Mariah Carey May Be Releasing a New Grunge Album
Mariah Carey, affectionately known as The Queen of Christmas, has hinted at the release of a grunge album. The “We Belong Together” singer first confirmed the existence of an alternative rock record in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey.
1995 was a busy year for Mariah Carey. The singer released her fifth studio album, Daydream, which would go on to become of the best-selling records that year. The R&B pop record contained hit songs “Always Be My Baby,” “Fantasy,” “Open Arms,” and other classics. Daydream, although critically acclaimed with six Grammy nominations, was snubbed at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.
Despite the controversial Grammy snub, Carey spoke with Rolling Stone Music Now, announcing that she and other musicians were secretly creating a grunge album in 1995. Someone’s Ugly Daughter was released that same year with vocals by Clarissa Dane, Carey’s friend under the band name, Chick. Columbia Records, Carey’s label, hid her involvement in the making of Someone’s Ugly Daughter.
However, after 27 long years, she is optimistic that fans will finally have a chance to hear the full project. She states, “I think this unearthed version will become, yes, something we should hear.” The alt-rock album resulted from a more creative outlet. The process of making Daydream consisted of long hours and endless recording, but this record allowed her to have more fun. She reveals, “I had no freedom during that time. That was my freedom, making that record.”
Oh this day in 1995, @MariahCarey’s secret rock album ‘Someone’s Ugly Daughter’ was released, under the pseudonym Chick. Cc @clarissadane pic.twitter.com/rq4QqoW0Ru
— Andrew (The Aretha Version) (@SoulAtlantic) September 5, 2022
In addition to creative freedom, the nineties was an explosive time for women in alternative music, as fans witnessed iconic moments such as Alanis Morissette’s breakthrough with Jagged Little Pill in 1995 and Hole’s Live Through This in 1994.
Though there are many artists to choose from, Carey cites Hole and Green Day as inspirations during that period. She revealed, “I was playing with the style of the breezy-grunge, punk-light white female singers who were popular at the time. You know the ones who seemed to be so carefree with their feelings and their image.”
Fans cannot be more excited to hear this grunge record from the iconic Mariah Carey. In the meantime, fans can purchase The Meaning of Mariah Carey at select bookstores.
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