Following the recent release of her new single Honey, Mariah Carey has broken more long standing chart records.
HOBART (15 Sep 1997)- Mariah Carey has done it again. For the third time she has debuted at number one on the US Billboard chart. She has now done this twice with a solo release, a feat which no other artist can claim.
Honey not only debuted at number one on the main Hot 100 chart, but also debuted at number one on the dance/maxi-singles chart. The sales achievements come in the wake of another record-breaking number one debut- on the airplay charts.
Honey also debuted at number 3 in the UK and Japan and number 8 in Australia. The Honey Classic Mix debuted at number 1 on the UK dance charts.
A long stint at number one is not expected, with Elton John's re-released Candle In The Wind entering charts all over the world this week.
In reference to the article Mariah Carey Leaves Long Time Manager, it should be pointed out that Randy Hoffman has always been a part of Ms Carey's management team, although Champion and Horizon had different structures, and were more heavily associated with Tommy Mottola. A new related development is that Ms Carey has now also split from her lawyer.
In reference to the article Honey On Radio which appeared on The Mariah Carey Page, the predominant sample which is looped in Honey is actually from the song Body Rock by The Treacherous Three.
1. Honey
This is the hard edged R&B dance track, remixed into a multitude of forms, which was the debut single.
2. Butterfly
This will be the next single. A beautiful ballad which has universal appeal.
3. My All
Another winning ballad. As with all the tracks on Butterfly, Mariah has opted for a more natural instrumental backing which gives an almost classical feel.
4. The Roof
A very catchy R&B tune which does everything right, and actively involves the listener.
5. Fourth Of July
A stand-out ballad which gives Butterfly very strong competition.
6. Breakdown
Featuring the efforts of members of Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony, this track is highly reminiscent of the popular R&B track The Crossroads, but with a beautiful and intelligent lyric.
7. Babydoll
A collaboration with Missy Elliot which has an irregular beat and a thoughtful stream of consciousness lyric.
8. Close My Eyes
A sweet ballad.
9. Whenever You Call
The flow and the feel is just perfect for this ballad, which is another stand-out on the album.
10. Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)
David Morales does it again, making even his brilliant Daydream Interlude slightly forgettable. Butterfly goes through a staggeringly well executed metamorphosis into a dance track that leaves one wondering whether it might be as good in its own right as the original power-ballad on which it is based.
11. The Beautiful Ones
Mariah teams up with Dru Hill to put a new shine on this Prince classic. And is it blinding!
12. Outside
Back to basics. A delightful track, and yet another example of Mariah's incredible ability to adapt to anything.
13. Honey (So So Def Radio Mix)
More reminiscent of Hey DJ than the other versions, this track is stripped to the ground, yet still manages to be as catchy as the original, if a little repetitive.
14. Honey (Def Club Mix)
Similar to the Classic Mix, Morales takes it upon himself to experiment further. The results are naturally funky, although he does do some far-out things. What's with that electronic whistling and tunnel reverb, Dave?
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Articles copyright 1997 Kade "Archer" Hansson; e-mail: archer@kaserver5.org
Last updated: Thursday 26th March 1998