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The Remixes (Mariah Carey album)

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The Remixes
Remix album by
ReleasedJune 25, 2003
Genre
Length140:15
Label
Producer
Mariah Carey chronology
Charmbracelet
(2002)
The Remixes
(2003)
The Emancipation of Mimi
(2005)

The Remixes is the first remix album by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, released on June 25, 2003, by Columbia Records. It is primarily a collection of remixes of some of Carey's songs: disc one is compiled of club mixes, while disc two contains Carey's hip hop collaborations and remixes.

Background and release

[edit]

Following the demise of her marriage with Sony Music CEO Tommy Mottola after the release of her sixth studio album Butterfly (1997), American singer Mariah Carey negotiated her exit from record label Columbia in exchange for the release of four albums: #1's (1998; her first greatest hits album), Rainbow (1999; her seventh studio album), Greatest Hits (2001; her second greatest hits album), and The Remixes (2003; her first remix album).[1] By the time of the latter's release, Mottola had resigned from Sony Music and Carey was consequently more creatively involved in the album than Greatest Hits,[2] for which she admitted not knowing of its impending release in 2001.[3] In a 2003 interview with the Scripps Howard News Service, Carey summed up The Remixes' release as "a contractual Sony thing".[4] However, Carey told The Hollywood Reporter she had always wanted to put out a remix album and reflected positively about its tracklist.[5]

The Remixes received a staggered release worldwide as a cassette and compact disc.[6] Sony Music Japan International released the album in Japan on June 25, 2003, to correspond with Carey's Charmbracelet World Tour dates in that country.[7] While a United States release was scheduled for the previous day,[8] Columbia Records delayed the album multiple times to July 1,[9] August 5,[10] and September 2,[11] before releasing it on October 14.[12] Elsewhere, The Remixes was released on October 6 in the United Kingdom,[13] October 14 in Taiwan,[14] October 21 in Canada,[15] October 24 in South Korea,[6] and November 3 in Australia.[16]

Music

[edit]

The Remixes is a dance,[5] pop,[6][17] and R&B album.[13] Disc one features songs with disco,[12] electronica,[18] gospel,[12] house,[18] and techno influences,[18] while disc two contains hip-hop collaborations with rappers.[12] The album features Carey's duet with Busta Rhymes, "I Know What You Want" (2003), originally recorded for Rhymes' album It Ain't Safe No More. It also includes two tracks previously only available in Japan: the So So Def Remix of "The One", a canceled single from Carey's Charmbracelet (2002) album; and the remix of "Miss You" featuring Jadakiss, which was originally recorded for Charmbracelet and samples "It's All About the Benjamins", which featured Jadakiss as part of The Lox alongside Diddy, Lil' Kim and The Notorious B.I.G.

Five of the tracks on disc two - "Breakdown" (1997), "Sweetheart" (1998), "Crybaby" (1999), "Miss You" and "I Know What You Want" - are not remixes at all. All three of Carey's record labels - Columbia Records, Virgin Records and Island Records - agreed to license tracks for the album, while "I Know What You Want" was licensed from J Records.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[19]
Dayton Daily NewsB[17]
Deseret News[20]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[21]
New Straits Times[22]
The Province[23]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[24]
Slant Magazine[25]

Music critics opined on the release of a remix album and the remixes themselves. Kevin C. Johnson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch considered a remix album better than another greatest hits compilation,[26] the Malay Mail's Yushaimi Yahaya said it was "a commercial strategy to sell old songs",[18] and R. S. Murthi of the New Straits Times felt it indicated Carey was "desperate to boost flagging sales".[22] Reviewing for Slant Magazine, Sal Cinquemani thought Carey's enthusiasm for the project disproved the latter's notions.[25] He viewed the album as suited to dedicated fans rather than general audiences, as did Yahaya and Billboard's Michael Paoletta.[25][18][12] Apart from "Emotions", Scott Iwasaki of the Deseret News considered the remixes "just as boring as the originals".[20] In contrast, Johnson felt the remixes enhanced Carey's songs as they "lacked flavor" in their original forms.[26] Tom Harrison of The Province said some songs make "radical departures" from the originals.[23] AllMusic's William Ruhlmann agreed, stating, "in many cases, the songs as initially heard are virtually unrecognizable".[19]

Reviewers wrote about both the dance and hip-hop discs. Derek Ali of the Dayton Daily News described the first as monotonous[17] and The Denver Post's Elana Ashanti Jefferson questioned whether "the remix process entailed adding stale house beats and club sirens."[27] Cinquemani thought some songs sound dated but praised Carey for re-recording her vocals.[25] In contrast, Paoletta felt David Morales's production on disc one "remains fresh and alive"[12] and New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh considered it complementary of Carey's voice. Sanneh thought disc two songs remixed by Jermaine Dupri were of lesser quality and chose "Breakdown" and "Miss You" as highlights for the dynamic between Carey and rappers.[28] Jefferson thought the "vast pool of talent and influence" that went into producing tracks on disc two made the album worth more than one listen.[27] Referencing the samples and rappers present, Ali chose "Fantasy", "Thank God I Found You", and "Loverboy" as highlights from disc two[17] while Johnson selected "Loverboy", "My All/Stay Awhile", "Breakdown", and "Always Be My Baby".[26] Murthi disagreed, writing that the rappers failed to enhance the songs.[22]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The Remixes sold 40,687 copies in its first week of release in the United States.[29] It debuted and peaked at number twenty-six on the Billboard 200 albums chart, lower than the number three peak of her previous album Charmbracelet but higher than her prior compilation album Greatest Hits, which peaked at number fifty-two. The album spent a total of five weeks on the chart, the lowest of Carey's career at the time.[30] It experienced greater success on the genre-specific Top Electronic Albums chart, where it spent two months at number one.[31] By April 2005, The Remixes had sold 205,000 units in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan.[32] In November 2018, the album reached 289,000 sales.[33] The Recording Industry Association of America certified it gold in October 2019.[34] As a double album over 100 minutes long, it achieved Gold status after it sold 250,000 equivalent units instead of the standard 500,000 because its discs are counted separately for certification purposes.[35]

Elsewhere, The Remixes peaked within the top forty of national album charts in New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.[36][6][37]

Track listing

[edit]

Tracks and composition details adapted from the album's liner notes.[38] Track lengths adapted from Sony Music Entertainment via Jaxsta.[39]

Disc one
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."My All" (Morales "My" Club Mix)7:08
2."Heartbreaker/If You Should Ever Be Lonely" (Junior's Heartbreaker Club Mix)
10:18
3."Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)" (Fly Away Club Mix)
9:50
4."Anytime You Need a Friend" (C+C Club Version)
  • Carey
  • Afanasieff
10:50
5."Fantasy" (Def Club Mix)
  • Morales
11:14
6."Honey" (Classic Mix)
  • CareyC
  • MoralesC
  • TomiieA
8:05
7."Dreamlover" (Def Club Mix)
  • Carey
  • D. Hall
  • Morales
10:43
8."Emotions" (12" Club Mix)
  • Carey
  • D. Cole
  • Clivillés
  • D. Cole
  • Clivillés
5:57
9."Through the Rain" (HQ2 Radio Edit)
4:09
Total length:78:14
Disc twoJ
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Fantasy" (featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard)
  • Carey
  • D. Hall
4:50
2."Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Mix featuring Da Brat and Xscape)
  • Dupri
  • Carey
4:40
3."My All/Stay Awhile" (So So Def Remix featuring Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz)
  • Dupri
  • Carl-So-LoweC
4:43
4."Thank God I Found You" (Make It Last Remix featuring Joe and Nas)
5:09
5."Breakdown" (featuring Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone)
4:44
6."Honey" (So So Def Mix featuring Da Brat and Jermaine Dupri)
  • Dupri
  • SealC
5:11
7."Loverboy" (Remix featuring Da Brat, Ludacris, Twenty II and Shawnna)
4:29
8."Heartbreaker" (Remix featuring Da Brat and Missy Elliott)
  • DJ Clue
  • Carey
  • Ifill
4:36
9."Sweetheart" (featuring Jermaine Dupri)
  • Dupri
  • Carey
4:22
10."Crybaby" (featuring Snoop Dogg)
5:19
11."Miss You" (featuring Jadakiss)
  • Carey
  • Dupri
  • CoxC
5:07
12."The One" (So So Def Remix featuring Bone Crusher)
  • Dupri
4:36
13."I Know What You Want" (Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey featuring Flipmode Squad)
4:15
Total length:62:01

Notes

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Charts and certifications

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ Carey, Mariah; Davis, Michaela Angela (2020). The Meaning of Mariah Carey. Andy Cohen Books. pp. 215–218. ISBN 978-1-2501-6468-1.
  2. ^ Carey and Davis, p. 222.
  3. ^ Carey, Mariah [@MariahCarey] (January 15, 2022). "Knowing dates has never really been my thing..." (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Brown, Mark (August 13, 2003). "Mariah Carey Back in the Light After Roll in the Dark". Star–Link. The News–Star. Scripps Howard News Service. p. 5. Retrieved January 27, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b Gardner, Chris (August 25, 2003). "Carey-ing On". Reporter at Large. The Hollywood Reporter. p. 17. ProQuest 2470943835.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "2003.10월 - POP 음반 판매량" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association Korea. Archived from the original on June 23, 2004.
  7. ^ a b "The Remixes" (in Japanese). Sony Music Shop. Sony Music Japan. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  8. ^ Kaven, Scott; Munson, Kyle (June 17, 2003). "Next Week's Releases". Des Moines Register. p. 3E. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Coming Music". Star-Gazette. June 26, 2003. p. 8D. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Update Your CD Collection". Dayton Daily News. August 1, 2003. p. E2. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Travers, Tom (August 31, 2003). "New Tunes". Fall Arts Preview. The News Journal. p. 3. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Paoletta, Michael (November 1, 2003). "Essential Reviews". Billboard. p. 60. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Google Books.
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  14. ^ "Mariah Carey / The Remixes" (in Chinese). Sony Music Taiwan. Archived from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  15. ^ "Mariah Carey". Shop Sony Music. Sony Music Canada. Archived from the original on November 30, 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
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  17. ^ a b c d Ali, Derek (January 2, 2004). "CDs". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 6. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ a b c d e Yahaya, Yushaimi (December 16, 2003). "Reliable Coverage". Malay Mail. p. 29. ProQuest 326364747.
  19. ^ a b Ruhlmann, William. "The Remixes Review". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  20. ^ a b Iwasaki, Scott (December 19, 2003). "The Gift of Music: Our Critics Recommend Box-Set and Greatest-Hits CDs". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  21. ^ Larkin, Colin, ed. (2009) [2006]. "Carey Mariah". The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199726363. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  22. ^ a b c Murthi, R.S. (January 7, 2004). "Brimming With Raw Spirit". New Straits Times. p. 4. ProQuest 271749843.
  23. ^ a b Harrison, Tom (October 28, 2003). "Quick Spins: Capsule Reviews of This Week's New CDs". The Province. p. B5. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Berger, Arion (2004). "Mariah Carey". In Brackett, Nathan (ed.). The Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). New York: Fireside Books. p. 138. OL 21112308M.
  25. ^ a b c d Cinquemani, Sal (October 14, 2003). "Review: Mariah Carey, The Remixes". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  26. ^ a b c Johnson, Kevin C. (October 23, 2003). "Carey's Remixes Are Better Than Some Hits". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. F3. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ a b Jefferson, Elana Ashanti (November 23, 2003). "CD Reviews". The Denver Post. p. F8.
  28. ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (October 20, 2003). "Disco, Alive and Dancing". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  29. ^ Farber, Jim (June 17, 2003). "Aiken Is the Man: His CD Bows at No. 1". New York Daily News. p. 40. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ a b "Mariah Carey Chart History – The Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  31. ^ a b "Mariah Carey Chart History – Top Dance/Electronic Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  32. ^ "By the Numbers". Los Angeles Times. April 11, 2005. p. E3. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b Trust, Gary (November 18, 2018). "Ask Billboard: Mariah Carey's Career Sales, Ariana Grande Fun Facts & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  34. ^ "Gold & Platinum – The Remixes". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  35. ^ "About the Awards". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  36. ^ a b "Official Top 40 Albums – 16 November 2003". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on November 29, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Official Albums Chart Top 100 12 October 2003 – 18 October 2003". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  38. ^ The Remixes (CD liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 2003. UPC 886919845426.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ "The Remixes - Album by Mariah Carey". Jaxsta. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023.
  40. ^ "My All/Stay Awhile" (CD liner notes) Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1998. UPC 098707898129
  41. ^ "The ARIA Report: Top 100 Albums - Week Commencing 10th November 2003" (PDF). ARIA. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 6, 2003. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  42. ^ "The ARIA Report, Week Commencing 17 November 2003, Chart #1297" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 6, 2003. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  43. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Mariah Carey – The Remixes" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  44. ^ "Lescharts.com – Mariah Carey – The Remixes". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  45. ^ "Le Détail des Albums de chaque Artiste" (in French). InfoDisc. Archived from the original on July 20, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  46. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Mariah Carey – The Remixes". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  47. ^ "マライア・キャリーのアルバム売り上げランキング" [Mariah Carey's Album Sales Ranking] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  48. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  49. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Mariah Carey – The Remixes". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  50. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  51. ^ "Mariah Carey Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  52. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  53. ^ "Top Electronic Albums". Year In Music. Billboard. December 27, 2003. p. YE-66. Retrieved February 4, 2022 – via Google Books.
  54. ^ "Top Electronic Albums". Year In Music & Touring. Billboard. December 25, 2004. p. YE-61. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022 – via Google Books.
  55. ^ "American album certifications – Mariah Carey – The Remixes". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 16, 2022.