Emotions is Mariah Careys second studio album released on September 17, 1991. It is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. Mariah had more creative control over this album than she did on her 1990 self-titled debut. The album was a Top 10 for her in New Zealand peaking at #6 on the RMNZ chart, it is also certified Platinum. Two of its three singles would also be Top 40 hits here.
The first single was the title track off the album “Emotions.” The song was written and produced by Carey with the help of C+C Music Factory. It is heavily influenced by Gospel and R&B and showcases Carey’s upper range with extensive use of her whistle register. “Emotions” would peak at #3 on the RMNZ singles chart and is certified gold.
“Can’t Let Go” was released as the albums second single. Carey performed the song on an episode of Saturday Night Live in November of 1991 when she was the musical guest. Mariah’s career started hot with her first five singles reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This song ended that streak peaking at only #2. Here in New Zealand it topped out at #21 on the RMNZ Top 40.
The third and final single from Emotions was “Make It Happen.” For some of you this may be a surprise song or thought of simply as an album cut. Surprisingly this song was never officially released as a single here in New Zealand, despite Mariah’s popularity here. For a period of time it was known as Carey’s most personal and inspirational song telling of her personal struggles prior to her rise to fame and how her faith in God helped sustain her.
Take a trip back to the early 90s and the 2nd album from one of the best in not only R&B but pop music.
