There are some notes that only Mariah Carey can hit. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most vocally ambitious tunes made famous by “Songbird Supreme” Mariah Carey.
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00:00 I can make it through the rain
00:05 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most vocally ambitious tunes made famous by songbird supreme Mariah Carey
00:15 But I like the way I feel inside
00:19 Number 10, Lead The Way
00:22 It took far too long for this album and songs like Lead The Way to get the recognition they deserve
00:28 I found myself reborn on the day I met you
00:36 Despite its gentle start, this track turns into a wild vocal ride, reaching a mighty peak
00:42 There's a reason Carey herself is a fan, recognizing the vocal prowess required, so you know it's serious
00:48 And the truths I used to hold in shapes
00:56 The tricky melodies and wide vocal range demand precision and passion
01:00 Balancing that level of technical skill and deep emotions is no walk in the park
01:05 And lead the way
01:14 Oh, and how's your breath control? Because there's a roughly 20-second long note in there too
01:19 It's a lot to wrap your head and vocal cords around, but if you're ready for it, buckle up and take deep breaths
01:26 And let it take over the land
01:34 Number 9, Butterfly
01:36 Does Mimi have vocal superpowers or something? Because this song is a beast
01:41 I'll spread your wings and fly, butterfly
01:50 She makes the transitions between falsetto and chest voice sound so much easier than they are
01:55 Nailing every chord change and throwing in jaw-dropping vocal runs
01:59 In other words, it's no joke
02:02 The song first lulls you into a dreamy trance with those long, flowing phrases
02:07 But wait for it, bam!
02:15 It eventually rockets into this monster climax
02:18 And Carrie takes it all the way to the top
02:21 Oh, and that bridge? Pure fire
02:23 Mastering Butterfly is like bursting out of a vocal cocoon
02:33 A transformation that lets your singing abilities soar, just like a butterfly taking flight
02:45 Number 8, Anytime You Need A Friend
02:52 Soaring between high and low octaves with sheer precision
02:55 And mastering the art of powerful belting while keeping that pitch on point can feel like vocal gymnastics
03:01 This song's melodic lines and runs demand razor-sharp accuracy
03:06 While the dynamic shifts, moving from soft whispers to roaring power
03:10 Add an electrifying rhythm to the piece
03:19 Arguably, unlocking its emotional depth is the ultimate challenge
03:23 Carrie doesn't just sing this one
03:25 She bears her soul, sharing the lyrical highs and lows
03:36 So when you perform it, you're not just hitting notes, you're telling a story
03:40 More than a mere ballad, it's a heartfelt experience that demands everything you've got, and then some
03:52 Number 7, All In Your Mind
03:55 Mariah Carey's whistle tones are legendary, and this track truly highlights her skill
04:04 She hits a sky-high C7 note, and if you know your music, you know that's some seriously impressive stuff
04:11 Not stopping there, she adds short, detached notes, known as staccatos
04:15 And fills the song with runs, scales, trills, and more, making it sound effortless
04:21 But don't be fooled, even Carey faced challenges
04:28 The complex embellishments apparently caused her voice to split
04:32 If that happened to the songbird supreme, you can imagine the challenges nailing All In Your Mind would present for a less experienced performer
04:44 We could try to tackle this song, but only All In Our Minds
04:55 Number 6, Bliss
04:57 Bliss is no cakewalk, especially with its challenging high notes
05:10 The chorus hits us with intense tones, featuring pinnacle whistle notes that are incredibly tough to nail
05:16 Plus, the bridge features tricky melisma, or runs, making it a smooth singing mission
05:29 And that sustained high note in the fourth verse demands serious control, especially if you're not used to reaching such heights
05:45 Just when you think it can't get tougher, the outro takes it up a notch, with whistle tones that feel even trickier than what we get in the chorus
05:52 It's a minefield of a song, but getting it right feels like utter bliss
06:02 Number 5, My All
06:11 You know those mountain climbs where you start off slow, bright-eyed, and optimistic
06:15 But the further you rise, the more you start to think, "Wow, what have I gotten myself into?"
06:20 Well, this song is a bit like that
06:31 You have to master everything from falsetto to amazing belts, and be prepared to eventually hit a high peak
06:46 Just like climbing, it's all about breath control
06:51 Some parts are steeper, and there are sudden dips
06:54 It's an ambitious journey, but like reaching the viewpoint after a long upward hike, nailing this song can feel breathtaking
06:59 Like you've given your all to conquer the musical mountain
07:09 Number 4, Through the Rain
07:17 But nobody comes, and you feel so lonely
07:24 Singing it requires a surprising amount of breath control, and knowing the right techniques for different parts of the song
07:30 Carrie, the vocal virtuoso, effortlessly glides through a slew of notes, utilizing her range, and making it seem deceptively easy
07:46 However, if you're new to performing, you might drown under the torrential technical complexities
07:52 So don't use this as a starting point
08:00 Add in the emotional intensity, and you're doing more than singing, you're pouring your heart into every note
08:06 Balancing technical skills with emotional expression makes mastering Through the Rain challenging for any vocalist
08:18 Number 3, Fly Like a Bird
08:23 This song is a journey from sadness to solace, and Mariah Carey doesn't just express it through the lyrics
08:33 The melody starts in a more somber tone, gradually climbing over almost four octaves to a more uplifting key
08:40 It begins gently, weaving beautiful harmonies that deserve utmost justice, then elevates her performance, building to a powerful climax
08:56 Carey showcases her unparalleled vocals, effortlessly covering a wide range with dazzling detail, intricate trills, and impressive vocal runs
09:14 The shift from a heartfelt wish to a passionate celebration must come from within
09:19 When done well, it transforms the tune into a moving, joyful experience that makes it fly
09:31 Number 2, Forever
09:34 Dive into Mariah's world, and you'll find that her vocal prowess goes far beyond whistle tones
09:45 Take Forever for instance, where she traverses a sea of varied notes
09:49 From low Eb3 to high F#5, the ballad lets Carey explore a different side of her voice
09:56 Reminiscent of mid-20th century music, yet featuring a uniquely her twist
10:08 But beware, it's not just about hitting the notes
10:11 There's intense belting involved, and that bridge can catch you off guard
10:24 So make sure to warm up properly, and practice those breathing techniques
10:28 At first, mastering it might feel like it takes forever, and it kind of does
10:33 But with dedication and proper training, you can get there
10:40 Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions
10:45 Heavenly, no ways tired, can't give up now
10:48 Her heavenly vocals, range, complex runs, and emotional depth are almost impossible to match
11:03 Mine again, high notes and belting abound, so we'd rather listen to her version again
11:16 We won't judge if you decide it's over, because even skilled singers may struggle with their rapid vocal changes
11:30 Her range, dynamic variations, and complex melodies are definitely outside our comfort zone
11:45 When we saw the ornamentation, breath control, and subtle nuances in this number, we decided to leave it to the pro
11:53 Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel, and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos
12:16 If you asked 100 Mariah Carey fans what her hardest song is, we're willing to bet most would point to this one
12:25 Spanning from low C to double high E, and featuring unbeatable whistle tones, the song's extensive range requires precision
12:41 This isn't just about singing, it's a rollercoaster ride across octaves, with almost no middle ground to catch your breath
12:56 The tricky melismas, swift key changes, and the demand for spot on control create a musical obstacle course
13:10 Yet, like with many of her songs, you have to do more than nail the technique to do it justice
13:16 You must infuse each moment with raw emotion
13:19 Mastering emotions isn't just a test of vocal agility, it's also understanding that every note tells a story
13:26 Which Mariah Carey song is your fantasy to nail one sweet day? Let us know in the comments
13:36 Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo
13:44 And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos
13:48 .
13:55 (upbeat music)
13:57 [MUSIC PLAYING]