Mariah Carey has promised a new album is on the way.
The 55-year-old singer hasn’t released a studio LP since 2018’s ‘Caution’ but she’s confirmed she is busy writing songs, though she doesn’t yet know when fans will get to hear her new material. ‘Caution’ debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising her vocal performances and sophisticated production.
“I have a lot I want to do. I’m busy,” she recently told Best magazine. “I’m writing new material, so there is new music and a new album coming some time in the future. I’m not sure when. I’m just enjoying the songwriting process.” Carey’s songwriting prowess has earned her 18 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, which she wrote or co-wrote, cementing her status as one of music’s most successful songwriters.
This year has seen Mariah celebrate 20 years since the release of her ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ album and she is still “really proud” of the record. The album, released in 2005, has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and earned her three Grammy Awards, marking one of the most successful comebacks in music history.
“‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ is another album I’m really proud of,” she said. “It was kind of a comeback album for me at the time and it’s still one of my favourites. Celebrating and performing some of those songs this year was special.” The album featured hit singles like “We Belong Together” and “Don’t Forget About Us,” both reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending multiple weeks at the top spot.
And the ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ hitmaker is amazed her ‘Merry Christmas’ album has celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. The holiday classic has sold over 15 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time and establishing Carey as the unofficial Queen of Christmas.
“It really doesn’t,” she said when asked if it seems so long since she recorded the festive LP. “I usually don’t like to think about numbers like that, but we have a 30th anniversary of the ‘Merry Christmas’ album out, which I’m excited about. I’m so happy people still love to listen to it.” Her signature holiday song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has topped the Billboard Hot 100 every holiday season since 2019, breaking multiple streaming records.
It isn’t only her own songs Mariah listens to over the festive period. The singer’s appreciation for classic holiday music reflects her deep connection to the genre that has become synonymous with her name and artistic legacy.
“There are lots. I have a whole Christmas playlist that I love,” she admitted. “Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song’ is one of my favourites. And ‘This Christmas’ by Donny Hathaway is another one.” These influential artists have helped shape the holiday music landscape alongside Carey’s contributions to the genre.
Throughout her remarkable career spanning over three decades, Carey has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her impact on popular music is undeniable, with a record-breaking 19 songs reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, more than any other solo artist in history.
The anticipation for her new album builds on her legacy of successful releases, each showcasing her remarkable five-octave vocal range. Industry experts speculate that her upcoming project might incorporate elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, genres she has successfully merged throughout her career. The new album is expected to feature collaborations with both established artists and emerging talents, though no official announcements have been made.
Carey‘s influence extends beyond music sales, as she has inspired countless artists and continues to break records. Her Christmas concerts have become annual events, with shows regularly selling out across the globe. The success of these performances demonstrates her enduring appeal and the timeless quality of her music, proving that her star power remains as strong as ever in the contemporary music landscape.
