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige contribute to remixes on the deluxe edition. Originally titled “The Art of Letting Go,” the album faced delays due to various factors, including the reception of the single “Triumphant (Get ‘Em).” Despite promotional efforts and singles like “#Beautiful,” it received a Parental Advisory warning in the United States, distinguishing it from Carey’s earlier work.
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“Caution” marks Mariah Carey’s fifteenth studio album, released on November 16, 2018, under Epic Records, following a four-year hiatus. This R&B, pop, and hip hop fusion features collaborations with Ty Dolla Sign, Slick Rick, Blood Orange, and Gunna, alongside a diverse group of producers. Leading singles “With You” and “A No No” showcased Carey’s signature vocal prowess. Although commercially moderate, the album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200, with 51,000 album-equivalent units. Critically acclaimed, “Caution” is hailed as Carey’s most consistent work in over a decade and made its mark on numerous 2018 year-end music lists. She supported the album with public appearances and the Caution World Tour.
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