Having sold over 220 million records globally, Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all-time, She has released fifteen studio albums, two soundtrack albums, eight compilation albums, four extended plays, and one remix album.
Thirty-plus years in the business, more No. 1 singles than any solo artist in history (and second overall only to The Beatles), more writing and production credits on those singles than any other female composer—Mariah Carey is one of the few artists whose songs legitimately bridge the confessional intimacy of singer-songwriters with the mass appeal of pop. Carey grew up on the classics: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight.
She moved to New York City after high school, cobbling together jobs while working on demos with then-collaborator Ben Margulies at the back of Margulies’ father’s cabinet factory. Her biggest tracks—from the early, dance- and gospel-influenced “Someday” and “Dreamlover” to the club leanings of “Fantasy” and “Honey” to ballads such as “Forever” and “Always Be My Baby” to the ultimate holiday pop song “All I Want for Christmas Is You”—stand like mile markers in the culture. And her guest turn on 2022’s remix of Latto’s “Big Energy” (which interpolates Mariah’s “Fantasy”) is further testament to her continued relevance.
She captures a feeling of sweetness and euphoria that straddles pop, hip-hop, and R&B without slotting neatly into any of them. Meanwhile, her melismatic style—a technique that entails singing a single syllable with a long run of notes—redefined our sense of what pop vocals sound like. Mimi, The Elusive Chanteuse, The Imperfect Angel…or maybe just Mariah. So, if you are a die heart fan of Mariah Carey Albums then check out here we have list of Mariah Carey albums in order of release so far.
All Mariah Carey Albums Available on: Apple Music
List of Mariah Carey Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Mariah Carey (1990)
Mariah Carey’s self-titled debut album, released in 1990, marked the arrival of a true musical powerhouse. “Mariah Carey” showcased the incredible vocal range and distinctive style that would catapult her to superstardom. The album effortlessly blended pop, R&B, and soul, showcasing Carey’s incredible vocal abilities and heartfelt songwriting.
From the moment the opening notes of “Vision of Love” rang out, listeners knew they were witnessing something special. The album featured a mix of uplifting anthems like “Love Takes Time” and “Someday,” alongside heartfelt ballads such as “I Don’t Wanna Cry” and “Vanishing.” Mariah Carey’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery captivated audiences worldwide.
With her debut, Mariah Carey solidified her status as a true diva and set the stage for a career filled with chart-topping hits and record-breaking achievements. “Mariah Carey” remains an iconic album that introduced the world to one of the greatest voices in modern music.
2. Emotions (1991)
Released in 1991, Mariah Carey’s second studio album, “Emotions,” showcased the remarkable vocal talents and artistic growth of the iconic singer-songwriter. This highly acclaimed album consists of 10 tracks that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment. Mariah Carey’s astonishing vocal range shines through each song, capturing the listener with her soaring high notes and soulful delivery.
“Emotions” is a blend of pop, R&B, and soul, featuring lush production and catchy melodies that showcase Mariah’s ability to effortlessly traverse different musical genres. The album’s title track, “Emotions,” became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and showcasing Mariah’s impressive vocal acrobatics. Other standout tracks include the heartfelt ballad “Can’t Let Go” and the soulful “Make It Happen.”
Overall, “Emotions” solidified Mariah Carey’s position as a dominant force in the music industry and established her as one of the most talented and influential vocalists of her generation. The album’s emotional depth, powerful vocals, and memorable melodies continue to resonate with fans, making it a timeless classic in Mariah Carey’s illustrious discography.
3. Music Box (1993)
Mariah Carey’s Music Box, released in 1993, is a timeless album that solidified Carey’s status as a pop music powerhouse. It showcases her incredible vocal range and songwriting prowess, capturing the essence of her artistry. The album features a perfect blend of pop, R&B, and soul, with heartfelt ballads and infectious uptempo tracks.
The standout single, “Hero,” became an anthem for empowerment and remains one of Carey’s most iconic songs. Other notable tracks include the romantic ballad “Without You” and the soulful “Dreamlover.” Each song on Music Box is expertly crafted, showcasing Carey’s ability to evoke deep emotions through her powerhouse vocals.
The album’s production is polished and showcases Carey’s versatility as an artist. Music Box is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with fans worldwide, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It remains a classic in Mariah Carey’s discography, demonstrating her unparalleled talent and establishing her as one of the greatest voices in contemporary music.
4. Merry Christmas (1994)
Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas” album, released in 1994, is a timeless holiday classic that continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas tunes. With her powerful and soulful voice, Carey delivers stunning performances of beloved Christmas carols such as “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night,” infusing them with her signature vocal range and melismatic style.
The album also features the iconic original track “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has become a modern Christmas anthem, synonymous with the holiday season. Carey’s infectious joy and heartfelt delivery on this track, along with its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics, have cemented its status as a perennial favorite.
“Merry Christmas” showcases Carey’s exceptional talent for infusing holiday classics with her unique flair and charm. The album’s warm and inviting arrangements, complemented by Carey’s soul-stirring vocals, create a festive atmosphere that resonates with listeners year after year. It remains an essential addition to any Christmas music collection, embodying the spirit of the season with its timeless appeal.
5. Daydream (1995)
Mariah Carey’s “Daydream” album, released in 1995, stands as a pivotal moment in the iconic artist’s career. With its seamless blend of pop, R&B, and soul, this record showcased Carey’s exceptional vocal range and songwriting prowess. “Daydream” is home to the timeless chart-topping hit “Fantasy,” which broke boundaries by infusing pop melodies with hip-hop beats. The album also features the soul-stirring ballad “One Sweet Day,” a powerful duet with Boyz II Men that held the record for the longest-running number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 at that time. With its impeccable production, heartfelt lyrics, and Mariah’s signature soaring vocals, “Daydream” captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a music icon. This album remains a testament to Mariah Carey’s unparalleled talent and enduring influence in the music industry.
6. Butterfly (1997)
Mariah Carey’s “Butterfly” album, released in 1997, stands as a significant milestone in her career. With this album, Carey underwent a notable artistic transformation, shedding her pop princess image and revealing a more introspective and vulnerable side. “Butterfly” is a fusion of pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements, showcasing Carey’s versatility as a singer-songwriter.
The album’s title track, “Butterfly,” serves as a metaphor for Carey’s personal growth and newfound freedom. The lyrics delve into themes of self-discovery, liberation, and emotional resilience. Throughout the album, Carey’s vocal range and emotive delivery captivate listeners, leaving a lasting impact.
“Butterfly” also features collaborations with renowned artists such as Diddy, Missy Elliott, and Babyface, adding depth and diversity to the album’s sonic landscape. It boasts a balanced mix of catchy up-tempo tracks like “Honey” and heartfelt ballads such as “My All.”
Overall, “Butterfly” showcases Mariah Carey’s artistic evolution, solidifying her status as a powerhouse vocalist and a trailblazer in the music industry. It remains a beloved album, resonating with fans and standing the test of time.
7. Rainbow (1999)
Mariah Carey’s “Rainbow,” released in 1999, is a dazzling musical masterpiece that showcases the legendary artist’s vocal prowess and innovative sound. The album is a vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, where Carey effortlessly transitions between heartfelt ballads and infectious uptempo tracks.
“Rainbow” features chart-topping hits like “Heartbreaker,” a collaboration with Jay-Z that fuses catchy hooks with a modern edge, and the powerful ballad “Thank God I Found You,” featuring Joe and 98 Degrees. The album also includes emotionally charged tracks such as “Crybaby” and “Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme),” showcasing Carey’s ability to convey raw emotions through her exceptional vocal range.
With its eclectic mix of styles and memorable melodies, “Rainbow” solidifies Mariah Carey’s status as a pop icon. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience, all delivered with Carey’s signature vocal acrobatics and impeccable songwriting. “Rainbow” remains a testament to Carey’s musical versatility and enduring influence in the music industry.
8. Glitter (2001)
“Glitter” is Mariah Carey’s eighth studio album, released in 2001. The album served as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, in which Carey also starred. “Glitter” showcases Carey’s impressive vocal range and features a blend of pop, R&B, and dance music.
The album’s tracks exude a mix of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious beats. Songs like “Loverboy” and “Never Too Far” highlight Carey’s soaring vocals and her ability to deliver powerful ballads. The album also includes collaborations with artists such as Busta Rhymes and Eric Benét, adding a diverse range of sounds to the project.
Despite facing commercial challenges upon its initial release, “Glitter” has since gained a cult following and appreciation for its strong vocal performances and memorable tracks. Mariah Carey’s “Glitter” remains a unique addition to her discography, showcasing her talent and versatility as an artist.
9. Charmbracelet (2002)
Mariah Carey’s Charmbracelet, released in 2002, is an album that showcases the enduring talent and versatility of one of the most successful artists of our time. With her signature powerhouse vocals, Carey takes listeners on a captivating musical journey filled with emotions and introspection.
Charmbracelet embraces a mix of R&B, pop, and soul, featuring a collection of heartfelt ballads, catchy mid-tempo tracks, and infectious hooks. The album explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Carey’s vocal range and control are on full display throughout the album, effortlessly transitioning from soaring high notes to gentle whispers. Standout tracks such as “Through the Rain,” “Boy (I Need You),” and “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” demonstrate her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment, creating a captivating sonic experience.
Charmbracelet solidifies Mariah Carey’s status as a musical icon, reminding us once again of her incredible talent and timeless appeal. It is a testament to her artistic growth and enduring relevance in the music industry.
10. The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
Mariah Carey’s album “The Emancipation of Mimi” released in 2005 is a musical masterpiece that showcases the iconic singer’s vocal prowess and artistry. With its blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements, the album solidified Carey’s comeback and cemented her status as one of the greatest artists of her generation. From the infectious hooks of the chart-topping singles “We Belong Together” and “Shake It Off” to the heartfelt ballads like “It’s Like That” and “Fly Like a Bird,” Carey’s powerful vocals shine throughout the album. “The Emancipation of Mimi” is not only a display of her incredible vocal range but also a testament to her ability to craft emotionally resonant and catchy songs. It is a true embodiment of Carey’s talent, marking a significant moment in her career and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
11. E=MC² (2008)
Mariah Carey’s E=MC² album, released in 2008, showcases the iconic singer’s unmatched vocal prowess and her ability to craft catchy and infectious pop-R&B tunes. The title itself, a play on Einstein’s famous equation, reflects the album’s exploration of love and its various dimensions. E=MC² is a vibrant collection of tracks that blend contemporary R&B with elements of hip-hop, dance-pop, and soul, resulting in an eclectic and infectious sound. From the upbeat and playful “Touch My Body” to the emotionally charged ballads like “Bye Bye,” Mariah’s powerful vocals effortlessly carry the album’s diverse range of themes. With E=MC², Mariah Carey reaffirms her status as a musical icon, delivering an album that both captivates listeners with its infectious melodies and showcases her immense talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
12. Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
Mariah Carey’s “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” album, released in 2009, offers a captivating blend of pop and R&B, showcasing Carey’s iconic vocals and heartfelt lyricism. With a total of 18 tracks, the album delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. It opens with the enchanting “Betcha Gon’ Know” and continues to captivate listeners with tracks like the emotionally-charged ballad “H.A.T.E.U.” and the infectious R&B groove of “Obsessed.” The album effortlessly combines catchy hooks with introspective and vulnerable lyrics, allowing Carey to express her deepest emotions with remarkable authenticity. “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” demonstrates Mariah Carey’s undeniable talent as a singer-songwriter and solidifies her status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
13. Merry Christmas II You (2010)
Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas II You” album, released in 2010, is a festive and timeless collection of holiday classics and original songs that truly embody the spirit of Christmas. With her signature powerhouse vocals and soulful delivery, Carey effortlessly blends traditional holiday tunes with her own contemporary flair, creating a unique and enchanting musical experience.
The album features reimagined versions of beloved Christmas favorites such as “Oh Santa!” and “O Holy Night,” where Carey’s vocal range shines through with incredible precision and emotion. She also introduces new tracks like the catchy and joyful “Christmas Time Is in the Air Again” and the heartfelt ballad “When Christmas Comes,” both of which showcase her songwriting prowess.
“Merry Christmas II You” is a delightful celebration of the holiday season, filled with warm and nostalgic vibes that will transport listeners to a magical winter wonderland. Mariah Carey’s masterful artistry and timeless charm make this album an essential addition to any Christmas music collection.
14. Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse” is Mariah Carey’s fourteenth studio album released in 2014. The title itself holds personal significance as it reflects the singer’s self-identity and her lifelong journey in the music industry. This record showcases Mariah’s versatile vocal range and her ability to effortlessly transition between genres, from soulful ballads to catchy R&B and hip-hop-infused tracks. The album features a mix of emotional and empowering songs, with heartfelt lyrics that touch upon themes of love, self-reflection, and resilience. Mariah’s signature melismatic singing style shines throughout, captivating listeners with her powerful vocal runs and impressive vocal acrobatics. “Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse” cements Mariah Carey’s status as one of the most influential and talented divas in contemporary music, showcasing her unmatched artistry and undeniable talent.
15. Caution (2018)
Mariah Carey’s Caution, released in 2018, showcases the enduring talent and artistry of the legendary singer-songwriter. With her 15th studio album, Carey takes listeners on a sonic journey that seamlessly blends R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements. Caution exudes a sophisticated and sultry vibe, presenting Carey’s signature vocal range and emotive delivery in full force. The album features introspective and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love, self-empowerment, and resilience. With tracks like “GTFO,” “With You,” and “A No No,” Carey proves her ability to create catchy hooks and memorable melodies while maintaining a contemporary sound. Caution serves as a testament to Carey’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to her musical roots, solidifying her status as an icon in the music industry.
How many albums does Mariah Carey have?
American singer Mariah Carey has released FIFTEEN studio albums, TWO soundtrack albums, EIGHT compilation albums, FOUR extended plays, and ONE remix album.
All Mariah Carey Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the List of Mariah Carey Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Mariah Carey — June 12, 1990
2. Emotions — September 13, 1991
3. Music Box — August 31, 1993
4. Merry Christmas — October 28, 1994
5. Daydream — September 26, 1995
6. Butterfly — September 10, 1997
7. Rainbow — October 27, 1999
8. Glitter — August 18, 2001
9. Charmbracelet — November 20, 2002
10. The Emancipation of Mimi — March 30, 2005
11. E=MC² — April 14, 2008
12. Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel — September 22, 2009
13. Merry Christmas II You — November 2, 2010
14. Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse — May 6, 2014
15. Caution — November 16, 2018
Conclusion:
Mariah Carey’s discography is a testament to her enduring musical career and extraordinary vocal talent. With numerous albums released since her debut in 1990, Carey has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and showcased her remarkable vocal range. From the iconic “Music Box” to the timeless holiday classic “Merry Christmas,” Carey’s albums have captivated audiences worldwide. Her impressive discography cements her status as one of the greatest and most successful artists in music history.
