Was Mariah Carey's 2005 the Greatest Comeback Year for a Pop Star This Century?
On this week's extended Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard senior charts and data analyst Trevor Anderson to remember a legendary year in MC's story. We follow Mimi throughout her year of major hits, as she reminded everyone that when Mariah Carey was at the peak of her powers as a singer and songwriter — and especially when she was extricated from the drama that had long overwhelmed her career — there was still no substitute for her throughout all popular music.
More from Billboard
Taylor Swift's Debut on Travis Kelce's 'New Heights' Podcast Instantly Smashes Ratings Records
'The City Loves Him': Inside MGK's Emotional Homecoming, As Cleveland Celebrates MGK Day and His 'Lost Americana' Album
For Artists Like Sombr and Gigi Perez, Self-Producing Is 'An Experiment and an Adventure'
Along the way, we ask all the most important questions about how Mariah flew like a bird back to the peak of pop stardom: How unfair was the media treatment and overall narrative behind her early-'00s fall? What about the strategy behind Mimi helped put the album in the best position to succeed? Why did 'We Belong Together' become such a massive smash in such a new era for top 40? Why didn't any of the songs with big new guests or producers get released as 2005 singles? Should Wentworth Miller have been wearing a Yankees jersey in the 'Together' video? And most importantly: Is this the greatest comeback year we've seen a pop star have this century?
Check it out above — along with a YouTube playlist of some of the most important moments from Mariah Carey's 2005, all of which are discussed in the podcast — and subscribe to the Greatest Pop Stars podcast on Apple Music or Spotify (or wherever you get your podcasts) for weekly discussions every Thursday about all things related to pop stardom!
And as we say in every one of these GPS podcast posts — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:
Transgender Law Center
Trans Lifeline
Destination Tomorrow
Gender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMe
Also, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org.
Best of Billboard
Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1
Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits
H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hypebeast
4 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Things We Loved in Music This Week: August 16
As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the most notable music-related headlines – new releases, live performances, merch drops, fashion and footwear collaborations, and more. On the heels ofKendrick LamarandDave Free's Project 3 Agency launch,Pharrellis the latest to officially unveil his own creative platform. Described to be 'a destination where music, fashion, design, and community converge,' the hub will host merch drops, new music, and other limited edition collaborations. Also described as a 'pseudonym and a playground for experimentation, storytelling, and direct connection,' VIRGINIA's first endeavors? Officially releasing Pharrell'sBLACK YACHT ROCK VOL 1 CITY OF LIMITLESS ACCESSas its inaugural 'project' as well as a limited VIRGINIA edition of his adidas Adistar Jellyfish. The follow-up toGemini Rightswill soon be upon Lacyrevealed that his next album – officially entitledOh Yeah?– is in the pipeline, preceded by lead single 'Nice Shoes.' AnySpike Leefilm is sure to have a well-curated soundtrack, and with a cast led by A$AP Rocky andDenzel Washington,Highest 2 Lowestis no exception. The press run has been enlivening yet refreshing, Rocky and Washington talking about what they're currently listening to, among other topics. Washington, for one, shared that he's currently bumping Samara Cyn andSmino's 'brand new teeth.' A few days ahead of the album release,Chance The Rapperrevealed he'll be heading back on the road for the first time in a while, embarking on theAnd We Back Tourin support of hisStar Linealbum this fall. JewelerAlex Mosshas been on a run, especially with creating custom pieces forDrake. The latest piece of one-of-one ice is perfect for the rapper's next new album, taking the shape of an icebox. The second official music video fromTyler, The Creator'sDON'T TAP THE GLASScomes for fan-favorite cut 'Sugar On My Tongue.' Set to premiere on Christmas Day,A24's long-awaitedMarty Supremeis fronted by a ping-pongingTimothée Chalamet. The rest of the cast is just as starry, including none other than Tyler, The Creator, who makes a brief debut in the first teaser trailer for the film. What started with bringing his son out on stage for his Lollapalooza set is now a full-blown album rollout. After revealing 'All Hands on Deck' via Instagram this week and then sharing his new rebranded website (complete with a video game), Dominic Fike will be releasing his new mixtape,Rocket,next week. Following up 'YUKON' comes theSWAGvisual for 'First Place,' which offers another intimate look intoJustin Bieber's family life, marriage to Hailey, and his son Jack. Mariah The Scientisthas staged a cinematic look into herHEARTS SOLD SEPARATELYalbum, dropping next Friday. The project's trailer reveals the tracklist (though features aren't listed) and sees appearances from Karrahbooo and Chelley fromLove Island. Dijon–BabySpotify|Apple Music Chance The Rapper–Star LineSpotify|Apple Music KAYTRANADA–AIN'T NO DAMN WAY!Spotify|Apple Music fakemink– 'Braces'Spotify|Apple Music Kal Banx–RhodaSpotify|Apple Music Babyface Ray–Codeine CowboySpotify|Apple Music Protect –500 Days of SummerSpotify|Apple Music Dominic Fike– 'All Hands On Deck,' 'Aftermath – Edit,' 'Smile'Spotify|Apple Music Khalid– 'in plain sight'Spotify|Apple Music billy woods, Gabe 'Nandez, Preservation – 'War'Spotify|Apple Music Ferg– 'Bike Air Anthem'Spotify|Apple Music Armani WhitexSamara Cyn– 'GHOST.'Spotify|Apple Music Cardi B– 'Imaginary Playerz'Spotify|Apple Music A$AP Rocky– 'Trunks,' 'Both Eyes Closed'Spotify|Apple Music Cash Cobain, BunnaB – 'Hoes Be Mad'Spotify|Apple Music Chief Keef,Mustard– 'Shake Dat'Spotify|Apple Music Leon Thomas–MUTT:Live From NPR's Tiny DeskSpotify|Apple Music Mahalia–LuvergirlSpotify|Apple Music King Princess– 'Girls'Spotify|Apple Music FearDorianx osquinn – 'bags'Spotify|Apple Music Coco Jones–Why Not More? (MORE!)Spotify|Apple Music Conan Gray –WishboneSpotify|Apple Music El Cousteau – 'Menace to Society'Spotify|Apple Music
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
Kendrick Lamar's Streaming Smashes Return — But Which One Is More Impressive?
Kendrick Lamar is one of the top-performing rap artists in America when it comes to sales, as his fans seem much more willing to purchase his music than many other stars in the field. While sales of both his albums and singles play a large role in his continued success, streaming activity may be even more responsible for his presence on the Billboard charts. Several of Lamar's recent smashes return to streaming-only rankings in the United States, and he climbs on multiple tallies dedicated to the consumption metric. '30 for 30" with SZA is Back Two Lamar tracks find their way back to streaming-only tallies this frame. Technically, the higher-rising of the two is '30 for 30.' His tour partner SZA recruited him for the track, which reappears at No. 25 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs tally. 30 weeks into its life on the most competitive of all the streaming rankings that focus on R&B, hip-hop and rap, the cut barely makes it back as it lands in last place. 'Not Like Us' Returns to the Main Streaming Chart 'Not Like Us,' which may go down as Lamar's most famous and celebrated tune, is back on the Streaming Songs chart this week. In its sixty-first frame, the Drake diss tune reappears in last place at No. 50. While that is a much lower position than '30 for 30' manages on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs roster, it may be more impressive that 'Not Like Us' can be found on the Streaming Songs tally. The chart isn't focused on just one or several styles, which makes it that much more competitive. Also, 'Not Like Us' is much older than '30 for 30,' so the fact that it once again ranks as one of the 50-most-played tunes of any style or language throughout the United States is quite the feat. Kendrick Lamar Owns 20% of the Streaming List 'Not Like Us' is one of two tracks by Lamar that appear on the general Streaming Songs roster, as 'Luther,' another duet with SZA, rises two spaces to No. 31. When it comes to the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs tally, however, Lamar is far more successful this time around. He fills five spaces, occupying 20% of the list. His roundup includes 'Luther' with SZA, 'Not Like Us,' 'TV Off' with Lefty Gunplay, 'All the Stars,' yet another smash with SZA, and finally '30 for 30.' Those tracks appear at Nos. 3, 10, 17, 21 and 25, respectively.
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
Drake Blocked From A New No. 1 By One Of Rap's Most Successful Women
As is often the case, Drake has a number of singles present on multiple Billboard charts this week. The Canadian superstar recently delivered a pair of new tunes — 'What Did I Miss?' and 'Which One' with Central Cee — only a few months after sharing a full-length, Some Sexy Songs 4 U, with PartyNextDoor. A number of tunes from that project are also performing well, even as Drake seems ready to move on. Drake almost sends one of his most recent releases to No. 1, but one of the most successful women in hip-hop history blocks him from ruling, at least for the moment. 'What Did I Miss?' Climbs to No. 2 Drake's 'What Did I Miss?' rises to No. 2 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, one of Billboard's radio rosters centered around hip-hop. Five weeks into its life on the tally, 'What Did I Miss?' almost conquers the ranking, but another current smash blocks it from becoming the rapper's record-extending forty-third champion. Cardi B Sends 'Outside' to No. 1 This week's Rhythmic Airplay is led by Cardi B, who brings 'Outside' to No. 1 for the first time. Last week, the tune sat at No. 3, and now it's another chart ruler for her. Cardi lands her ninth career No. 1 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart as 'Outside,' a single from her forthcoming sophomore album Am I the Drama?, ascends. She has now led the charge with all of the following successes: 'I Like It' with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, 'Bodak Yellow (Money Moves),' 'Finesse' with Bruno Mars, 'No Limit' with G-Eazy and ASAP Rocky, 'WAP' with Megan Thee Stallion, 'Please Me' (another collaboration with Mars), and 'Be Careful.' Drake's 'Which One' With Central Cee Debuts While he might not score another No. 1 just yet, Drake does collect a new hit on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, as 'Which One,' which features U.K. artist Central Cee, opens at No. 29. Drake has now racked up 135 wins on the radio roster. He fills a trio of spaces on the tally this time around, as 'Nokia' drops outside of the top 10, falling from No. 8 to No. 11. 'What Did I Miss?' Lifts on All Radio Rankings 'What Did I Miss?' is gaining ground on every radio chart on which it appears. The track lives inside the top 10 on the Rhythmic Airplay, Rap Airplay, R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay lists, lifting to Nos. 2, 3, 7, and 8, respectively. Drake's cut also grows on the all-genre Radio Songs roster, pushing from No. 39 to No. 31 in its third turn on the tally.
