3 Eternal Mariah Carey Songs that Have Stood the Test of Time

Many say Mariah Carey has a voice that can shatter glass. Whether or not that rumor is true, her fans know she boasts one that can break hearts. Carey, known these days as the Queen of Christmas, is also a pop star and the only artist to have their first five singles hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Her legacy includes numerous songs that have left an indelible mark on music history. Here, we highlight three timeless tracks that continue to captivate audiences around the world.

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” from Merry Christmas (1994)

Not only is this likely Mariah Carey’s most famous song, it is also arguably the most famous Christmas song on Earth—well, at least, one that was written in the past 50 years. Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, Carey graces her fans with a promotion that culminates with this holiday track. It’s fun, a bit sultry, and perfect for couples making their homes cozy around the Christmas occasion. Carey, flirtatiously and with supreme vocal prowess, gives her fans what they want every year. On the swelling number, she sings, dressed in red and white like Santa:

“I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you.”

2. “Fantasy” from Daydream (1995)

For those of a certain age, this was likely a popular song at middle school and high school dances. With a lively, fun, dance-worthy beat, Carey shines, singing about the love haze that comes from diving into a new romance. It’s not hard to connect the beautiful Carey with the concept of a fantasy, and so this song was a match made in pop music heaven. On the flirty track, Carey sings, showcasing her incredible vocal range:

“Sweet, sweet fantasy baby, when I close my eyes, you come and take me on and on and on, it’s so deep in my daydreams, but it’s just a sweet, sweet fantasy baby.”

3. “Always Be My Baby” from Daydream (1995)

We go from the flirtatious to the devoted. Another song—this time a slow tune—that was especially popular at middle school and high school dances in the mid-to-late 1990s, this song is about long-lasting love. Outside of her Christmas tune, this could be Carey’s most popular track. It was also her 11th song to hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Carey has since surpassed that mark with 19 No. 1 songs (one short of The Beatles). On the amorous song, she sings adoringly:

“You’ll always be a part of me, I’m part of you indefinitely, boy don’t you know you can’t escape me, ooh darling ’cause you’ll always be my baby.”

These songs showcase Mariah Carey’s versatility and emotional depth as an artist. From the festive cheer of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to the romantic excitement of “Fantasy” and the enduring love of “Always Be My Baby,” each track represents a different facet of her remarkable talent. As time goes on, these songs continue to resonate, proving that Mariah Carey’s music is truly eternal.