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Charmbracelet
A close-up of a blond woman, whose mouth is slightly open and her right hand is partially visible on top of her head. At the bottom of the image, the words "MARIAH CAREY" and "Charmbracelet" are written in white letters.
Studio album by
Mariah Carey
ReleasedDecember 3, 2002 (2002-12-03)
RecordedMarch–September 2002
Studio
GenreR&B
Length64:45
Label
Producer
Mariah Carey chronology
Greatest Hits
(2001) 		Charmbracelet
(2002) 		The Remixes
(2003)
Singles from Charmbracelet
  1. "Through the Rain"
    Released: September 30, 2002
  2. "Boy (I Need You)"
    Released: November 26, 2002
  3. "Bringin' On the Heartbreak"
    Released: June 2, 2003

Charmbracelet is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, released in North America on December 3, 2002, through MonarC Entertainment and Island Def Jam. The album was Carey's first release since her breakdown following the release of her film Glitter (2001) and its accompanying soundtrack album. Critics described Charmbracelet as one of Carey's most personal records, following 1997's Butterfly. Throughout the project, she collaborated with several musicians, including Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, 7 Aurelius and Dre & Vidal.

According to Carey, love is the album's main theme, and the songs combine introspective and personal themes with celebration and fun. The album contains a mixture of R&B beats, and the songs incorporate elements of other genres, such as gospel and soul. Compared to Glitter, which featured a variety of sampled melodies from the 1980s, Charmbracelet has a softer hip hop and R&B sound to it. Cam'ron, Jay-Z and Freeway also appear on the album.

Charmbracelet received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Carey's return to her core audience while others criticized the album's production. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, and sold 241,000 copies in its first week. Internationally, the album reached the top-ten in Japan and Switzerland, peaked inside the top-forty in seven other countries, and has sold over three million copies worldwide. Three singles were released to promote the album. The lead single, "Through the Rain" reached number one in Spain and peaked inside the top-ten in Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and the United Kingdom. In the US, it topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart, but stalled at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100. The two following singles failed to make an impact on the charts.

To promote the album, Carey embarked on the Charmbracelet World Tour (2003-2004) and performed on televised programs such as the 30th Annual American Music Awards, Today, The View, the Soul Train Music Awards and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Internationally, she traveled to several countries to promote the record, including a performance on the Brazilian program Fantástico, in addition to several acoustic performances and interviews on MTV Europe and MTV UK.

Background

[edit]

"I had worked myself very very hard for many many years and I never took a break, and last year, I had just become very very exhausted and ended up just not really in a good place physically and emotionally. I learned a little more about how to work hard but also how to be healthy and take care of myself, and now, in general, in my life, I'm in a really good, happy place."

Before the release of Charmbracelet, Carey experienced a year of critical, commercial and personal struggles, following the poor reception of her debut film Glitter (2001) and its accompanying soundtrack, as well as her subsequent hospitalization.[3] After divorcing her husband, Tommy Mottola, Carey released Butterfly (1997).[4] With her next release, Rainbow (1999), Carey incorporated elements of R&B and hip hop into her music, particularly on the lead single "Heartbreaker".[4] According to The Sacramento Bee, she attempted to sound more "ghetto".[5] She stopped working with longtime pop producers such as Babyface and Walter Afanasieff, in order to pursue a new sound and audience, and worked with writers Sean Combs and Jermaine Dupri.[5] Following the worldwide success of Rainbow, Carey left Columbia Records.[6] Controversially, Mottola and executive Benny Medina in 1999 used several songs Carey had written and co-written for Jennifer Lopez.[6] Carey's 2001 film debut Glitter was panned by movie critics, and earned less than eight million dollars at the box office.[4][6]

Carey's $100 million recording contract was bought out by Virgin Records for $28 million.[4] Carey checked into a hospital in Connecticut, following a controversial appearance on Total Request Live, in which she gave ice cream to fans, left troubling messages on her website and demonstrated what was considered by the media as "erratic behavior".[3][7] Carey said she had an "emotional and physical breakdown."[7] After a fortnight's hospitalization, Carey flew to Capri, Italy, where she stayed for five months and began writing and producing material for a new studio album about her recent troubles.[7] She was signed by Island Records, and started her own imprint, MonarC Entertainment, for her intended "comeback" release, Charmbracelet.[6]

Development and recording

[edit]

"The experience of recording this album is almost like the experience of my life—going through it dealing with things and trying to be hopeful. It's not an album filled with woe and misery. There are some songs that will give you that melancholy feeling, but I try to always go to the uplifting even in a situation that seems that it could break you. I try to always turn to the positive rather than drown in the negative."

—Carey on the album's sound to Radio and Records[8]

Carey started writing songs for the album in early 2002,[8] before she signed the record deal.[9] She decided to rest,[10] traveled to Capri and moved into a recording studio[11] where she could focus on writing and recording without distractions.[8][12] Most of the album was recorded in Capri, although she traveled to Atlanta, New York and Philadelphia to record some tracks.[13] That year, Carey claimed Charmbracelet to be the "most personal album" she had ever made.[12] She worked with longtime collaborators Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Randy Jackson[9] and other songwriters and producers 7 Aurelius, Just Blaze, Damizza and Dre & Vidal.[9][14] The opening track and the first track to be written for the album,[13] "Through the Rain", was written by Carey and Lionel Cole,[15] was inspired Carey's recent experiences,[16] and was co-produced by Jam and Lewis. It was released as the lead single from the album.[15]

Jam, Lewis and Carey also worked "Yours", which Jam said contains "probably one of the best hooks [ever]", and likened it to one of trio's previous collaborations, "Thank God I Found You" (2000).[16] Initially, the song was recorded as a duet with pop singer Justin Timberlake.[17] However, due to contractual complications, it was never released and a solo version was featured on the album.[18] Jam and Lewis produced two more songs, "Wedding Song" and "Satisfy"—the latter featuring background vocals from Michael Jackson—which were not released on the album.[18][19]

Carey decided to work with Just Blaze after she heard the song "Oh Boy", which he produced for Cam'ron.[12] Just Blaze and Carey produced "Boy (I Need You)", a remake of "Oh Boy", and "You Got Me".[12] Carey said "Boy (I Need You)" was one of her favorites on the album.[12] "You Got Me" features rap verses from Jay-Z and Freeway, was noted by Carey as a "signature Just Blaze track".[12] Jay-Z was in Capri on vacation, and went to the studio to hear the song and said that he wanted to contribute to it and added rap verses of his own.[12] Dupri produced "The One" and "You Had Your Chance". He said that they wanted to stick to the "same familiar sound" from his previous collaborations with Carey.[20] Carey said "The One" was a personal song, which was about being hurt in past relationships and the uncertainty about forming new ones.[12] Carey decided to experiment with a live band for the album.[21] In April 2002, she met 7 Aurelius and asked him to produce songs for the album. They flew to Nassau, Bahamas and recorded a mixture of mid-tempo and up-tempo tracks and ballads with a live band. 7 Aurelius said that Carey was "an amazing writer" and described the process of recording:

We did three or four songs in three or four days. The way we was doing it, I had [a horn section] down there along with me. We had the whole room set up with candles, some nice wine—[it was] a very good vibe. It was completely stripped down, like 'Mariah Carey Unplugged'. She stripped herself down to her talent. She was really trusting of me and my vision, and I was trusting of who she was.[21]

"Charm bracelets have always had a personal and sentimental significance for me. Charms are like pieces of yourself that you pass on to other people, items that tell your story and that can be shared, like a song. The bracelet represents the foundation of this album, a body of work that encompasses many feelings."

—Carey on the title of the album, Charmbracelet.[22]

Randy Jackson contributed to four tracks on the album, and said it was "the most real and honest record she's made. She didn't care what anyone thought of the lyrics. They were only important to her."[23] Carey included a cover of Def Leppard's song "Bringin' On the Heartbreak". During the photo shoot for Charmbracelet at Capri, Carey happened to listen to Def Leppard's greatest hits album Vault (1995), which contains the song, and decided to cover it.[24] In an interview with Billboard, Carey said that the song is "an example of her musical diversity".[9] Jackson also worked on "My Saving Grace", which Carey said describes her thoughts about the writing, recording and mastering process.[16] While working in Capri, Carey's father[25] became ill with cancer and she returned to New York to spend some time with him;[26][27] he died soon after.[28] In his memory, Carey wrote and produced the song "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy".[27] Carey said that the song represents "his side of the family and is kind of hard to talk about."[29] The song proved to be "very emotional" for Carey, and she sang it only once in the studio.[9] DJ Quik also produced songs for the album, but none of them were included.[15][30]

Composition

[edit]

Charmbracelet is primarily an R&B album, though its genre classification has been the subject of some debate. NME remarked that the album is "nominally R&B, much like Tony Blair is nominally a socialist", suggesting a loose adherence to the genre's conventions.[31] Carey's signature blend of pop and hip-hop remains central throughout the record, but she also incorporates unexpected elements, such as the "fascinatingly overblown orchestral remake" of Def Leppard's "Bringin' On the Heartbreak", as noted by Rolling Stone.[32] According to Carey, the album's central theme is love, with the songs combining introspective and personal reflections with moments of celebration and levity. In an interview with Blender, she explained the album's title: "It's called Charmbracelet because charms are like pieces of yourself that you pass on to other people, like a song".[33] Slant Magazine characterized the project as a continuation of Carey's pop-hip-hop fusion, remarking that the album "reprises the singer's now-signature mix of hip-hop and pop, but throws in a few happy surprises along the way".[34] Critics described Charmbracelet as one of Carey's most personal records, following 1997's Butterfly.[35]

Songs

[edit]
"Subtle Invitation"
A sample of the song's bridge, which makes use of a live orchestral band. With the chorus speaking of loyalty to an ex-lover through difficult times, Carey's energy increases towards the song's finale, leading to a heightened key.[36]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Carey attempted to make a musical comeback with Charmbracelet,[37] which focused on bringing Carey back to her R&B and soul roots in an attempt to recapture her audience.[37] Critics both praised and criticized the condition of Carey's voice on the album; many called the songs average, and felt that most lacked sufficient hooks.[37] The album's lead single, and Carey's boldest attempt at recreating the ballads from the early years of her career, was "Through the Rain",[37] which was produced by Carey, and was described by one critic as "the sort of self-help ballad Ms. Carey was singing a decade ago".[38] The songs on the album are a mixture of several genres.

Carey's cover of "Bringin' On the Heartbreak", was recorded using live instrumentation, and was the album's third single.[38] It begins as a "piano-driven slow jam", which is followed by a "dramatic chord progression" after the second chorus, and Carey's "precise and fluttery voice reaches incredible heights" as it "turns the power ballad into something more delicate."[38] Kelefa Sanneh from The New York Times called "Yours" "a delectable combination of breathy vocals and playful rhythms."[38] Barry Walters from Rolling Stone wrote that on "Yours", "Carey's lead vocals blend into choruses of overdubbed Mariah's cooing overlapping phrases. Circling these are choirs of more Mariahs singing harmonies and countermelodies. Topping it off are generous sprinklings of the singer's patented birdcalls, wails, sighs and whispers."[32]

"Her carefully assembled new album resembles a computer preset in its soulless precision. But there's a reason. This tin Charmbracelet is a throwback to the soft and fuzzy Mariah the masses succumbed to in the 1990s before she began competing with DMX for street credibility. To bring in the customers, Carey delivers her parts here in the familiar high-pitched coo, sort of Minnie Riperton without soul, backed by just-press-play synth-strings and soft, sparkly keyboards."

—A writer from Los Angeles Daily News describing the album's production and vocals as a whole.[37]

Critics considered "Subtle Invitation" to be one of the album's strongest songs because of its "well executed" jazz influence. The song begins with the sounds of people dining, then introduces the strong bassline and drums. Towards the end of the song, Carey belts out the climax. Sarah Rodman from The Boston Herald described it as fascinating and wrote, "it sounds as though Carey is singing in falsetto while still in her chest voice."[39] "Clown" drew strong media attention, and its lyrical content led critics to speculate that Carey aimed it at rapper Eminem, who had publicly announced that he had had a relationship with Carey. Rodman said "Clown" was "languidly sinister", with lyrics such as, "I should've left it at 'I like your music too' ... You should never have intimated we were lovers / when you know very well we never even touched each other."[39] Critics compared "I Only Wanted" with "My All"'s instrumentation and structure of verse, chorus and guitar solo. According to Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine, Carey makes vague allusions to her ex-husband Tommy Mottola with the line, "Wish I'd stayed beneath my veil".[34] The song uses Latin-inspired guitar instrumentation and wind sounds as an additional backbone to the melody, and dripping water as its percussion.[15]

"Sunflowers for Alfred Roy", one of the album's most personal songs, is named after Carey's father; she makes direct reference to him and a moment they shared at his death bed.[38][40] The song is backed with a simple piano accompaniment, and Carey recounts a visit with her father in his hospital room: "Strange to feel that proud, strong man / Grip tightly to my hand."[38][40]

Singles

[edit]
"Bringin' On the Heartbreak"
A 27-second sample of "Bringin' On the Heartbreak", featuring the guitar solo used to link the second chorus to the song's climax. The bridge is followed by Carey's use of her upper vocal registers.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Three singles were released from the album. The lead single, "Through the Rain" was released on September 24, 2002.[41] It received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom said it was too similar to her earlier ballads, such as "Hero" and "Outside",[42][43] while others praised Carey's vocals in the song.[40][44][45] It was one of Carey's poorest-selling US singles, reaching number 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, it topped the Hot Dance Club Play charts and reached the top twenty of the Adult Contemporary chart.[46] Outside the US, the single topped the Spanish charts and performed moderately elsewhere, peaking within the top ten in Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and the UK,[47] and within the top 20 in Ireland, Australia, Norway and Denmark.[47] The music video of "Through the Rain", directed by Dave Meyers, is based on the courtship and eloping of Carey's parents. Scenes of Carey singing in a street when rain starts to fall are juxtaposed with the story of a mixed-race couple who run away from their families, who oppose their relationship.[48]

"Boy (I Need You)", which was released as the second single on November 26, 2002,[49] received mixed reviews from critics.[15][40] The single failed to make much impact on charts worldwide; it reached number 68 on the US Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Songs chart and number 57 on the US Hot Singles Sales chart.[46] Elsewhere, the song reached number 17 in the UK, and peaked within the top 40 in Australia,[50] the Netherlands, Ireland and New Zealand.[51] The music video for "Boy (I Need You)" was directed by Joseph Kahn and was filmed at Shibuya and Los Angeles. Initially, "The One" was scheduled to be released as the second single and the music video was shot for that song.[52] However, halfway through the filming, the single was changed to "Boy (I Need You)".[53] Described as "Speed Racer meets Hello Kitty meets me and Cam'ron" by Carey,[54] the video incorporates elements of Japanese culture and features Carey's alter-ego Bianca.[53]

The third single from the album was Carey's cover version of "Bringin' On the Heartbreak", released on November 25, 2003.[55] Though it gained mostly positive reviews,[56][57][58] it failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but reached number five on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.[46] Outside the US, the song saw its highest peak in Switzerland, reaching number 28 and staying on the charts for eight weeks.[59] It also charted in Austria and the Wallonia region of Belgium.[59] The music video for the song was directed by Sanaa Hamri.[60] Another cut from the album, "Irresistible (Westside Connection)" charted at number 81 on the US Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Songs.[46]

Promotion

[edit]
A blonde woman wearing a white gown sings. Behind her are brightly lit stairs, and twinkling lights are on the ceiling.
Carey performing "Hero" live during her Charmbracelet World Tour (2003–04)

Following the release of "Through the Rain", Carey embarked on several US and international promotional tours in support of Charmbracelet and its accompanying singles. Promotion for "Through the Rain" began at the 2002 NRJ Awards, where Carey performed wearing a long black skirt and denim blazer.[61] Three days before the album's US release, a one-hour program titled Mariah Carey: Shining Through the Rain, in which Carey was interviewed and sang several songs from Charmbracelet and her back catalog, aired on MTV.[62] Carey addressed rumors of her breakdown and its cause, and spoke about the album and its inspiration, and conducted a question and answer session with fans.[62] During the first month after the album's release, Carey appeared on several television talk shows. She launched her promotional tour on Today, where she performed four songs at Mall of America for a crowd of over 10,000.[63] On December 2, Carey traveled to Brazil for South American promotion of Charmbracelet, appearing on the popular television program Fantástico. She sang "My All", and performed "Through the Rain" and "I Only Wanted" wearing a long pink gown.[64] She also made a surprise appearance on Show da Virada, singing "Through the Rain" and "My All", while wearing a short silver dress.[65] On December 3, 2002, Carey appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she performed "Through the Rain" and "My Saving Grace", and gave a highly publicized interview about her hospitalization.[66] Before her breakdown, Carey had been booked for a private interview with ABC's Barbara Walters, executive producer of The View, following Glitter's release.[66] Instead of giving Walters the full-coverage interview following Carey's return to the public eye, Island decided Oprah was more appropriate, and changed the appearance.[66] Carey's interview with Matt Lauer on Dateline NBC aired the same evening.[66]

On December 17, Carey performed "I Only Wanted" on The View after guest co-hosting the program.[66] One month later, Carey was one of the headlining performers at the 30th annual American Music Awards, held on January 13, 2003.[67] She performed "Through the Rain" alongside a live gospel choir, and wore a long black evening gown.[68] During the performance, images of newspaper headlines reporting Carey's breakdown were projected on a large curtain behind her, with one reading, "When you fall down, you get back up."[68] Carey received a standing ovation.[69] In mid-February, Carey was the headline performer at the NBA all-star game, which was Michael Jordan's last game.[70] She wore a long, purple, skin-tight Washington Wizards' dress, and performed "Boy (I Need You)", "My Saving Grace" and "Hero", which received a standing ovation and brought Jordan to tears.[71][72] On March 1, 2003, Carey performed at the Soul Train Music Awards, sporting a retro-curled hairstyle and wearing a burgundy evening gown.[73] She performed "My Saving Grace", and as at the American Music Awards, images of newspaper headlines and inspirational photographs were projected onto a large screen.[73] Following the performance, Carey was awarded a lifetime achievement award for her contribution to music.[73] Towards the end of March, Charmbracelet was released in Europe and Carey appeared on several television programs to promote the album.[74] She performed the album's leading two singles on the British music chart show, Top of the Pops, and a similar set on The Graham Norton Show and Fame Academy.[74][75][76] On the latter program, Carey was joined on stage by the show's finalists, who sang the climax on "Through the Rain" alongside her.[76]

Tour

[edit]
Main article: Charmbracelet World Tour
A blonde woman sits atop a piano and sings. A long, white cloth hangs around her while a silhouette behind the woman shows two male figures as if holding the white cloth.
Carey performing "Subtle Invitation", seated on top of a piano, on the Charmbracelet World Tour (2003–04)

To promote the album, Carey announced the Charmbracelet World Tour in April 2003.[77] The tour was her most extensive yet, lasting over eight months and performing 69 shows in venues worldwide.[78] In the United States, the tour was marketed as "An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey", with concerts being held in smaller venues. Carey expressed a desire to give fans more "intimate", Broadway-influenced shows.[77] In contrast to the US leg of the tour, Carey performed in arenas for larger audiences in Asia and Europe.[79] In the UK, it was Carey's first tour to feature shows outside London; she performed in Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester.[80] The Charmbracelet World Tour garnered generally positive reviews, with music critics and audiences praising the quality of Carey's live vocals and the production of the shows.[81]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic43/100[82]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarHalf star[15]
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionB−[83]
Entertainment WeeklyC[40]
The GuardianStarStar[36]
The ProvinceStar[84]
Rolling StoneStarStar[32]
Slant MagazineStarStarStar[34]
USA TodayStarStarStar[85]
Yahoo! Music UKStarStarStar[86]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStar[87]

Upon its release, Charmbracelet was released to mixed critical reception. Aggregator website Metacritic, which averages professional reviews into a numerical score, gave Charmbracelet a score of 43 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[82] Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic rated the album two and the half out of five stars, and criticized its production and the condition of Carey's voice.[15] He wrote, "Whenever she sings, there's a raspy whistle behind her thin voice and she strains to make notes throughout the record ... Her voice is damaged, and there's not a moment where it sounds strong or inviting."[15] Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly said she was "in fine voice". He wrote that "Through the Rain" sinks in its own sodden sentimentality, as do by-the-numbers efforts like 'Yours' and 'I Only Wanted' ", and added that "'Clown' is a moody number graced with mournful acoustic guitar and a gorgeously nuanced vocal, while 'Sunflowers for Alfred Roy' is a short, sweet song sung to a lovely piano accompaniment". He finished by saying that "too much of Charmbracelet is mired in middle-of-the-road muck."[40]

Billboard editor Michael Paoletta praised Carey's return to her core audience.[88] He said that although Carey might have alienated her hip hop followers from her previous three albums, her older fans from the 1990s would be more receptive to the material and her new image.[88] Kelefa Sanneh from The New York Times wrote that the album "is generally pleasant, although it's not always exciting, and a few of the collaborations go awry". He called Carey's voice "invariably astonishing", and said that "she can hit high notes that barely sound human", praised her versatility, and wrote that she "also knows how to make a hip-hop hit by holding back and letting the beat shine."[38] Ethan Browne of New York slated the album's whimsical chimes and tinkling keyboards, and wrote, "Was Charmbracelet recorded in a Casio shop? This instrument needs to be stopped."[89]

Rating Charmbracelet two out of five stars, Barry Walters from Rolling Stone wrote that none of the songs were bold, that the lack of hooks made the album weak, and said, "Carey needs bold songs that help her use the power and range for which she is famous. Charmbracelet is like a stream of watercolors that bleed into a puddle of brown."[32] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine complimented Carey's mixture of pop and hip hop melodies, and wrote, "Though there's nothing as immediate as 'Fantasy' or 'My All' here, Charmbracelet is significantly less contrived than 1999's Rainbow and almost as creatively liberating as Butterfly.[34] British columnist Angus Batey, writing for Yahoo! Music UK called the songs on Charmbracelet forgettable, and wrote, "She used to take risks, but Charmbracelet is conservative, unadventurous and uninspiring; and, while it's understandable that simply to make another record marks a triumph of sorts, it's impossible to admire Mariah to the degree that her talent ought to merit."[86] John Mulvey from NME criticized its content, writing, "Nominally, Charmbracelet is R&B, much like Tony Blair is nominally a socialist ... Tragedies, all told, have been worse"[31]

At the 17th Japan Gold Disc Award in 2003, the album was nominated in the category of Rock and Pop Album of the Year (International).[90]

Commercial performance

[edit]
A blonde woman wearing a white top and short skirt sings. She is flanked by four men, who pretend to take photographs of her.
Carey and her dancers performing "Heartbreaker" on the Charmbracelet Tour in 2003

Charmbracelet was initially slated for release in the US on December 10, 2002.[91] However, the date was revised to December 3, 2002.[92] It was released through Island Records and Carey's label MonarC Entertainment.[36][15] A highly anticipated release,[93][94] it debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 241,000 units,[95] more than the first-week sales of the critically panned Glitter soundtrack,[96] but fewer than 1999's Rainbow, which sold 323,000 units in its first week.[97] Next week, the album fell to number fourteen, despite selling a further 173,000 units.[98][99] It stayed on the chart for 22 weeks.[100] Charmbracelet was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of one million units in the US.[101] As of April 2013, the estimated sales of the album in the US (compiled by Nielsen Soundscan) were 1,166,000 copies which was a slight improvement over the sales of Glitter.[102][103]

In Canada, the album debuted and peaked on the Canadian Albums Chart at number 30. This placement was a decline in contrast to Glitter, which debuted at number four on the chart.[104] It was certified Gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) for shipments of 50,000 copies.[105] On the week dated December 15, 2002, Chamrbracelet entered the Australian Albums Chart at its peak position of number 42.[106] It exited the chart the next week, becoming one of Carey's lowest charting albums in the country.[107] In Japan, Charmbracelet debuted at number four on the Oricon Albums Chart, its second-highest peak worldwide, and sold 63,365 units in its first week.[108] The album spent another week at number four, and sold 71,206 units.[109] It stayed on the charts for a total of 15 weeks and according to Oricon, has sold 240,440 copies.[110][111] The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certified Charmbracelet platinum for shipments of 200,000 copies.[112]

In Austria, the album peaked at number 34 and stayed on the charts for seven weeks.[113] In the Flemish region of Belgium it charted and peaked at number 48 and reached number 28 in the Walloon region of that country.[114][115] Charmbracelet entered the French Albums Chart at number 20 in the week dated December 7, 2002,[116] spent 30 weeks on the chart[116] and was certified Gold by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), denoting shipments of 100,000 units.[117][118] Charmbracelet charted and peaked at number 32 in Germany[119] It reached number 50 in Sweden.[120] In Switzerland, the album peaked at number nine on the Swiss Albums Chart and stayed on the charts for 10 weeks;[121] it was certified Gold by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).[122] In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at number 52, selling 19,000 copies in its first week.[123] It has sold a total of 122,010 copies as of April 2008.[124] In February 2003, it was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 100,000 copies in the UK.[125] In the Netherlands, the album debuted at number 48, the issue dated December 14, 2002. The following week, it peaked at number 30. It stayed on the charts for 19 weeks, and made two re-entries, one in June 2003 and other in August 2003.[126]

Charmbracelet was certified Gold in both Brazil and Hong Kong by Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos (ABPD) and IFPI Hong Kong respectively.[127][128] The album has sold over three million copies worldwide.[129][130]

Re-release

[edit]

While preparing for the Asian leg of the Charmbracelet World Tour, Carey announced that Charmbraclet would be re-released with four additional tracks in Europe and Asia[131] on July 26, 2003 – the first day of the North American leg of the tour.[132] Carey included her duet with Busta Rhymes, "I Know What You Want", which was released as a single from his album, It Ain't Safe No More (2002),[133] and became Carey's highest-charting song internationally in 2003, reaching top five peaks in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, the US and the UK.[134][135][136] In an interview with Carson Daly, Carey said, "The Busta Rhymes duet ... has become so successful and we always said I would put it on my album as well."[131] The re-release also included "There Goes My Heart", "Got a Thing 4 You" featuring Da Brat and Elephant Man, and "The One (So So Def Remix)" featuring Bone Crusher.[137] The re-released version of the album charted for three weeks on the Oricon album chart in Japan, where it peaked at number 96 on the issue dated July 14, 2003.[111][138]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Through the Rain"
4:48
2."Boy (I Need You)" (featuring Cam'ron)
  • Carey
  • Just Blaze
5:14
3."The One"
  • Carey
  • Cox
  • Dupri
4:08
4."Yours"
  • Carey
  • Jam
  • T. Lewis
  • Big Jim
5:06
5."You Got Me" (featuring Jay-Z and Freeway)
  • Carey
  • Just Blaze
4:22
6."I Only Wanted"
  • Carey
  • Cole
3:38
7."Clown"
  • Carey
  • Dre & Vidal
3:17
8."My Saving Grace"
  • Carey
  • Kenneth Crouch
  • Jackson
  • Trevor Lawrence
  • Carey
  • Jackson
4:09
9."You Had Your Chance"
  • Carey
  • Cox
  • Dupri
4:22
10."Lullaby"
  • Carey
  • Davis
  • Harris
  • Carey
  • Dre & Vidal
4:56
11."Irresistible (West Side Connection)" (featuring Westside Connection)
  • Carey
  • Damizza
5:04
12."Subtle Invitation"
  • Carey
  • Marcus Vest
  • Randy Jackson
  • Kenneth Crouch
  • Lloyd Smith
  • Rob Bacon
  • Carey
  • Channel 7
4:27
13."Bringin' On the Heartbreak"
  • Carey
  • Jackson
4:34
14."Sunflowers for Alfred Roy"
  • Carey
  • Cole
  • Carey
  • Jackson
2:59
15."Through the Rain" (Remix) (featuring Joe and Kelly Price)
  • Carey
  • Crouch
  • Jackson
  • Carey
  • Just Blaze
3:32
Total length:64:45
Japan bonus track[139]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."Miss You" (featuring Jadakiss)
  • Carey
  • Cox
  • Dupri
  • J.T. Philips
  • Terry Etling
  • Linda Laurie
  • Carey
  • Dupri
  • Cox
5:09
Total length:69:54
UK bonus track[140]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
17."I Know What You Want" (with Busta Rhymes featuring the Flipmode Squad)
  • Thomas
  • Darren Rap
  • Mike Zinczenko
5:27
Total length:75:21
Asian Special Tour Edition bonus disc[141]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."There Goes My Heart"
  • Carey
  • Vest
4:11
2."I Know What You Want" (with Busta Rhymes and the Flipmode Squad)
  • T. Smith
  • Jones
  • Fisher
  • Thomas
  • McNair
  • W. Lewis
  • Thomas
  • Rap
  • Zinczenko
4:16
3."Got a Thing 4 You" (with Da Brat featuring Elephant Man[143])
  • S. Harris
  • Hutton
5:02
4."The One" (So So Def remix) (featuring Bone Crusher)
  • Carey
  • Dupri
  • Cox
  • Carey
  • Dupri
  • Cox
4:38
5."Through the Rain" (video)   
6."Boy (I Need You)" (video)   
Total length:18:07

Notes

Personnel

[edit]

Credits for Charmbracelet taken from the album's liner notes.[144]

  • Mariah Carey – producer, executive producer, vocals, background vocals
  • Asif Ali – engineer
  • Florian Ammon – digital editing, audio mixing, vocal engineer
  • Giulio Antognini – assistant engineer
  • Bobby Ross Avila – guitar
  • Rob Bacon – guitar, electric guitar
  • Karen Elaine Bakunin – viola
  • Charlie Bisharat – String Quartet, strings
  • Printz Board – trumpet
  • Oswald "Wiz" Bowe – assistant engineer
  • Denyse Buffum – viola
  • Eve Butler – string quartet, strings
  • Cam'ron – rap
  • David Campbell – string arrangements
  • Darius Campo – string quartet, strings
  • Shawn Carter – featured artist
  • Dana Jon Chappelle – engineer, vocal engineer
  • Susan Chatman – string quartet, strings
  • Andrew Chavez – assistant engineer
  • Lionel Cole – piano, synthesizer bass
  • Larry Corbett – cello
  • Bryan-Michael Cox – producer
  • Kenneth Crouch – bass, Fender Rhodes, keyboard
  • Damizza – producer
  • Melonie Daniels – background vocals
  • Vidal Davis – mixing
  • Mario Diaz de Leon – string quartet, strings
  • Joel Derouin – string quartet, strings
  • Vincent Dilorenzo – assistant engineer
  • DJ Vice – programming
  • Karen Dreyfus – viola
  • Jermaine Dupri – mixing, producer
  • Elizabeth Dyson – cello
  • Brian Frye – engineer
  • Matt Funes – viola
  • Kevin G. – engineer
  • Armen Garabedian – string quartet, strings
  • Paul Gregory – assistant engineer, engineer
  • Kevin Guarnieri – digital editing, engineer
  • Matt Gunes – viola
  • Mick Guzauski – mixing
  • Reggie Hamilton – bass
  • Dawn Hannay – viola
  • Andre Harris – mixing
  • David Ryan Harris – guitar
  • Steve Hodge – engineer, mixing
  • John Horesco IV – assistant
  • Randy Jackson – bass, bass guitar, percussion, producer
  • Jimmy Jam – guitar, instrumentation, producer
  • Eric Johnson – acoustic guitar
  • Just Blaze – instrumentation, producer
  • Suzie Katayama – cello, string contractor
  • Gimel "Young Guru" Katon – mixing
  • Steve Kempster – string mixing, track engineer
  • Peter Kent – string quartet, strings
  • Kevin G. – engineer
  • Ann Kim – violin
  • Lisa Kim – violin
  • Myung Hi Kim – violin
  • Melissa Kleinbart – violin
  • Soohyun Kwon – violin
  • Trevor Lawrence – drum programming
  • Jeanne LeBlanc – cello
  • John Lemkuhi – percussion, Sound design
  • Ken Lewis – mixing
  • Terry Lewis – guitar, instrumentation, producer
  • Liza Lim – violin
  • Trey Lorenz – background vocals
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering
  • Mario Deleon – strings
  • Rob Mathes – conductor, string arrangements
  • Jeremy McCoy – bass
  • Melanie Daniels – background vocals
  • Colin Miller – engineer
  • Ann Mincieli – assistant engineer
  • Tadd Mingo – assistant engineer
  • John D. Mitchell – drum programming
  • Bill Molina – engineer
  • Billy Odum – guitar
  • William Odum – guitar
  • Tim Olmstead – assistant engineer
  • Suzanne Ornstein – violin
  • Alyssa Park – string quartet, strings
  • Sara Parkins – string quartet, strings
  • John Patitucci – bass
  • Kelly Price – singing, background vocals
  • Michelle Richards – string quartet, strings
  • Steve Richards – cello, strings
  • Alexander Richbourg – drum programming, vocal programming
  • Robert Rinehart – viola
  • Tom Rosenthal – viola
  • Jeff Rothschild – assistant engineer
  • Laura Seaton – violin
  • 7 Aurelius – producer, programming
  • Andrew Sherman – piano
  • Jaime Sickora – assistant engineer
  • Dexter Simmons – mixing
  • Fiona Simon – violin
  • Carl "Butch" Small – percussion
  • John Smeltz – engineer, mixing
  • Dan Smith – cello, strings
  • Daniel Smith – cello
  • Xavier Smith – assistant, assistant engineer
  • Jay Spears – assistant engineer, digital editing
  • Brian Springer – engineer
  • Brian Sumner – assistant engineer
  • Phil Tan – engineer, mixing
  • Mary Ann Tatum – background vocals
  • Lesa Terry – string quartet, strings
  • Michael Thompson – guitar, classical guitar, steel guitar
  • Jeremy Turner – cello
  • German Villacorta – assistant engineer
  • Seth Waldman – assistant engineer
  • Evan Wilson – viola
  • John Wittenberg – string quartet, strings
  • Mary Wooten – cello
  • Jason Wormer – assistant engineer
  • James "Big Jim" Wright – producer
  • Sharon Yamada – violin
  • Jung Sun Yoo – violin
  • Bradley Yost – assistant engineer
  • Antony Zeller – assistant engineer

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[173] Gold 50,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[174] Gold 50,000^
France (SNEP)[118] Gold 100,000*
Hong Kong (IFPI Hong Kong)[175] Gold 10,000*
Japan (RIAJ)[112] Platinum 240,440[170]
South Korea — 54,730[176]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[159] Gold 50,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[177] Gold 20,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[179] Gold 122,010[178]
United States (RIAA)[181] Platinum 1,170,000[180]
Summaries
Worldwide — 3,000,000[129][130]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for Charmbracelet
Region Date Format(s) Edition Ref.
Japan November 20, 2002 CD Standard [182]
Poland November 28, 2002 [183]
Australia December 2, 2002 [184]
Austria [185]
Germany [186]
United Kingdom [187]
Canada December 3, 2002 [188]
South Korea
  • Cassette
  • CD
 [176]
United States CD [92]
Belgium December 4, 2002 [189]
Poland December 5, 2002 Cassette [190]
New Zealand December 9, 2002 CD [191]
Brazil December 10, 2002 [65]
Japan June 30, 2003 Tour [192]

References

[edit]

Works cited

[edit]
  • Halstead, Craig; Cadman, Chris (2003). Michael Jackson the Solo Years. United Kingdom: Authors On Line Ltd. ISBN 0-7552-0091-8.
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Charmbracelet

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from Grokipedia
Charmbracelet is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on December 3, 2002, by Island Records. Following the commercial disappointment of her previous album Glitter (2001) and the end of her contract with Virgin Records, Carey signed a new recording contract with Island Def Jam. She described the album as a return to her roots, focusing on ballads and R&B tracks to rebuild her career. Charmbracelet was primarily produced by Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Just Blaze, and features guest appearances by Jay-Z and Cameo. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 239,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified platinum by the RIAA for one million units shipped.

Background and development

Background

Following the release of her 2001 album Glitter and its accompanying film, both of which were commercial disappointments, Mariah Carey faced significant career setbacks. The soundtrack peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 but was certified gold by the RIAA for 500,000 copies sold in the United States, far below her previous multimillion-selling releases, while the film grossed just $5.3 million against a $22 million budget. These failures exacerbated her exhaustion from an intense promotional schedule, culminating in a public emotional and physical breakdown in July 2001, when she was hospitalized for dehydration and exhaustion after erratic appearances, including an unusual segment on MTV's Total Request Live. In the aftermath, Carey parted ways with , the label that had signed her to an $80 million deal in 2001, receiving a $28 million in January 2002 to terminate the after delivering just one album. She then signed a multi-album recording deal with in May 2002, valued at approximately $20 million, which included greater creative control. As part of this agreement, Carey launched her own imprint, , under , allowing her to oversee projects for herself and other artists. Carey's personal recovery involved extensive rest and therapy following her 2001 hospitalization, where she was diagnosed with , a condition she initially kept private. She underwent treatment, including medication and counseling, to manage symptoms and rebuild her emotional stability after years of overwork and denial. This period of healing positioned Charmbracelet as a therapeutic outlet, with Carey channeling her experiences into songwriting as a means of processing and moving forward.

Development and recording

Recording for Charmbracelet took place from March to September 2002 across multiple locations, with the majority occurring at in , , where Carey sought a serene environment to focus on her craft. Additional sessions were held at SouthSide Studios in , Georgia; Right Track Studios and Quad Recording in ; and The Studio in , , allowing for collaborations with producers based in those areas. Carey primarily collaborated with producer , who helmed several tracks including "The One" and "I Only Wanted," marking a return to their successful partnership from earlier albums. She also worked extensively with the duo on songs like "Yours" and "My Saving Grace," bringing their signature polished R&B sound, while contributed hip-hop-infused production to cuts such as "Boy (I Need You)" and "You Got Me." These partnerships emphasized a collaborative process where Carey co-wrote and co-produced much of the material, drawing on her experiences following recovery from prior professional setbacks. Guest artists played key roles in the album's urban edge, with and Freeway providing verses on "You Got Me," produced by , and appearing on "Boy (I Need You)," which blended Carey's vocals with rap elements during sessions in New York. A poignant moment in the recording process came with "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy," a heartfelt to Carey's late father, Alfred Roy Carey, who died of cancer earlier that year; Carey recorded the delicate piano ballad in a single emotional take, capturing raw grief without retakes. The production approach prioritized organic R&B aesthetics, favoring live —such as keyboards, guitars, and horns played by session musicians—over synthesized sounds in tracks like "Yours" and "Subtle Invitation," to create warm, authentic sessions reflective of Carey's vocal intimacy.

Composition

Musical style and themes

is primarily a album that incorporates influences from , , and hip-hop. Its production adopts a subdued and intimate approach, contrasting Carey's earlier high-energy recordings from the late 1990s, with an emphasis on breathy vocals and mid-tempo ballads that create a reflective atmosphere. The album's central themes center on , resilience, personal healing, and , which mirror Carey's life experiences following personal and professional challenges. These motifs are conveyed through that blend romance with self-empowerment, offering a sense of emotional recovery and inner clarity. Carey showcases her signature vocal techniques, including the and melismatic runs, which add emotional depth and technical flair to the arrangements. The standard edition comprises 15 tracks and has a total runtime of 64:45 minutes.

Songs

The songs on Charmbracelet feature a mix of introspective ballads, uptempo R&B tracks, and hip-hop-infused collaborations, with Carey co-writing and co-producing the majority of the material. The album's standard edition track listing is presented below, including song lengths from the original release, primary writers, and producers.
TrackTitleLengthWritersProducers
1Through the Rain4:48Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey (co-produced by James “Big Jim” Wright)
2Boy (I Need You) (feat. Cam'ron)5:14Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Norman WhitfieldJust Blaze, Mariah Carey
3The One4:08Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael CoxMariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri (co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox)
4Yours5:06Mariah Carey, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, James “Big Jim” WrightJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey (co-produced by James “Big Jim” Wright)
5You Got Me (feat. Jay-Z and Freeway)4:22Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Shawn Carter, Leslie PridgenJust Blaze, Mariah Carey
6I Only Wanted3:40Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeMariah Carey, Randy Jackson
7Clown3:19Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Mary Ann TatumDre & Vidal, Mariah Carey
8My Saving Grace4:11Mariah Carey, Trevor Lawrence, Kenneth Crouch, Randy JacksonMariah Carey, Randy Jackson
9You Had Your Chance4:24Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Leon HaywoodMariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri (co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox)
10Lullaby4:58Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal DavisDre & Vidal, Mariah Carey
11Irresistible (West Side Connection) (feat. Westside Connection)5:06Mariah Carey, Damion Young, O'Shea Jackson, Quincy Jones III, Theodore Life, Dexter WanselMariah Carey, Damizza
12Subtle Invitation4:29Mariah Carey, 7 Aurelius, Lloyd Smith, Kenneth Crouch, Rob Bacon, Randy JacksonMariah Carey, 7 Aurelius (co-produced by I.G.)
13Bringin' On the Heartbreak4:36Steve Clark, Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Pete WillisMariah Carey, Randy Jackson
14Sunflowers for Alfred Roy3:01Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeMariah Carey, Randy Jackson
15Through the Rain (Remix) (feat. Kelly Price & Joe)3:32Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeJust Blaze, Mariah Carey
"The One" is an upbeat R&B track co-written by Carey with and , emphasizing romantic devotion through its smooth grooves and layered harmonies. "Yours", a mid-tempo produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, explores longing and emotional vulnerability in its gospel-tinged arrangement. "I Only Wanted" delves into regret over a lost relationship, with its piano-driven melody underscoring themes of unrequited love, co-written by Carey and . "Clown" addresses media criticism and personal betrayals through pointed, diss-like lyrics directed at , who had referenced Carey in his track "Superman"; Carey likens him to a deceptive figure whose public persona masks insincerity, delivered over a sparse R&B beat. "My Saving Grace" serves as a gospel-inspired reflection on faith and recovery, praising divine intervention for providing strength amid adversity. "You Had Your Chance" confronts a deceitful ex-partner with assertive about recognizing manipulation and moving on, set to a funky R&B rhythm co-produced by . "Lullaby" portrays a nostalgic romance with hip-hop elements, depicting an intimate reunion with a former lover for one last night of passion. "Irresistible (West Side Connection)", featuring the rap group, blends seductive R&B with West Coast hip-hop flair, focusing on irresistible attraction. "Subtle Invitation" is a sultry, slow-burning R&B number that subtly conveys desire and flirtation through its sensual production and breathy vocals. The cover of Def Leppard's "" reimagines the rock classic as an , highlighting Carey's in a dramatic . "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy", a short acoustic tribute to Carey's late father, transitions the album's themes from personal struggles to familial reflection with its tender, minimalist style. Although Charmbracelet lacks explicit interludes, tracks like "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy" provide poignant bridges, enhancing the album's emotional flow between heavier critiques and uplifting resolutions.

Singles and promotion

Singles

The lead single from Charmbracelet, "", was released on September 30, 2002, by Island Def Jam and Mariah Carey's label. The , co-written by Carey and , explores themes of perseverance and resilience, drawing from Carey's personal experiences following the commercial and critical disappointment of her previous album . It peaked at number 81 on the US chart but achieved greater international success, reaching number 1 on the Spanish Promusicae Singles Chart. The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, portrays a young aspiring singer—played by actress —facing industry hardships, intercut with scenes of Carey performing in a stormy, metaphorical rain, symbolizing her own struggles. No traditional B-side was included on the US commercial release, though international formats featured remixes such as the "Remix featuring & Joe". The single's artwork depicts Carey in a profile against a rainy backdrop, emphasizing the song's emotional core. The second single, "Boy (I Need You)" featuring , followed on November 26, 2002. Produced by with additional production from Carey, the track embodies a hip-hop-infused R&B style, sampling 's earlier hit "Oh Boy" and highlighting Carey's collaborative approach with rap artists during this era. It reached number 68 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart but did not enter the Hot 100. The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn and filmed in , incorporates anime-inspired elements and features cameos from , with appearing in promotional contexts tied to the song's production. International CD singles included B-sides such as "Irresistible (West Side Connection Remix)" featuring and "You Got Me" featuring and Freeway. The single artwork mirrors the album's aesthetic, showing Carey in a stylized urban pose alongside . "Bringin' On the Heartbreak", a cover of Def Leppard's 1981 rock ballad, was issued as the third and final single on June 2, 2003, primarily as an airplay and remix-focused release. Carey's version transforms the original into an electronic dance track, with remixes by Junior Vasquez, Mike Rizzo, and others emphasizing club-oriented beats and her signature vocal runs. It peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, marking one of her stronger performances in that genre during the period. The music video, directed by Sanaa Hamri, draws inspiration from the film The Rose, depicting Carey as a glamorous yet isolated performer. European CD singles featured the B-side "Miss You" (featuring Jadakiss), an unreleased R&B track from the album sessions. The single's artwork reuses elements from the Charmbracelet cover, with Carey in a dramatic, shadowed portrait evoking the song's heartbreak theme.

Promotional activities

Following her signing with Island Def Jam Records in May 2002 for a reported $20 million multi-album deal, Mariah Carey initiated the rollout strategy for Charmbracelet with targeted listening events to build anticipation. One key event was held on October 24, 2002, at the Hayden Planetarium in , where select media and fans previewed tracks in an immersive setting. This approach, coordinated through her newly launched imprint—a distributed by Island Def Jam—emphasized Carey's creative control and in the album's marketing. The album's official release on December 3, 2002, was marked by a launch party at Capitale in on December 15, attended by industry figures and featuring Carey in promotional attire. Press tours followed extensively in the and internationally, with Carey traveling across continents for interviews that highlighted the album's introspective themes of resilience. In , she appeared on for a fan Q&A session, while European and Asian outlets received tailored media kits from to underscore her hands-on involvement. Television appearances formed a core of the promotional efforts, beginning with The Oprah Winfrey Show on December 3, 2002, where Carey discussed her songwriting as a therapeutic outlet amid personal challenges. She followed this with a performance and interview on NBC's Today show on December 12, 2002, broadcast live from the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, to reach a broad daytime audience. Additional spots included NBC's Dateline and an MTV special, all timed to coincide with the holiday shopping season. Online and radio campaigns amplified the album's personal narrative of overcoming adversity, with Island Def Jam leveraging early digital platforms and airplay rotations to position Charmbracelet as a comeback story. Radio promotions focused on tracks like the , integrating snippets where Carey shared insights into her recovery process, while her official website hosted exclusive content under the MonarC banner to foster direct fan engagement. This multifaceted strategy culminated in a January 13, 2003, performance at the 30th Annual , where she debuted material from the album to a national audience.

Touring

The , subtitled An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey, was the singer's fifth and her first major outing since 2000, supporting her ninth studio album Charmbracelet. It commenced on June 21, 2003, in , , and concluded on February 26, 2004, in , , encompassing performances across , , , and . The tour featured 69 shows over eight months, marking Carey's most extensive road commitment at the time. In the United States and , the tour emphasized intimate theater venues, such as in New York and the in , to create a closer, recovery-oriented atmosphere following Carey's publicized emotional breakdown in 2001. Internationally, it scaled up to larger arenas, including in and the SECC in , allowing for grander production while maintaining a personal touch. This venue strategy was praised for suiting Carey's vocal style and persona, enabling a sense of reconnection with fans during her career resurgence. The setlist centered on Charmbracelet material, including "" as a stirring opener and ballads like "" and "Subtle Invitation," blended with career staples such as "Heartbreaker," "Dreamlover," "," and "." Notable performances highlighted Carey's in ballads and interactive elements, like audience-voted songs such as "Can't Away (Mariah's Theme)." Production incorporated theatrical staging with a team of dancers, backing singers, performers manipulating marionette-like figures, and a clown motif during "Clown," evoking a whimsical, Vegas-inspired . Carey featured multiple costume changes into shiny, form-fitting dresses, often short and revealing, perched on pianos or amid elaborate sets. The show was backed by a tight seven-piece band, ensuring polished musical support. Audiences responded enthusiastically to the tour's intimate vibe, with capacity crowds cheering Carey's return and engaging in sing-alongs, viewing it as a triumphant post-breakdown comeback that showcased her resilience and vocal prowess. Critics noted the spectacle's energy and the well-drilled ensemble but occasionally critiqued the vocal shrieks and surface-level gloss, though overall reception affirmed the tour's role in rebuilding her live performance legacy.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in December 2002, Charmbracelet received mixed reviews from music critics, with praise for Mariah Carey's vocal abilities tempered by criticisms of the album's production and songwriting. The album earned a Metacritic aggregate score of 43 out of 100, based on 13 reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reception. Reviewers frequently commended Carey's vocal prowess and emotional delivery, especially on the album's ballads, where her signature range and expressiveness shone through despite recent personal challenges. Entertainment Weekly's Tom Sinclair highlighted that Carey remains "technically a better singer than [Jennifer] Lopez, and she's in fine voice here," emphasizing her technical skill and warmth. Similarly, critics noted her ability to convey vulnerability in tracks like "Through the Rain," marking a return to form after her high-profile struggles. However, much of the criticism centered on the album's formulaic production, lack of memorable hooks, and heavy reliance on hip-hop collaborations that felt dated and uninspired. AllMusic's described Carey's voice as "shot, sounding in tatters throughout the record," arguing it lacked the power of her earlier work and that the overall sound was "predictable" and overly reliant on generic R&B tropes. Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani pointed out the album's restraint in addressing Carey's autobiographical experiences—such as her 2001 breakdown—opting for subtlety over bold confession, which resulted in a safer but less innovative collection compared to her mid-1990s output. The consensus positioned Charmbracelet as a cautious, reassuring comeback for Carey following her emotional and professional turmoil, prioritizing stability over bold artistic risks, though it failed to recapture the creativity of albums like .

Commercial performance

Charmbracelet debuted at number three on the US chart, selling 241,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan data. The album remained on the chart for 22 weeks and was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on January 9, 2003, for shipments exceeding one million units. Internationally, the album achieved its strongest performance in Japan, peaking at number four on the Oricon Albums Chart after selling 63,365 copies in its debut week, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for 200,000 units shipped. In Switzerland, it reached number nine on the Swiss Albums Chart and stayed for 10 weeks, earning a gold certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI Switzerland) for 20,000 units. The album peaked at number 12 on the French Albums Chart, where it spent 30 weeks and received a gold certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for 100,000 copies. In the United Kingdom, it entered the UK Albums Chart at number 52 and was later certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 100,000 units. In Canada, Charmbracelet was certified gold by Music Canada for sales of 50,000 units. Overall, the album sold an estimated three million copies worldwide as of 2014. Its commercial performance was tempered by the modest chart runs of its singles and lingering industry skepticism following Carey's high-profile emotional breakdown in , though promotional efforts helped sustain initial momentum.

Post-release and legacy

Re-releases and remasters

In July 2003, a Special Tour Edition of Charmbracelet was released internationally, expanding the original track listing with four bonus tracks to capitalize on the ongoing . These additions included "There Goes My Heart," "Miss You" (featuring ), a of "" (featuring and Joe), and the new collaboration "" with and . The latter track, serving as a lead single from the re-release, peaked at number three on the , marking Carey's highest-charting single since 2000 and contributing to renewed commercial momentum for the album. The Japanese edition of this re-release, issued as a limited two-disc set in June 2003, further differentiated itself with enhanced packaging, including a picture and an eight-page booklet, alongside a bonus remix disc. This disc featured remixes of "," "The One," "," and "," plus DVD-ROM videos for "" and "Boy (I Need You)." Such region-specific inclusions, like the exclusive "Miss You" bonus track on and Asian pressings, highlighted variations in track listings and artwork tailored to international markets, often incorporating live versions or promotional content to appeal to touring audiences. Charmbracelet received its first vinyl pressing as a two-LP in January 2021 via , featuring the standard 15-track listing on 180-gram bone (white) vinyl. In December 2024, an Amazon Music exclusive variant followed, pressed on translucent tan vinyl in a jacket, marking a collector's edition that broadened physical format accessibility without altering the core track list. These vinyl editions, while not introducing new bonus material, fostered renewed interest among fans, aligning with broader trends in Mariah Carey's catalog s.

Legacy and retrospective reception

Charmbracelet is often regarded as a transitional comeback album for , following the professional and personal setbacks of her 2001 film and its soundtrack, marking her recovery and a deliberate return to her R&B roots after experimenting with retro sounds. Released under Island Def Jam, the album represented Carey's effort to reclaim her artistic identity amid public scrutiny and label changes, blending intimate ballads with hip-hop collaborations to reestablish her presence in . This positioning helped stabilize her career trajectory during a challenging period, serving as a bridge between her earlier pop dominance and future successes. Retrospective reviews of Charmbracelet remain mixed, with critics and analysts praising Carey's vocal prowess and emotional depth while critiquing the production as somewhat dated and safe. In a 2022 classic album assessment, the record was described as a retreat to "silky, overblown ballads" that catered to her core audience but lacked bold innovation, though standout tracks like the cover "" were highlighted for their unique appeal. More recent fan-oriented retrospectives, such as a 2020 analysis, emphasize its underrated songwriting and comforting R&B vibe, noting how the whispery vocals and personal lyrics resonate as a therapeutic listen even two decades later. A 2025 ranking places it 11th in Carey's , acknowledging its role in her post-controversy recovery but underscoring its subdued impact compared to her more transformative works. The album's cultural impact lies in its subtle influences on Carey's performance style and discography themes, particularly through the lead single "Through the Rain," which has endured as an anthem of resilience, symbolizing perseverance amid adversity in her body of work. Additionally, the accompanying Charmbracelet World Tour: An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey (2003–2004) shifted toward smaller venues and Broadway-inspired presentations, influencing trends in more personal, fan-focused touring for major artists seeking reconnection after career dips. On a personal level, tracks like "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy" serve as a poignant tribute to Carey's late father, Alfred Roy Carey, integrating family narratives into her music and underscoring the album's role in processing grief during her Island Records era. This era, bookended by Charmbracelet, ultimately paved the way for her triumphant 2005 release The Emancipation of Mimi. Despite these elements, Charmbracelet occupies a gap in Carey's mainstream legacy, overshadowed by the artistic liberation of (1997) and the commercial resurgence of , with retrospectives often viewing it as a necessary but unremarkable stepping stone rather than a defining pinnacle.

Credits and release

Track listing

The standard edition of Charmbracelet consists of 14 tracks with a total runtime of 64 minutes and 45 seconds.
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Through the Rain"Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey4:48
2."Boy (I Need You)" (featuring Cam'ron)Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Cameron Giles, Norman Whitfield, Barrett StrongJust Blaze5:14
3."The One"Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael CoxJermaine Dupri4:08
4."Yours"Mariah Carey, Lionel ColeJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey5:06
5."You Got Me" (featuring Jay-Z and Freeway)Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Shawn Carter, Leslie PridgenJust Blaze4:22
6."Clown"Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Mary Ann TatumDre & Vidal3:55
7."My Saving Grace"Mariah Carey, Trevor Lawrence Jr., Kenneth Crouch, Randy JacksonMariah Carey, Randy Jackson4:09
8."You Had Your Chance"Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Leon HaywoodJermaine Dupri4:24
9."Lullaby"Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal DavisDre & Vidal4:36
10."Irresistible (West Side Connection)" (featuring Westside Connection)Mariah Carey, Damizza, Ice Cube, WC, Mack 10Damizza5:40
11."Subtle Invitation"Mariah Carey, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, James WrightJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey4:39
12."Bringin' On the Heartbreak"Mick Jones, Steve Clark, Pete WillisMariah Carey, Randy Jackson4:34
13."Sunflowers for Alfred Roy"Mariah Carey, Michael McDonaldJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mariah Carey2:59
14."I Only Wanted"Mariah Carey, Kenneth EdmondsBabyface3:59
Note: Writer and producer credits are based on album liner notes as documented in official release databases. The 2003 Special Tour Edition includes a bonus disc with additional tracks: "There Goes My Heart" (4:13, writers: Mariah Carey, 7 Aurelius, Irving Lorenzo; producer: 7 Aurelius), "I Know What You Want" (with and ) – 4:33, written by Trevor Smith Jr., , Rashia Fisher, Dwight Myers, Gerard Thomas, and Robert Dietrich, produced by ; "Got a Thing 4 You" (with featuring Elephant Man) – 5:02; and in some variants, "Miss You" (feat. ) – 5:07. This edition has a total runtime of approximately 75 minutes. International variations include the Japanese edition, which appends "Miss You" (feat. ) – 5:07 as a bonus track, written by , Justin Smith, Jason Phillips; produced by .

Personnel

served as the executive producer for Charmbracelet, overseeing the album's production alongside key collaborators. The album's production credits are distributed across multiple producers, often track-specific: Mariah Carey performed lead vocals and background vocals on all tracks, with additional background vocals by (tracks 7, 10, 12), Mary Ann Tatum (tracks 3, 13, 15), Melonie Daniels (track 13), and James "Big Jim" Wright (track 4). Featured vocalists include (track 2), and Freeway (track 5), (track 10), Joe and (track 15 remix). Musicians contributing to the album include:
  • Keyboards and synthesizers: (various), Kenneth Crouch (tracks 6, 8, 12), Big Jim (tracks 1, 4)
  • Guitars: William Odum (track 3), Bobby Ross Avila (track 4), Michael Thompson (tracks 6, 8), Rob Bacon (track 12), Eric "E Bass" Johnson (track 15)
  • Drums and percussion: (tracks 6, 8), John Mitchell (tracks 6, 8), Carl "Butch" Small (track 10), John Lemkuhl (track 14)
  • Strings: Arranged by David Campbell (track 14) and Rob Mathes (track 15), performed by violinists including Alyssa Park, Armen Garabedian, , and others (track 15)
  • Other: Alex Richbourg (drum programming, tracks 1, 4), (percussion, track 6), (synthesizer bass, track 8; piano, track 14).
Recording and engineering staff encompassed:
  • Recording engineers: Steve Hodge (tracks 1, 4), Paul Gregory (tracks 2, 5), Brian Frye (tracks 3, 9), Dana Jon Chappelle (various), John Smeltz (tracks 7, 10), Asif Ali (track 12), Brian Springer (track 12), Ken Lewis (track 15)
  • Mixing engineers: Mick Guzauski (tracks 6, 8, 14), Jermaine Dupri and Phil Tan (tracks 3, 9), Florian Ammon (track 10), Dexter Simmons (track 12)
  • Assistants: Brad Yost, Xavier Smith, Oswald Bowe, Tadd Mingo, Colin Miller, Jaime Sickora, Jay Spears, and others
  • Pro Tools editing and additional recording: Kevin Guarnieri (tracks 6, 8, 14)
  • Mastering: Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, ME.
Additional staff included string arrangers David Campbell and Rob Mathes, and programmers such as DJ Vice (track 10) and 7 Aurelius (track 11).

Release history

Charmbracelet was originally released on December 3, 2002, in the United States by in partnership with , available in standard and digital formats. The album saw earlier releases in other regions, including November 20, 2002, in via Universal International and November 29, 2002, in through . Limited cassette editions were also issued in select markets, such as and Asia, alongside the primary format. An international Special Tour Edition, featuring a bonus disc with additional tracks, was released on July 26, 2003, distributed by Island Def Jam. Digital streaming became widely available through platforms like Apple Music and Spotify starting in the mid-2000s, with the original tracklist preserved. In 2024, a limited-edition 2LP vinyl reissue in translucent tan pressing was released exclusively via Amazon Music, under UMe and Def Jam Recordings, marking a colored variant of the 2021 vinyl reissue. The following table summarizes key release details, including labels and catalog numbers:
Region/CountryRelease DateLabel(s)FormatCatalog Number
December 3, 2002 / Island Def JamCD440 063 467-2
November 20, 2002Universal InternationalCDUICL-1031
November 29, 2002Island RecordsCD063 540-2
Various (International)July 26, 2003Island Def JamCD (Special Tour Edition)980 821-6
/2024UMe / 2LP Vinyl (Limited, Translucent Tan)B0032905-01
2002Island RecordsCassette063 540-4

References

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