Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas II You [November 2nd]

[HeatSeeker]

STOP THE PRESS GUYS - WE HAVE AN OFFICIAL TITLE!

Mariah's New Album Title: Merry Christmas II You?


Mariah Carey may or may not be pregnant, but one thing's for sure, she will be delivering a bundle of joy this holiday season. The sequel to the pop songbird's Christmas album has been given an official title and due date.

Rap-Up.com has exclusively learned that Mimi's upcoming holiday project will be called Merry Christmas II You. The II represents the follow-up to 1994's multi-platinum Merry Christmas album, which spawned the now-classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The new offering is scheduled for a November 2 release and will include original material as well as covers of holiday classics.

An accompanying DVD will also be released the same day, but there are currently no details on what exactly it will contain. The packaging was shot in the spring by famed photographer David LaChapelle and features a festive setting with fake snow, tinsel, and wooden reindeers.

Mariah's manager Chris Lighty tweeted that she is working with the Home Shopping Network (HSN) to promote the project, which is guaranteed to be the perfect stocking stuffer




Christmas Album: "Very lush, lots of strings & no hip hop"


Mariah Carey is expecting a bundle of joy this December! It's a... new Christmas album!

While People, US Weekly, Radar Online and the rest of tabs hound the 40 old year songstress for news of a blessed birth, Carey is busy indeed gestating.

She's working hard on a Christmas album, with all new versions of her hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You." That song is now the most peopular of all holiday songs, downloaded more and played more than even "White Christmas." So Mariah has smarted up, brought in best pals Jermaine Dupri and Randy Jackson, and they are hard at work getting together their Christmas surprise.

As for the alleged baby–kids, Mariah is not going to tell us anything until the time is right and she's comfortable with it. A 40 year old woman is not going to announce a pregnancy before the fourth month. If you remember, Jennifer Lopez never did announce she was with child. Her twins are on their way to college now! (Just kidding.)

Anyway, Mariah's Christmas album is said to be very lush, with lots of strings and no hip hop. A lot of it is said to be "live" and there's an ochestra. So let's chew on that news, and calm down about the other. And believe me, she won't be announcing anything at Radar Online owned by the National Enquirer. That won't be happening!

And PS: It's not like Mariah's sitting at home with her feet up. She's doing a special gig for Wal Mart tonight outside of Los Angeles.Well, I'm very happy that they're reporting it won't be hip-hop flavored. However, why on earth is she working with Jermaine on this?! Does she really think he'll appeal to the same audience she did with her original? At least there are live orchestral elements in this. Despite who she's working with, I hope it will be a great record. Obviously, it won't match the sales and probably won't match the quality of its predecessor, but then again it is one of the best-selling Christmas records of all time, so really who could? As long as it's a solid effort throughout. My biggest hope is not that the album is a huge success, but (this is probably far-fetched), that it spawns another huge holiday single that will be remembered for decades.

[crazycool]

I hope this is gooood! It will be either be amazing and a return to form, or an embarassment for Mimi!
Fingers crossed it's like the first album.

[Pollei]

I hope this would be a good album.

[Wayne]

Yes a re-recording of All I Want!!!

I LOVE the song!

[Wayne]

Just finished singing,and a second session writing w/a classic,amazing collaborator(no names!) AND made dinner for my husband

Tweeted via Blackberry.

I wonder who this could be!

[HeatSeeker]

^ I'd love for it to be the legendary Walter A. but I doubt it :(

[Wayne]

Music Box springs to mind. Can you imagine a Christmas version of that? *dies*

I'd love for Mimi to bring it all back with THE VOICE, and not another boob job! lol.

[HeatSeeker]

^ Yeah exactly! I miss THE VOICE soooo much!

[Neil]

I sort of don't want it to be Walter, as I'm pretty certain it will fail to meet the majority's expectations as her ego is so inflated.

[Wayne]

How many albums did Mimi do with Walter?

[Neil]

^ 6 with, 6 without.

[Wayne]

So essentially, her 90's output, which is also her best output

[Neil]

Which is exactly my point about expectations being too high ;)

[Wayne]

Here's what I wrote @ UKMIX:


Everything up until Butterfly was outstanding. Beyond Butterfly, which is in itself the most overrated record of the 90's, her career becomes patchy, and doesn't truly return to form until E=MC2. Still, she has the best career of any female artist in my opinion - from a quality point of view, she is probably in a league of her own.

I want a 90's-sounding Mariah. Trust on this Mimi, recapture your 90's magic, and those sales will flood in!

I want something ala her 90's style back. If this Christmas record is to work, she needs to get that voice back

[Neil]

Did you really mean to put E=MC2 instead of the Emancipation!?

[HeatSeeker]

Did you really mean to put E=MC2 instead of the Emancipation!?

+1. Also, I love Butterfly and I did think it was overrated at one point but the more I listened to it, the more it conquered me...<3

[Neil]

Butterfly is 'overrated' by the fans, but I still think it's one of her best.
I hate that people on Mariah Daily voted 'Butterfly' as her all time favourite song though, I don't think it would be in my top 40!

[HeatSeeker]

^ Well it was either gonna be that or We Belong Together, so it was a refreshing change.

[Neil]

Honestley, I never even knew people considered it a contender!

[Wayne]

Yeah, it is quite strange Neil that you don't like the title track of Butterfly lol. The general consensus amongst most Mariah fans that I've come across is that they think We Belong Together is amazing, Butterfly (track) was ahead of its time, and Vision Of Love was revolutionary :P

Love all three tracks! <3

[Neil]

Wayne just completely ignoring the Emancipation >>> E=MC2 thing.

Butterfly is just... nice IMO. I'm not a fan of the choir. It sounds like an amalgamation of previous big ballads of hers. Perhaps an improvement on her standard formula back then, but in my eyes it is just standard song :p

Now, My All... that was something new. And all sorts of amazing.

[Wayne]

My All is very overrated too. The official remix of the song (can't remember the name) was all sorts of amazing - I didn't like it much, but I recognise why it was amazing.

RE: E=MC2 vs Emancipation...

E=MC2 is miles better. Emancipation just seems like 9 good songs have been paired with 8 or 9 reject songs. Its just a really average album. E=MC2 on the other hand is just brilliant. I'd never managed to grasp the stylistics of her 2000's material - it was always just a little "too" urban for my liking. E=MC2 had gospel, pop, vintage R&B and the urban was more bearable. Migrate is definitely not my thing though

[Neil]

You say E=MC2 is better, then you say Migrate sucks. You make zero sense!
OMG I remember when she sang Migrate live on SNL... I thought she'd gone down the gutter again, it was atrocious haha. But the studio version... SO immense. She should have released it, would have been a summer SMASH. But no she had to release Bye Bye, the worst ballad on the album. But then again I Stay In Love tanked, so IDK...

As far as Emancipation goes, the only songs I don't like are Sprung & Joy Ride.
E=MC2 is a good album. My only 'problem' with it is the lack of AMAZING tracks. Love the first 5 tracks & For The Record. Everything else I can give or take.

[crazycool]

Emancipation Of Mimi is FLAWLESS.

[xPopKillsx]

^ I love Say Something :D. That song is so underrated.

I hope there's more sultry tracks like that on the new album.

[xPopKillsx]

^ I love Say Something :D. That song is so underrated.

I hope there's more sultry tracks like that on the new album.

[Wayne]

http://musicistheheartofoursoul.toxicstrut.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/blog1-mariah-carey-e1282265485690.jpg (http://musicistheheartofoursoul.toxicstrut.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/blog1-mariah-carey.jpg)



Mariah Carey has announced plans to record a festive album for the 2010 holidays.



The album, which is scheduled for an early November release, will also feature six new songs and a new mix of her hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”


Can't wait for the new mix of All I Want...! Timeless track!

[HeatSeeker]

Not looking forward to the umpteenth remix of that song, but 6 new songs is twice as much as her last album so I'm excited :cheer:

[HeatSeeker]

Mariah's New Album Title: Merry Christmas II You?


Mariah Carey may or may not be pregnant, but one thing's for sure, she will be delivering a bundle of joy this holiday season. The sequel to the pop songbird's Christmas album has been given an official title and due date.

Rap-Up.com has exclusively learned that Mimi's upcoming holiday project will be called Merry Christmas II You. The II represents the follow-up to 1994's multi-platinum Merry Christmas album, which spawned the now-classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The new offering is scheduled for a November 2 release and will include original material as well as covers of holiday classics.

An accompanying DVD will also be released the same day, but there are currently no details on what exactly it will contain. The packaging was shot in the spring by famed photographer David LaChapelle and features a festive setting with fake snow, tinsel, and wooden reindeers.

Mariah's manager Chris Lighty tweeted that she is working with the Home Shopping Network (HSN) to promote the project, which is guaranteed to be the perfect stocking stuffer

Source (http://www.rap-up.com/2010/09/01/exclusive-mariah-carey-christmas-album-title-release-date-revealed/)

I like it! It's simple & sweet, and clever in that it references her first album! Coincidentally, her first Xmas record was released onNov 1 and her second will be out Nov 2 :P

[Neil]

Clever title. I hope it does well for her, but more importantly I hope the material is good!
EDIT: Cover was shot and seemingly the other promo stuff a few months back, another sign that she is PREGNANT?

[Wayne]

TERRIFIC title! Some people have suggested she cover Ave Maria, and I personally think that would be a terrible move!

I LOVE that song, and I don't think she has the right sort of voice for it anymore. I'd love to see her take on some other assorted Christmas classics though, White Christmas for e.g. She MUST go down the AC route!

[HeatSeeker]

^ No, please not Ave Maria! I don't think it suits her voice either. If she keeps the r&b/hip-hop flavor in check and instead focuses on AC/gospel/pop she'll sell decently, and bring back some of her fans that have been alienated since Butterfly.

[Wayne]

I hope she re-releases All I Want! :D

[HeatSeeker]

^ As long as it's not the first single! I want something NEW

[Wayne]

Well I don't think it matters if its the first single or not! :P Wouldn't you love to see Mariah get her first 2m digital seller, this Christmas that could happen, if she pushes All I Want.

Anyway, All I Want could sell this album all the way to her bank account, its a timeless piece of art - a carol, a classic!

[HeatSeeker]

^ Of course it matters. People aren't gonna get excited to buy a new album if the first single is a re-make of something that's been available for 16 years. I mean honestly, what can she do to the single to make it even better than it is? It's perfection, doesn't need to be tampered with!

[Wayne]

Its fickle to think singles sell albums, with artists like Mariah; they don't. A million-selling top 10 hit (Obsessed) couldn't sell her Memoirs album and no million seling Christmas song AT Christmas is going to sell her Christmas album. People still want to hear her All I Want ... classic - there's still a generation of fans that won't have heard it.

And besides, if she does go the AC route, she won't need to worry about a hit single, as she won't get one! :P

[HeatSeeker]

^ I suppose, but I still don't want her to release that as a lead.

[crazycool]

I adore the title!

[Wayne]

Apparently...


Mariah Carey Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..... http://www.mariahcarey.com/

:o

[Lady_Godga]

If she release All I Want part 2 , So the album will sell well :p

[Neil]

Apparently...



:o


There's just snowflakes on the website now, lol.

[Wayne]

^ Yeah :/

As per Mariah Connection:



Mariah Carey once again spent some time chatting with fans on Twitter and revealed that she is working with Melonie Daniels again: "I'm in the studio at Singmelo aka Melodisity Danielious. La Me lo-de-mama. Just singing. Mm hmm."
Meanwhile Mariah’s manager, Chris Lighty, hints to a Coca-Cola tie-in promotion: "Let's go, about to play a Mariah Carey song for some Coca Cola execs, let's bring out the elves and festive stuff."

I'm not sure I'd want to see the Coca Cola adverts any different to how they've been forever! I'd love Mimi to score a huge hit single though! Also, Melonie Daniels is the one who worked with Mimi on this song:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naY0GohSWE4

[HeatSeeker]

^ MDJ confirmed that Chris denied the Coca cola commercial for MCC. Btw, LOVE that song!

[Wayne]

Ah, I suppose that's something then. I think she'd alienate a lof of coca-cola lovers :P

Yeah, that song is AMAZING. I'm SO into her Merry Christmas album at the moment, its spectacular!!! Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child is my joint first most played track! :D

I hope she records something as soulful on MC II You

[HeatSeeker]

Alienate coke lovers? Why? She did promo for Pepsi in 06 and did just fine lol.

[Wayne]

Because the coca-cola adverts for Christmas have been the same forever, with something new added every year, and people just love them the way they are. The music, the mood, the setting - coca-cola get it right every year, and having Mimi would ruin them!

[HeatSeeker]

^ I think it would ruin them for YOU lol. They can have their regulars and one Mimi :P

[Wayne]

oh santa....!

[HeatSeeker]

B.Cox Reveals a New Mariah Christmas Song

Producer Bryan-Michael Cox went live on Ustream last night to talk about his current and upcoming projects. During the broadcast, he revealed a new song called "Oh Santa" from Mariah's new Christmas album Merry Christmas II You. Listen to the audio below.

Bryan-Michael Cox: "You guys have to hear the new stuff that we did for Mariah. We did a Christmas album and we mixed that like I guess a couple of weeks back so there should be another song soon - it's called 'Oh Santa.' And then there's a song that we got that she needs to finish. This crazy. I hope she gets the chance to finish the joint. It's amazing. I don't even want to talk about the songs. So amazing. I hope she finishes it."

Mariah's new Christmas album Merry Christmas II You, a follow-up to her 1994 best-selling Holiday album Merry Christmas, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. It is now listed and available for pre-order on Amazon.com. According to the product listing, it comes in 2 discs, CD + DVD, and priced at $16.49. It is currently ranked at #31 on Amazon's bestsellers list in Holiday-Opera & Vocal.

--------------------------

Oh, Mariah!

LOL I Love the title! I love that she actually writes her own holiday songs instead of just covering ones that have been here since the beginning of time (cough Susan Boyle). Can't wait!!!

[Wayne]

I want her to cover some of the old classics though, as well her own new ones! :D

Oh Santa is an awesome title! :D Her website is going to be promoting continuously her upcoming Christmas record too :P

[HeatSeeker]

I want her to cover some of the old classics though, as well her own new ones! :D

Oh Santa is an awesome title! :D Her website is going to be promoting continuously her upcoming Christmas record too :P

Of course she'll give us both! I'm just saying she has the talent and drive to write her own songs, too. :)

[Wayne]

She does. I was listening to her 1993 concert earlier, whilst I was cleaning. Anyway, got to the end, and she discusses how she used to take a melody home and write the lyrics around the melody. That sounds unusual to me, but still, it worked! She's awesome

[HeatSeeker]

Promo Pic

http://mariahcarey.com/bin/galImg/siteFiles/2945a53730.jpg

Love it!

[Wayne]

Ahh, I can remember when I first saw this, and I loved it! :D

[Wayne]

We will hear all the details to Mariah's new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You in a press release that's reportedly being issued tomorrow (Sept. 20) morning.

:)

[HeatSeeker]

As autumn leaves begin to fall, international superstar Mariah Carey puts the finishing touches on MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU, her second career album of holiday tunes, arriving November 2nd on the Island Def Jam Music Group. Highlighting the long-awaited new album is a brand new recording of Mariah's all-time standard, "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

In addition to traditional yuletide fare - "The First Noel," "Little Drummer Boy," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and more - MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU also contains four original songs composed by Mariah, including the new single, "Oh Santa," and many more surprises for the fans. Producers on the new album include American Idol's Randy Jackson, multi-platinum hit-making producer Jermaine Dupri, James Poyser (acclaimed producer for Aretha Franklin, The Roots, Lauryn Hill and more), and five-time Oscar nominee and Grammy/Tony/Emmy award winning composer Marc Shaiman.

Since it was first released, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, has become one of the essential musical hallmarks of the holiday season, and continues to set sales records each year. The song hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Recurrents chart every year from 2005 to 2008. After ringtones began to be charted in 2006, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" hit #1 for the next three consecutive holiday seasons. It became the first seasonal Mastertone to be certified RIAA gold (2006) and RIAA platinum (2007), and is ranked as the top-selling seasonal ringtone of all-time."All I Want For Christmas is You" was the featured single from MERRY CHRISTMAS, which has sold over 12 million to date.

MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU is Mariah Carey's 13th studio album, and follows up her worldwide multi-million-selling Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (released September 2009), her multi-platinum E=MC² (2008), and worldwide 10 million selling The Emancipation Of Mimi (2005). The Emancipation Of Mimi generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemporary R&B Album), two #1 singles, and countless more honors during its 18-month chart stay. Soundscan's biggest-selling album of 2005, Mimi featured "We Belong Together" (Grammy winner for Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song) and "Don't Forget About Us," Mariah's 16th and 17th #1 career singles respectively. They tied one of the most enduring chart records in Billboard Hot 100 history, Elvis Presley's 17 #1's.

Three years later, Mariah surpassed Elvis when "Touch My Body" (from E=MC²) became her 18th #1 Hot 100 hit. "Touch My Body" spent two weeks at the top, Mariah's 78th and 79th cumulative career weeks at #1, which tied Elvis' long-standing all-time high of 79 weeks at #1, as calculated by Billboard. Mariah is now positioned as the only active recording artist in the 50 years of the Hot 100 (which began in 1958) with the potential to surpass the Beatles' all-time high of 20 #1 hits. The success of E=MC² brought total sales of Mariah's albums, singles and videos to more than 200 million worldwide, distancing her even further from the pack as the top-selling female recording artist in history.


http://www.mariahcarey.com/bin/galImg/siteFiles/5603c6ef99.jpg

Source: MariahCarey.com

[HeatSeeker]

I'm still extremely anxious/nervous about the material, and I won't get my hopes up until I hear it, but DAMN that could very well be the best album cover she's EVER shot! And 4 new songs, YESSSS! :cheer:

[Wayne]

So is that the official cover? If so, she looks radiant!

I hope the new songs are big ballads. O Come All Ye Faithful has been sung by Celine, will be interesting to see what Mariah does with it

[HeatSeeker]

Since Brian is working with her on Oh Santa, it's probably gonna be an R&B number. I'm not thrilled about it, but I do love the songs he's done for Mariah - Don't Forget About Us, Shake It Off, For The Record, I Say In Love...

[Wayne]

Yeah they are all good songs...for any other time of year. I don't want r&b Christmas:(

[HeatSeeker]

^ Well I doubt the covers will be R&B. She is working with a live band, plus James Poyser who did Mine Again and I Wish You Well with her, so hopefully that's a sign that the VOCALS are coming!

[crazycool]

I like the cover!

[Neil]

LMAO @ THIS.

MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU is Mariah Carey's 13th studio album, and follows up her worldwide multi-million-selling Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel

[crazycool]

^ I did think that was a bit off too lol...

Is it even over 1 million worldwide? It's definately no way near multi though hahahahhahahaa

[Wayne]

MARIAH Carey has unwrapped her latest festive offering.

Merry Christmas II You is the follow-up to her 1994 album Merry Christmas, which sold 12million copies.

It will be released on November 2.

Mariah, 40, has re-recorded the favourite All I Want For Christmas Is You for the album, and there is a host of traditional carols.

There are also four new songs, including lead single Oh Santa. The video is being filmed in Aspen, Colorado, and features a secret guest star.

Maybe it’ll be Santa Claus himself.

Source:Daily Star

[Sergeant Pepper]

I just can't wait to see how this album performs, I plan to download all the songs to support the album.

[HeatSeeker]

I just can't wait to see how this album performs, I plan to download all the songs to support the album.

Aww that's awesome!

Speaking of sales, Susan's album is going to be released just ONE week after Mariah's!

BOYle wasn't supposed to release till late November! I'm almost 100% certain that Mariah's album will be MILES better than Susan's, judging by the latter's horrible, sleep-inducing cover collection that only sold because of her story and appeal to older album buyers. Seriously, she has a pretty good voice, but she's not amazing by any means and if she looked like a normal singer she wouldn't have sold 1/20th of what she did. Critical reception was far from warm as well.

Regardless of how good or bad it is, it's going to SELL. It won't be as huge as I Dreamed A Dream, but I expect this to surpass Mariah's first week in its 2nd week. How embarrassing would that be? All the lamb-haters will capitalize on it lol. :(

[Wayne]

Oh she will definitely outsell Mariah. In fact, i bet that in her first week, Susan will do more than what Mariah sells in her first month. However, it isn't a fair or needed comparison in my opinion, I am definitely anticipating Mariahs Christmas album more anyway.

I am GAGGING to hear her re-recorded version of All I Want...!

[HeatSeeker]

Susan could shit reindeer out of her ass and sell like crazy, but we all know Mariah's Xmas album will pwn everything released this holiday season.

I agree :bravo:

[Sergeant Pepper]

Lol, Susan will reach two-times multi-platinum.

[Wayne]

"There is no Merry Christmas without MC"

It's the official slogan that we will see in the marketing campaign for Mariah's new holiday album Merry Christmas II You that's slated for release on Tuesday, November 2. Kicking off with teaser ads in September, the extensive advertising campaign for the album extends through the Holiday season; and will stretch across all platforms (TV, Radio, Online, Outdoor, Print). MariahDailyJournal is happy to share with you the planned promotional blitz for Merry Christmas II You.

TV
• Mariah Christmas Special - PBS Soundstage (Major Network Broadcast)
• Oprah
• ABC Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Special
• NBC Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
• Today Show
• Saturday Night Live Christmas Special
• The View
• Ellen
• Tonight Show with Jay Leno
• ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Print Media: All major daily and weekly publications

Radio
• "Oh Santa" will ship to Pop, Hot AC, AC, Rhythmic, and Urban Radio in October
• Single and album tracks will be programmed on all holiday-themed syndicated radio shows, as well as major holiday initiatives with XM and Sirius.

The music video for the first single "Oh Santa" (to be reportedly filmed on Oct. 1) will be programmed on all major TV and online partners.

Please note that all information mentioned above is subject to change without prior notice.

[HeatSeeker]

YES! I hope she learned from her last two eras that she can't just sit back and sell off the back of her name and a top 10 single! She needs to get out there and PROMOTE! :cheer:

[Neil]

^ It's not much more than she did with Memoirs, and about the same as E=MC2 just (presumably) more staggered... which of course is perfect for a Christmas release as the successful ones usually increase week-on-week.

Do hope 'Oh Santa' is good! :)

[Wayne]

I also hope Oh Santa sounds good. She's apparently receiving at best a mixed response from audience goers that recently saw her live, and so I think this new record needs to sound awesome!

[Neil]

Interesting data on last year's seasonal songs/albums in US:

http://i54.tinypic.com/10g9o1w.png
http://i55.tinypic.com/t0gebk.png

[Wayne]

Yeah, both Mariah and Celine don't sell the numbers they used to with their albums. And Mariah should sell even less this year.

http://madaboutmariah.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mc2u.jpg

COLLECTORS! :D

[Wayne]

From mariahcarey.com

Have yourself a Merrier Christmas with MC! Mariah announces the official tracklisting to Merry Christmas II You her new holiday album in-stores November 2.

1. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Intro)

2. Oh Santa!

3. O Little Town of Bethlehem / Little Drummer Boy Medley

4. Christmas Time Is In The Air Again

5. The First Noel / Born is the King (Interlude)

6. When Christmas Comes

7. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) / Housetop Celebration

8. Charlie Brown Christmas

9. O Come All Ye Faithful / Hallelujah Chorus feat. Patricia Carey

10. O Holy Night - Live from WPC in South Central Los Angeles

11. One Child

12. All I Want for Christmas is You - Extra Festive

13. Auld Lang Syne - The New Year's Anthem

[HeatSeeker]

Love the tracklist overall. Not sure why she's starting with a song she's done twice already - in the original and anniversary mix, but hey. She needs to stop with the prelude/interlude thing lol.

And a song with her mom, woo! So it's true! Can't wait to hear how she sounds, and how they sound together :D Aww!

And of course she had to title the new mix of All I Want "Extra Festive" lol that's so Mariah :roll:

Only thing that's questionable is doing O Holy Night Live - she's already done two huge covers (1994 + 2000) so I see it as pretty pointless, especially considering she'll never be able to top those with her 2010 voice.

[Wayne]

Are you sure that its going to be a new O Holy Night though, and not one from her Charmbracelet era?

[HeatSeeker]

Well actually I was thinking that it might be...I hope not, but at least if it is, it'll sound much better lol.

[Neil]

What is 'WPC in South Central Los Angeles'?

When I google it, it comes up with some Microsoft conference.

[Neil]

Oh and she was looking gorgeous at Nick's birthday party.
Totally wearing maternity wear, but she doesn't look like she has a bump... just plump :/

[Sergeant Pepper]

I love the tracklist to this. I'm actually not considering to buy this :P

Mariah better get platinum status with this album :D

[Neil]

Hhmmm, with Lady Antebellum & Susan Boyle releasing (I'm not quite sure if SuBo counts as a 'Christmas' album, but half the tracks are Xmas/New year it's definitely a 'Holiday' album) Mariah will fade into the background I think. I'm sure she'll do better than Jessica Simpson, Sheryl Crow & Katharine McPhee though...

[Wayne]

What is 'WPC in South Central Los Angeles'?

When I google it, it comes up with some Microsoft conference.

WPC is a small arena/conference center in Los Angeles, which she apparently played during one of her tours. However, I can't remember the last time she played Oh Holy Night live, it wasn't during her Charmbracelet tour!

[HeatSeeker]

Oh Santa! is out on iTunes now!!

http://www.mariahjournal.com/images/banners/ohsanta_campaign/murat_siggy1.gif

[crazycool]

Love everything about this project so far, it's not looking like it'll be a lifesaver for Mariah but I do hope it does a lot better than Memoirs!!

I heard "Oh Santa!" just once, and I loved it. Can't wait to get it, I've pre-ordered from hmv!

[HeatSeeker]

The album reached as high as #24 on iTunes pre-orders even though it's October, hopefully a sign that it'll do OK once it's officially out! The song is nowhere to be seen on the main iTunes list but is #1 on holiday songs while All I Want is #2 lol.

[Wayne]

Yes that's a very good sign. Let's hope it does alright in the long run, not expecting a big opening week mind you, for obvious reasons

[HeatSeeker]

Mariah Launches New Christmas Album

Mariah Carey launched many new things last night at the Allen Room at Jazz Lincoln Center: her new album, which features-surprise-her mom, Patricia as a stunning operatic guest vocalist.

Carey also—even though she made no announcement—showed off her pretty obvious pregnant self. She glowed as she took the stage in a kind of black teddy design of a maternity dress. Then she brought out husband Nick Cannon and he glowed. Photographers took pictures and didn't need flash. It came from the couple.

Island Def Jam's L.A. Reid introduced the album, "Merry Christmas II You," which is "available" on November 2nd. (He noted that you can't say "in stores" anymore since there aren't many.) Reid kicked off the listening session before Carey arrived since she was late-let's face it, she's always late and everyone knows it. But by the time he finished playing several tracks, Mariah and Nick had arrived and all was good.

In the audience: Marc Shaiman, the great Broadway composer, who helped give Mariah arrangements, orchestrations, and new songs that make her notable eight octave voice sound terrific. Also on hand: Gayle King, and Mariah's phalanx of agents and lawyers.

On stage, Mariah joked about working long hours, and gave thanks to missing producer Randy Jackson. "He's off working on some show," she joked about "American Idol."

And about the album: those who counted Mariah out after the disappointing sales of her last CD, guess what? She's back. From the Phil Spectorish remake of her classic holiday song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" to Shaiman's lush, gorgeous "Christmas Time is in the Air," Mariah nails the whole thing. Her voice has never sounded better. There's a nod to A Charlie Brown Christmas with a sample of Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts music mashed up with "Christmas Time is Here." I loved the funky R&B version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" mixed up with a Chic sample and Akon.

As for the big 'white elephant' in the room: as Mariah conveyed to this column several weeks ago, she's superstitious about discussing the pregnancy. That's fine. You can tell how happy she is! Meanwhile, she's doing a Christmas TV special on December 12th-and there will be no denying it then.

Start knitting those baby booties.

Mariah speaks about her new Merry Christmas II You album at the listening party:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Y-QORO9gw&feature=player_embedded

[Wayne]

What do you think of the clips Diego? I think she sounds incredible in Oh Come All Ye Faithful

[HeatSeeker]

I was speechless when I heard her belt o.O Those high notes are like nothing she's done recently, they sound very promising! Her mom sounds great too, she must be at least 60 by now but still has a strong voice by the sounds of things.

I really can't wait!

[Wayne]

I agree with all that. Has this leaked yet?!

[HeatSeeker]

^Nope, but any day now!

Living The Life: Message From Mariah

Jermaine Dupri filmed a special episode of Living The Life to let everyone know that "Oh Santa!," the new single from Mariah's upcoming Merry Christmas II You album, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Holiday Digital Songs chart this week.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig-QEnJJY2w&feature=player_embedded

"What's up, lifers? Mariah sent me for this Living The Life, she says, 'Jermaine, I need you to do a special edition of Living The Life and let all the lifers know that we have the no. 1 Christmas song in America right now.' The record debuted at no. 1, 'Oh Santa!,' so if you ain't pick it up make sure y'all go to iTunes. I wanna say congratulations to Mariah. Shout out to my boy B.Cox. It's another one, man. You know what I mean? And I sent the message on Twitter: 'There's no producer, no producer that has had the no. 1 Christmas song, a Hip-Hop honor and Song of The Decade all in the same year. No producer.' Everybody keeps saying I'm underrated, we don't care about that. The stats is the stats."

--------------------------------------------------------------

You know, I really don't like how they're over-hyping this #1 honor. Mariah was blabbing about it on twitter and now there's this...I'm happy that she got it, but it's not like there was any actual competition +lol+ And I mean, I want her to really FIGHT and have the PASSION to want to be out there and doing well where it MATTERS, really PROMOTE and spread the word about her music, like she did during all her successful eras. If she starts getting lazy with the promo again and think everything will fall into place because of a successful lead single and her name, then we're in for another flop. :rolleyes:

I know I'm probably reading too much into it, but it gets frustrating when she lets gems like E=MC^2 go to waste or lets herself release AWFUL images like the MOAIA cover or chooses to blab about her perfume, movie, and puppies instead of her album, or looks like an immobile robot on stage. I want PROMORIAH and HOTMARIAH and especially VOICERIAH to return! +legend+

[Neil]

Lol I know. Big fucking wow having the #1 holiday song in October, lol. And with sales of what, a few hundred?

It does sound like she has a reasonable amount of things planned for the album as far as promo goes though, most are quite high profile as well.
OH I also read she's doing Chelsea Lately :D I love that show. Should be fun to watch.
When is she going to announce her pregnancy!? Or is she going to wait until her Christmas special to sing "Joy to the world, the lord has come, let Earth receive her King" and then push the baby out there and then?

[HeatSeeker]

^ I hope so, would be great promo for the album LOL. I did find it interesting how they left "One Child" out of the listening party :tehe:

[HeatSeeker]

Oh and one of the things that sparked my rant earlier was this horrible promo pic, done by the same guy that worked on her EOM/Rainbow pics:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c64/justozzy/MC_photos.jpg

[Neil]

LOL Green screen much?

[crazycool]

Love the desktop backgrounds!
I'm so excited for the album, I can't even tell you how much!

[HeatSeeker]

Mariah Carey Ft. Patricia Carey - Oh Come All Ye Faithful (http://www.vanityedge.com/forum/showthread.php?4224-Mariah-Carey-Ft.-Patricia-Carey-Oh-Come-All-Ye-Faithful-Hallelujah-Chorus)

[HeatSeeker]

Mariah's voice sounds so pure and rested...already it sounds in much better condition than Memoirs.

And Patricia! o.O Sooo good!

[Neil]

YAY 10 tracks have leaked, I'm hoping the full thing will have leaked when I wake up tomorrow :)

[HeatSeeker]

Download the full album! (http://www.vanityedge.com/forum/showthread.php?4225-Mariah-Carey-Merry-Christmas-II-You-New-Album&p=57599#post57599) You won't be disappointed!

And please buy it when it's out next Tuesday :D

I'm curious to hear what Wayne thinks of it :P

[Wayne]

Just downloading now - I buy all Mariah records, so shall definitely purchase this. Shall leave my thoughts later!

[HeatSeeker]

^ Cool!!

Absolutely LOVE these tracks so far:

Oh Santa!
Christmas Town Is In The Air Again (this sounds VERY classic, I can't believe she did this :O it's very black-and-white-Christmas-movie-soundtrack sounding )
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
One Child (Love the hook with the children, SOOO sweet :love:)
All I Want for Christmas is You - Extra Festive (I was against re-releasing this song but that intro, and the modernized beat, )
Auld Lang Syne/The New Year's Anthem (OMG this song <<<<<<<3333 it's perfect for a new year's party )

the rest sound like growers lol

[Wayne]

The feedback from her fans seems to be very positive at the moment (I remember similar joy when Memoirs leaked lol). I wonder if most of them will turn on this Christmas album too :P Anyway, I'm beyond excited to listen to this - there are three tracks in particular I am intrigued about as everybody seems to be raving about them...When Christmas Comes, One Child and Oh Come All Ye Faithful.

Ooh also her take on Auld Lang Syne, one of my favourite songs ever!

[Wayne]

1) Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Intro)
Cute.

2) Oh Santa!
I can't see myself picking this song out in seasons to come, but its initial listens are pleasing. Definitely a grower, yet nothing on her Christmas standard, All I Want...7/10

3) O Little Town of Bethlehem / "Little Drummer Boy
Very beautiful, I prefer the O Little Town Of Bethlehem parts, as the "Pa rum pum pum pum"...parts actually start to annoy me after a while. Her voice sounds in very good condition when she really belts though, which is promising. Less of the Little Drummer Boy and more of the O Little Town.. would've been better for me 8/10

4) Christmas Time Is in the Air Again
Sounds like a mixture of a 50's record and an old style jazz record, with her contemporary vocals. Its very nice, and sounds like it should feature in the Wizard Of Oz when Dorothy's house is flying :lol: :lol: Very nice, I think I'm going to fall in love with this when I start seeing snow outside. Lovely! 8.5/10

5) The First Noel / Born is the King (Interlude)
Had the potential to be really good, but it falls flat in my opinion. Too much whispering for my liking, and spoilt even further by the Born Is The King interlude which is tagged onto the end, which is in my opinion, quite abysmal 5/10

6) When Christmas Comes
This would sit perfectly on the end of The Emancipation Of Mimi, and is the sister track of Mine Again. Her voice is absolutely brilliant!! This is the Mariah I wanted to hear - there is some depth to, and power behind, that voice. And there is minimal whispering, with Mariah singing amazingly! It gets better, and better as the song goes on 9/10

7) Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" / "Housetop Celebration
Really love this! One of my favourites on the album. Instead of the background choir noise, I would've stuck in a choir, and turned this into a ghospel tinged track. Still, what the song is, fits well with the album. Very enjoyable!! 8/10

8) Charlie Brown Christmas
The only track I couldn't listen to all the way through. Skipped about two minutes in. 5/10

9) O Come All Ye Faithful / "Hallelujah Chorus (featuring Patricia Carey)
The one I anticipated most. It was a surreal moment when her mother comes in, as you're sat thinking "OHMYGOD, this is Mariah Carey's mum"! Stunning track, the ending doesn't disappoint 9.5/10

10) O Holy Night (Live from WPC in South Central Los Angeles)
Ordinarily, I'd rank this a 10/10 as a standalone track. However, recycling a song from a decade previous only serves to highlight Mariah's deteoriation as a vocalist. Bad decision, and in the context of the album, its a 1/10

11) One Child
Absolutely fantastic track! She makes up for a shaky beginning, with a superb second half! 9/10

12) All I Want for Christmas Is You (Extra Festive)
Tired of the countless re-issues this gets, but you can't help but love the song. Nothing can touch the original version, but I do like this. 8/10

13) Auld Lang Syne (The New Year's Anthem)
I can count on two hands the number of songs that provoke a genuine emotion in me, through lyrics alone - before even hearing the music, and this is one of those special tracks. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest, not one bit by Mariah's version. This is the closest the album gets to perfection in my opinion, just brilliant, and does exactly what the song should do. 9.9/10

I don't want to say that I am disappointed by this album - that's not quite an accurate description. I am however very underwhelmed by it. Nothing on it is perfect - one or two are very close to perfection - but this isn't my reason for criticsms. I don't like how deceptive the clips were to my ears - I thought we'd welcomed back the old Mariah. And to a degree we have - I'd say she sounds as good as she did during the E=MC2 era - which is very, very good! The album has an occasional hint of magic, but I must say, I preferred the hype to the finished product.

OVERALL: 7.5

Good effort.

[HeatSeeker]

^ Great review, Wayne! It's interesting to hear the songs again after you've heard what people have said about them, and pick up things you didn't notice at first.

I definitely think this is a grower album. I wouldn't be surprised if you gave it a higher rating later, especially after spinning it in mid to late December :P

[Wayne]

Completely agree!! I think once I see some snow fall, I'll love this record!!

[Neil]

is-RYE-el
Omg that is going to piss me off so much.

[Neil]

Hhmmm. I think I'm sort of underwhelmed? I'm not sure, it's too early in the year for me to give the album a proper listen, and I probably won't ever give it a proper listen lol.
Regardless of what Mimi might think, a Christmas album really is a throw-away album so to speak... I played the original album the last 2 years a lot but always just in the background on repeat, not really paying attention until AIWFCIY came on lol.

I like how they didn't change the song too much, just sort of spruced it up a bit I guess. Are there new vocals? Only listened to it once but it sounded the same apart from some new bits at the end.

I don't like her mum's singing. Yes she has a lovely operatic voice but it's not my thing at all, and I don't really think it goes with the song that well though. A lovely sentiment though :)

[Sergeant Pepper]

I might download the whole album on uTorrent :) Is it availible on there at the moment?

[Wayne]

Well why use a torrent, use something like megaupload, mediafire or see if the multiupload file still works in our downloads section - they're much safer. If you're still having trouble, let me know and I'll upload the album and send you the link whlilst you're online :)

I'm finding that the stand out track is One Child - it sounds breathtaking at the end - fricking fabulous even!

[HeatSeeker]

^ I almost cried listening to that song when the children start harmonizing o.O Sooo beautiful

[HeatSeeker]

Us Weekly Gives Merry Christmas II You 3.5/4 Stars!

Mariah Carey
Merry Christmas II You
By Ian Drew, Us Weekly (Nov. 8)


Sixteen years after her landmark holiday CD, Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey presents a second set of glittery yuletide standards, plus four originals. The disc's biggest gift? The glorious gospel "O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus," where the diva duets with her opera singer mom, Patricia!

[Wayne]

That one song is going to be the album's saving grace for years to come! These duets do generally work really well, so pleased to see the reception is strong for Mariah!

[crazycool]

Everyone seems to be raving about this and she's definately got some good buzz going on at the moment, so maybe it'll do well afterall!

[Neil]

^ Out of curiosity, what do you class 'doing well' as?

I have no idea how well this will do in the sales department.

[Wayne]

On a phone in, Nick said that Mariah recorded two music videos last night! :o

Also, her vocal range (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iLt1T_0HE0) on this album is 4 octaves. Thanks to RightToDream for the Youtube video!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iLt1T_0HE0

[HeatSeeker]

^ She had a higher range on Memoirs, but it just goes to show that higher range =/= better vocals. Still, it's impressive she's able to sing in at least 4 octaves 20 years after her debut, even with her power deteriorating her range has remained strong!

Another positive review, this time from Entertainment Weekly

Rating: B+

Carey's second holiday collection leavens soaring takes on traditional hymns with a handful of funkier originals, the best of which is the foot-stomping "Oh Santa!"

-------------------------------

Looks like it's gonna be a hit with the critics. Can't wait to read Rolling Stone's review...

[Wayne]

Oh she could create the most soulful, blissful, beautiful song in the world, and Rolling Stone would critique her badly. I will be very surprised if she gets a good review from them.

This is in the Target circular, and goes on sale for $11.99 on Tuesday (tomorrow!). What do we think this will do? Big business?

[Neil]

I'm thinking <100k.

[Wayne]

Similar to myself.


Impending motherhood isn't slowing Mariah Carey down.

The songbird will appear in an ABC special, Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You, to air Dec. 13 (9 p.m. ET).

Carey will sing from the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles, performing classics and other songs from her new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You.

The show will also feature the multi-Grammy winner surprising fans by granting their special wishes.

:D

[HeatSeeker]

Oh she could create the most soulful, blissful, beautiful song in the world, and Rolling Stone would critique her badly. I will be very surprised if she gets a good review from them.

This is in the Target circular, and goes on sale for $11.99 on Tuesday (tomorrow!). What do we think this will do? Big business?

Yep Rolling Stone are idiots. They gave Memoirs a decent review and it's one of her worst albums.

[Sergeant Pepper]

I hope this sells in the 90k - 130k region debut week :D

[HeatSeeker]

Honestly I'll be happy with just 50K at this rate!

[HeatSeeker]

Music Video Premiere: http://mariahcarey.com/

[HeatSeeker]

She looks absolutely incredible! And really happy too :D I like all the dancing, clapping, and cheering, a classic MC festive moment. It's a bit one-dimensional though because the entire video takes place in one scene (same with Just The Way You Are, which was directed by the same person). And I hope that intro doesn't put people off, it seems too conceited xD

[Neil]

The video player on her site is horrible!
I can get about 4 seconds playing that it freezes for 10 seconds... repeats...
Got to 35 seconds then I gave up, lol. Looks quite good though :)
Hopefully it'll be on Youtube when I get home.

[Wayne]

Very nice :) She does look beautiful to!

[Wayne]

Oh by the way Diego...


Rolling Stone Review: Merry Christmas II You

Mariah Carey Rating: 3 Stars (out of 5)

Sixteen years have passed since Mariah Carey released her first blockbuster holiday album, but she hasn’t lost her desire to dress up in a Santa suit or the silky flexibility of her voice. Her take on a new batch of traditionals like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is straightforward and sweet, full of strings and torchy piano arrangements and outfitted with a cameo from her opera-singer mom, Patricia, on “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus.”

Half of the disc’s new originals are ballads — including “Christmas Time Is in the Air Again” and “One Child,” both thick with gooey orchestration — but Mariah bops to a schoolyard-chant beat on “Oh Santa!” and digs out a retro groove for “When Christmas Comes.”

It’s hard to figure out what’s “extra festive” (as the full song title promises) about her “All I Want for Christmas Is You” update, and far easier to determine what’s wrong with “Auld Lang Syne” (an awkward dance beat), but the LP’s warm heart is in the right place.

Not as bad as I thought they'd critique, actually quite positive!

[HeatSeeker]

^ Yeah I saw that yesterday. I was appalled at them criticizing ALS and saying it has an awkward dance beat WTF. I swear they have no taste.

[HeatSeeker]

Mariah Carey on Lopez Tonight


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BB3g0Uqt-4&feature=player_embedded

[Sergeant Pepper]

She looks so different there :eek:

[Wayne]

Billboard:

Taylor Swift Likely To Top Next Week's Billboard 200
November 04, 2010 - Retail

By Keith Caulfield

A familiar face will likely crown the Billboard 200 albums chart next week; all signs point to Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" easily holding for a second week atop the list, with perhaps 350,000 sold by week's end on Nov. 7, according to industry sources.

Jason Aldean's fourth studio album, "My Kinda Party," seems to be on track for a big start, with maybe as much as 200,000. That would instantly mark his best sales week yet and, with it aiming for a No. 2 debut, a new peak on the list. His last album, 2009's "Wide Open," notched his best frame when it started with 109,000 at No. 4.

Mariah Carey's second Christmas album, "Merry Christmas II You," could move around 50,000 to 60,000, placing it in the top five on the chart. While those figures seem a bit smallish for Carey (her last album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," bowed with 168,000 at No. 3), keep in mind that Holiday efforts tend to start slower than regular studio sets, and then build larger sales weeks in the march towards the Christmas holiday. If "Merry" performs to expectations this week, it would mark the diva's 16th top 10 set. Among women, only Barbra Streisand (with 30) and Madonna (19) have had more.

Other albums aiming for a high entry on next week's Billboard 200 chart include N.E.R.D.'s "Nothing," Neil Diamond's "Dreams," Brad Paisley's "Hits Alive" and Good Charlotte's "Cardiology."

Soo you could call this album a big success, in terms of historical relevance! :D

[Neil]

Do hope the album can have the traditional Xmas album legs, but I don't really ever see it taking off majorly. PROVE ME WRONG PLS, MIMI.

[HeatSeeker]

Question - if Billboard is projecting the same as HDD, then are the HSN sales also not factored in that prediction?

[Sergeant Pepper]

^ Not sure Diego, we'll just have to wait and see. I'm hoping for this to leap over 100k when it comes for December! :)

[bonkroni]

if i had to choose, between her oldies christmas album and her new one, and im gonna pick and crowned her merry christmas 2 you as my favorite christmas album of hers.
i give 4,5 stars out of 5.

[HeatSeeker]

^ Nice! What's your favorite song on it?

[bonkroni]

hmm, my favorite is o little town in betlehem/alittle drummer boy.

[crazycool]

My CD/DVD has been shipped.... to the UK. Gonna be ages til I hear this !!

[HeatSeeker]

Just wanna say I've bought my copy <3

[Neil]

My copy was despatched today :) Got the one with the DVD.

[Wayne]

^ Oh check you! Scan up what it looks like! :D


http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4426/careydiamondshineonbill.jpg

[Wayne]

Apparently, a Radio Two programme called In Search Of Mimi will be airing in the UK on the 29th November!

[HeatSeeker]

It's slowly climbing the iTunes and Amazon album charts again, hopefully it stays steady throughout the week.

[Wayne]

She's got a huge ad in Billboard magazine, how GORGEOUS does this look:

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/1240/imagewci.jpg

:shocked:

[Neil]

My copy arrived today, so disappointed the booklet doesn't have lyrics.

[Wayne]

^ *NEW TOPIC IDEA*

I've never understood the fascination with having lyrics in the booklet - I'd much rather lots of HG imagery, and personal messages + credits.

[HeatSeeker]

I was also really disappointed there weren't lyrics, but I expected it when I bought my copy because I had heard it didn't come with them.

[Wayne]

#61 in the UK midweeks! :o

[HeatSeeker]

:'(

[Wayne]

#61 in the UK midweeks! :o

Sold slightly more than 1.3k

[Sergeant Pepper]

Sold slightly more than 1.3k

:wtf:

[crazycool]

It might go up the closer we get to Christmas!!!!

[Wayne]

UK Top 200 Albums

101. (--) Merry Christmas II You - Mariah Carey

[Neil]

Oh wow... that is really beyond abysmal isn't it.

[Wayne]

Yeah, its very shocking. It had sold 1.3k copies on its first day at #61. I'd guess sales of about 3k come week end

[crazycool]

Haven't even heard the album, but I'm sure that's about 100 places too low judging by "Oh Santa!"

Oh well... it's not even December yet... it might look up :P !

[Sergeant Pepper]

The UK don't always accept great music :tehe:

[Wayne]

I personally think we have the best music taste in the world :P however, we've not been kind to Mariah this decade, and that's annoying because her music is still up there with the best IMO.

It's rumoured that IDJ only shipped 500,000 copies of this worldwide (with over 250,000 of these in the USA) so there are bound to be stocking issues. Maybe this should be in Amazons £1 sale! :P if it continues at it's current rate, it'll be going to the bargain bin soon anyway lol

[HeatSeeker]

I was just saying on another forum, Island are horrible at promoting Mariah worldwide. Even TEOM wasn't that big outside the US.

Sony would have handled her much better...

[Wayne]

A quick rundown of Mariah's blockbuster sellers shows this:

Mariah Carey - 67%
Music Box - 40%
Daydream - 50%
#1's - 45%
Emancipation - 66%

And then her follow ups:

E=MC2 - 62%
Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel - 66%

The percentage next to each album dictates the share of each album's sales inside of the USA. Unsurprisingly, the percentage is lowest during her 1994-1998 heyday; this could be argued that she was a bigger global superstar then, as her sales outside of the US (percentage, and volume wise) were much higher. Since 2004 (and the release of Emancipation) at least 60% of Mariah's album sales have come from the USA. With this new studio release (Merry Christmas II U), I'd wager that at the moment, 85% of its sales will likely come from the US. There is no way IDJ have shipped 250k of this outside of the US

[HeatSeeker]

The sad thing is it doesn't seem like Island care about it at all, as long as they get their RIAA certification...

[Wayne]

Well so far, the album has shipped 120,000 of its supposed "250,000" shipment. So its a long way off even a Gold cert just yet. Hopefully it'll get one by Christmas. Here is a UK review of the album..you won't like it Diego!


MARIAH Carey’s latest festive offering may be called Merry Christmas II You, but it’ll leave you feeling far from jolly unless you’re a fan of over-slushy, over-produced, over-milked and overly ruined seasonal classics.

Carey is and remains an enigmatic artist… as capable of surprising with genuine works of quality as she is liable to get on your nerves. This latest album places her firmly in the latter category, with little or nothing to redeem it.

The singer doesn’t so much re-imagine Christmas classics as butcher them, while her iconic voice is over-indulged to ring every ounce of schmaltz from songs that don’t really need any more over-cooking.

Ripe for the stuffing here are the likes of Oh Santa!, Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), Charlie Brown Christmas and All I Want For Christmas – Extra Festive. Admittedly, these rate among the more passable listens… thanks to the energetic frivolity inherent in the original versions.

But when it comes to the more serious material, the sentiment and well meaning are almost stifling… so much so that getting to the end of the CD becomes an endurance test that involves a sick bucket in tow (just in case!).

Hence, Auld Lang Syne, One Child and Oh Come All Ye Faithful literally make your skin crawl and howling for the nearest slice of Linkin Park to add some musical grit to your life.

A medley version of O Little Town of Bethlehem and Little Drummer Boy is simply not worth even lambasting… it’s so bad words can’t do it justice.

Mariah fans will doubtless lap up the sound of America’s sweetheart bringing on the Christmas spirit early. But then, like Christmas themed American TV shows, the whole thing wreaks of being over-done… in this case, hideously so!

Rating: 1/5

Personally, I think the reviewer is deaf and a wanker. But hey, that's just me :)

[HeatSeeker]

OK I stopped after the first 2 lines and when I looked down at the rating that was enough for me. 1/5? LMAO!!! This reviewer needs to get laid!

[Wayne]

O Come All Ye Faithful <3

[Sergeant Pepper]

MARIAH Carey’s latest festive offering may be called Merry Christmas II You, but it’ll leave you feeling far from jolly unless you’re a fan of over-slushy, over-produced, over-milked and overly ruined seasonal classics.

Carey is and remains an enigmatic artist… as capable of surprising with genuine works of quality as she is liable to get on your nerves. This latest album places her firmly in the latter category, with little or nothing to redeem it.

The singer doesn’t so much re-imagine Christmas classics as butcher them, while her iconic voice is over-indulged to ring every ounce of schmaltz from songs that don’t really need any more over-cooking.

Ripe for the stuffing here are the likes of Oh Santa!, Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), Charlie Brown Christmas and All I Want For Christmas – Extra Festive. Admittedly, these rate among the more passable listens… thanks to the energetic frivolity inherent in the original versions.

But when it comes to the more serious material, the sentiment and well meaning are almost stifling… so much so that getting to the end of the CD becomes an endurance test that involves a sick bucket in tow (just in case!).

Hence, Auld Lang Syne, One Child and Oh Come All Ye Faithful literally make your skin crawl and howling for the nearest slice of Linkin Park to add some musical grit to your life.

A medley version of O Little Town of Bethlehem and Little Drummer Boy is simply not worth even lambasting… it’s so bad words can’t do it justice.

Mariah fans will doubtless lap up the sound of America’s sweetheart bringing on the Christmas spirit early. But then, like Christmas themed American TV shows, the whole thing wreaks of being over-done… in this case, hideously so!

Rating: 1/5

Obviously this guy only likes AutoTuned crap.

[HeatSeeker]

EW Gives ''Merry Christmas II You'' 4 Stars

November 29, 2010

Christmas Roundup - As always, the season brings an avalanche of holiday-themed discs. Entertainment Weekly gives Mariah's Merry Christmas II You a 4 stars rating, the highest of six albums reviewed.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas II You
Future Christmas Classic? The thumping "Oh Santa!" should get Mr. Claus doing some serious cardio.

Best Traditional Redux Her synthy "Auld Lang Syne" is sure to be a New Year's staple.

Yuletide Surprise Patricia Carey - Mimi's opera-singer mom - joins her on "O Come All Ye Faithful".

http://www.mariahcarey.com/news/news.php?uid=3042

[Wayne]

Is it 4/5 or 4/4?

I'm glad that the album is getting some positive feedback

[Wayne]

Discounted to £4.99 in HMV (UK).

[Neil]

Oh, what a flop.

[HeatSeeker]

@Wayne 4/4

[Wayne]

^ Ah, cool.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r93d2Uk7nc

Oh Santa at Rocafella.

Was it live? I think the ad-libbing was live at least. Either way she looked absolutely breathtaking

[Wayne]

Mariah Carey has described collaborating with her mother on her new album as "a lovely experience".

The singer, who recently put out her second Christmas album Merry Christmas II You, recorded the track 'O Come All Ye Faithful/ Hallelujah' with her mum Patricia, who is a trained opera singer.

"Many people know that my mother is a trained opera singer, so I guess it was only a matter of time before we both got onto a record together," she told Pride Magazine.

"It was a lovely experience being in the studio together, and I’m very happy that I have this documented for the rest of my life."

Merry Christmas II You is out now.

Has she confirmed that the collab with her mother will be a single!?

[Neil]

Bit late for a second single don't you think, Wayne.

[Wayne]

Might say the same about Alexandra Burke releasing The Silence; its never too late!

[Wayne]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtwESemWoyQ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxy-2yIsi2E

Absolutely fantastic.

[HeatSeeker]

Just watched it live on TV. She was great! The lipping was very minimal, especially on One Child, and that final note in OCAYF was incredible. Her vibrato is sounding strong :D

[Wayne]

Absolutely!!!! I was SOOO pleased with her; not drinking every night, and having a bit more weight behind her belting is helping to thicken her voice. I hope she takes some good rest after giving birth, and retrains her voice, and comes back in 2012 with an amazing record! I don't want her to stay away from the spotlight altogether - a few appearances would be awesome, but no new music for at least a year!

[HeatSeeker]

Absolutely!!!! I was SOOO pleased with her; not drinking every night, and having a bit more weight behind her belting is helping to thicken her voice. I hope she takes some good rest after giving birth, and retrains her voice, and comes back in 2012 with an amazing record! I don't want her to stay away from the spotlight altogether - a few appearances would be awesome, but no new music for at least a year!

+1!

[crazycool]

Finally got the album! I arrived home yesterday and it was there, listening right now. Really enjoying so far !

[Wayne]

I can't believe you're only listening to it for the first time, now! :shocked:

I love this record! <3 What are your final/initial thoughts Simon? :P Fave tracks?

[Neil]

I can't believe you're only listening to it for the first time, now! :shocked:

If you paid attention you would know it was sent to his home in the UK when he was in fact studying in Germany :p

[Wayne]

But, such a thing as Youtube, smart arse! ;)

[crazycool]

LOL I realise that now I should have just been a sneaky sod and illegally downloaded it, but I was being too patient and HAD to wait. Christmas is kind of over now :| !

But overall I enjoyed it. I did find a bit ballad heavy, but the ballads themselves are lovely so I can't really complain there. I do think that "Oh Santa!" and "Here comes Santa Claus" are the best, I think she's done well with the uptempos on this album. The "extra festive" version of AIWFCIY is a bit rubbish....

Need to listen more though, haven't had the time!