Emotions

Mariah's second studio album, Emotions, was released on September 17, 1991. After selling 129,000 copies, the album made its debut on the Billboard 200 chart at number four and spent twenty-seven weeks in the Top 20. Emotions was certified 4x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on September 27, 1994.

Emotions was released while Mariah Carey spent its sixty-fourth week on the Billboard 200 album chart, a little over a year after it had been released. “I recorded the second album while the first one was still climbing the charts,” she said in 1991. “I was writing for the new album before the first was even really successful. I put the second one out so soon after the first, most people would have waited a couple of years.”

This time around, and thanks to the massive success of her first album, Mariah got more control and got production credits on all of the songs. “I wanted Emotions to be more sparsely produced than the first one, and for the most part it is. I also wanted to use the influences of all the music I loved, like Motown stuff and Stevie Wonder. There's a rawness about those periods in R&B that's somewhat lacking today,” she explained. “It's very important to me to make sure my personality comes across. Because I've had success with the first album, I've been given the opportunity to be much more intricately involved with all the production, and not just walk in at the last moment and hear someone else's idea of what my song should sound like. I want to be there when they're putting everything from the piano to the drums down. I want to make sure that's how I feel the song should go too.”

Four of the album tracks — including the lead single — were co-produced with David Cole and Robert Clivillés of C&C Music Factory. Their collaboration was suggested by CBS president Tommy Mottola. “I didn't really see the parallels between what they were doing and what I was doing because their stuff was really hard,” Mariah said. “But I did like what they were doing, so we got together. I heard David on piano. He's a really gifted piano player, and that really drew me towards him as a collaborator. So we just sat down together to see which direction we wanted to go in, and just let it flow. I really did enjoy working with them.”

“Emotions” was released as the album's first single on August 13, 1991, and became Mariah's highest-debuting single after entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number thirty-five. It reached the top spot on October 12, making Mariah the first — and to date only — act to have their first five singles reach the top of the chart, breaking the record of four established twenty-one years earlier by the Jackson Five.

After falling out with writing partner Ben Margulies, Mariah established a new working relationship with Walter Afanasieff, who had previously produced “Love Takes Time” on her debut album. Together, they produced six of the album's ten tracks, including “Can't Let Go,” “So Blessed” and “And You Don't Remember.”

“Can't Let Go” was released as the second single on October 23, 1991. “This was one of my favorite songs on the album,” Mariah said about the song in 2012. “I think it may have leaned a bit too R&B for the record label at the time.” “Can't Let Go” was Mariah's first single not to top the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two behind Color Me Badd's “All 4 Love” on the chart dated January 25. The song spent eleven consecutive weeks in the Top 10 and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 17, 2022.

In February 1992, “Make It Happen,” a collaboration with Cole & Clivillés, was released as the album's third single. “I'll always remember recording it,” Mariah said. “It was four in the morning at the studio and I was messing around at it and David [Cole] was actually asleep at the board. We used to work non-stop. Then when I came up with the part that goes ‘If you believe in your soul’, David woke up and put his hand in the air and just said ‘Yes!’ ” “Make It Happen” made its debut at number seventy-four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated February 22. Five weeks later, the song became Mariah's seventh consecutive Top 10 single, before eventually peaking at number five during the week of April 11.

Emotions also sees Mariah collaborating with Carole King on the song “If It's Over.” “She called and wanted me to do a cover of ‘Natural Woman,’ ” Mariah said. “I didn't want to, because Aretha's one of my idols and that's an untouchable performance. [Carole] is such a true professional. There's something magical when she sits down at the piano and she plays and sings. She really knows song structure so well. She inspired me to really want to improve my playing, and just continue to do what I'm doing.” About their session, Carole King said the following: “It was a true collaboration. I'd come up with an idea, she'd come back with something else… In the end we came up with what we both think is a wonderful song. I love her voice. She's very expressive. She gives a lot of meaning to what she sings.”

Tracklist

Releases

United States

Emotions was originally released on CD, Cassette and Vinyl, and later re-issued in MiniDisc.

Vinyl Reissues

In 2020, two new vinyl pressings became available: a standard black vinyl and a limited edition transparent tan with black smoke vinyl — sold exclusively by Vinyl Me, Please. In 2021, to mark the album's 30th anniversary, a baby pink vinyl edition was released on National Album Day, celebrating women in music. A new “Magic Hours” pink edition of the album became available on June 17, 2023, exclusively sold by UK retailer HMV to commemorate a full century since the first HMV store opened its doors in London.

Singles

Lyrics

Emotions

You've got me feeling emotions
Deeper than I've ever dreamed of
You've got me feeling emotions
Higher than the heavens above

I feel good
I feel nice
I've never felt so
Satisfied
I'm in love
I'm alive
Intoxicated
Flying high
It feels like a dream
When you touch me tenderly
I don't know if it's real
But I like the way I feel
Inside

You've got me feeling emotions
Deeper than I've ever dreamed of
You've got me feeling emotions
Higher than the heavens above

In the morning
When I rise
You are the first thing
On my mind
And in the middle
Of the night
I feel your heartbeat
Next to mine
It feels like a dream
When you love me tenderly
I don't know if you're for real
But I like the way I feel
Inside

You've got me feeling emotions
Deeper than I've ever dreamed of
You've got me feeling emotions
Higher than the heavens above

You know the way to make me lose control
When you're looking into my eyes
You make me feel so
High

You've got me feeling emotions
Deeper than I've ever dreamed of
You've got me feeling emotions
Higher than the heavens above


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, David Cole, Robert Clivillés.
Produced by David Cole, Robert Clivillés and Mariah Carey.

And You Don't Remember

Shattered dreams
Cut through my mind
Tragically our love has died
Memories confine my head
Bitterly I face the end

Trustingly
I gave myself to you
I let you inside
Believing your lies

And you don't remember
Every time you told me
You were mine for ever
For eternity
And you don't remember
How you used to hold me
How we'd melt together
How you needed me
How we used to be
In love

Stranded here
In nothingness
With only tears
And loneliness

Foolishly
I gave my soul to you
I let you inside
Believing your lies

And you don't remember
Every time you told me
You were mine for ever
For eternity
And you don't remember
How you used to hold me
How we'd melt together
How you needed me
How we used to be
In love

Helplessly
I fell so deep
I was so naive
To let you in
Why did I let you in
To my heart

And you don't remember
Anything you told me
You were mine forever
For eternity
I know you don't remember
How you used to hold me
How we'd melt together
Together
How you needed me
How we used to be
In love


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.

Can't Let Go

There you are holding her hand
I am lost
Dying to understand
Didn't I cherish you right
Don't you know you were my life

Even though I try I can't let go
Something in your eyes
Captured my soul
And every night I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let go

Just cast aside
You don't even know I'm alive
You just walk on by
Don't care to see me cry
And here I am
Still holding on
I can't accept
My world is gone

Even though I try I can't let go
Something in your eyes
Captured my soul
And every night I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let go

Do you even realize the sorrow I have inside
Everyday of my life
Do you know the way it feels
When all you have just dies
I try and try to deny that I need you
But still you remain on my mind

No I just can't get you out of my mind
I never can say goodbye
'Cause every night
I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let you go
Even though I try
I can't let go of something I need so badly
You're all I know
I can't let go


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.

Make It Happen

Not more than three short years ago
I was abandoned and alone
Without a penny to my name
So very young and so afraid
No proper shoes upon my feet
Sometimes I couldn't even eat
I often cried myself to sleep
But still I had to keep on going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've found my way

If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)
And if you get down on your knees at night
And pray to the Lord
He's gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)

I know life can be so tough
And you feel like giving up
But you must be strong
Baby just hold on
You'll never find the answers
If you throw your life away
I used to feel the way you do
Still I have to keep going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've finally found my way

If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)
And if you get down on your knees at night
And pray to the Lord
He's gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)

I once was lost
But now I'm found
I got my feet on solid ground
Thank you Lord
If you believe within your soul
Just hold on tight
And don't let go
You can make it happen
(Make it happen)

If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)
And if you get down on your knees at night
And pray to the Lord
He's gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, David Cole, Robert Clivillés.
Produced by David Cole, Robert Clivillés and Mariah Carey.

If It's Over

Won't you talk to me
This is so out of hand
Something's gone wrong
With the life that we planned

Won't you look at me
You're avoiding my gaze
And it seems like you've changed
In so many ways

It isn't fair
It isn't right
If it's really gone
Then tell me tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Let me go

Won't you speak to me
I'm just here holding on
'Cause baby I really don't need to wait around
If the feeling is gone

It isn't fair
It isn't right
If it's really gone
Then tell me tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Let me go

I don't need no apologies
I'm not looking for sympathy
All I'm asking for
Is your honesty
Won't you give it to me
Give it to me now

It isn't fair
It just isn't right
'Cause if is't really gone
You've got to say the word tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Won't you let me know
Baby if it's over
If it's over
Over — let me go


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Carole King, Mariah Carey.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.

You're So Cold

Lord only knows
Why I love you so
You're a heartless man
I don't understand
Why you gotta be
Why you need to be
So cold

So cold
How can you be
So cold
So cruel to me
Ice cold
Don't even feel
Your kiss is like fire
But deep down inside
You're so cold

You play games with my mind
Cheat and lie time after time
And I know you'll never change
But I just can't break away
I don't know why I let you treat me the way you do
You're just no good for me
I wish I never fell for you

So cold
How can you be
So cold
So cruel to me
Ice cold
Don't even feel
Your kiss is like fire
But deep down inside
You're so cold

So many times
You keep me waiting around endlessly
You just laugh as I drown in despair
Never a worry, never a care
I don't know why I let you hurt me the way you do
You've got a spell on me
I'm hopelessly in love with you

Chorus
Made of stone
Oh you're wicked to the bone
I give you my heart
You tear me apart
You're like a devil
In disguise

So cold
How can you be
So cold
So cruel to me
Ice cold
Don't even feel
Your kiss is like fire
But deep down inside
You're so cold


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, David Cole.
Produced by David Cole, Robert Clivillés and Mariah Carey.

So Blessed

Lying beside you
This joy is so deep
I reach out and touch you
Tenderly
Looking inside you
My world is complete
I struggled to find you
Now I'm free

Precious love
Burning so deeply
Shining completely
For you

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need

Adrift in a moment
So sacred and pure
Alive for you only
I am yours
As you touch me so sweetly
And you whisper my name
I feel how you love me
We are the same

Precious one
Don't ever leave me
Forever need me
This way

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need

Stay with me
Beyond the end
I treasure you
You made me whole again

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.

To Be Around You

Something that you do
Hypnotizes me
Sets my soul at ease
Every time you're near me
I'm in heaven baby

I don't know how you do it
Never felt like this before
I don't wanna lose it
Give me all your love
(More and more and more)

Something that you do
Mesmerizes me
Sets my body free
Every time you touch me
I'm in heaven baby
I don't know how you do it
Never felt so sweet before
I don't wanna lose it
Give me all your love
(More and more and more)

I just wanna be around you
Tell me are you feeling the same
I just wanna be around you
Every minute of the day
Oh I'm never gonna let you go

Every time you smile
It captivates my mind
And it lifts me to the sky
Anytime you touch me
I'm in heaven baby
I don't now how you do it
Never felt so sweet before
I don't wanna lose it
Give me all your love

I just wanna be around you
Tell me are you feeling the same
I just wanna be around you
Every minute of the day
Oh I'm never gonna let you go

I just want
To be the only one you live for
I just want
To give you all my love
(More and more and more)

I just wanna be around you
Tell me are you feeling the same
I just wanna be around you
Every minute of the day
Oh I'm never gonna let you go


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, David Cole.
Produced by David Cole, Robert Clivillés and Mariah Carey.

Till The End Of Time

Close to me
Oh I need you close to me
Loving me
Close to you
How can I get close to you
Help me to

Why can't you see
I would give the world away
To have you by my side
I'm so in need
Each and every night I pray
You'll come and save my life
I would love you
Till the end of time

I think of you
Every moment I go through
Thoughts of you
I dream of you
All I have are so many dreams of you
Won't you please come true
Why can't you see
I would give the world away
To have you by my side
Oh I'm so in need
Each and every night I pray
You'll come and save my life
I would love you
Till the end of time

Tell me what you need
Let me give you all of me
Without you nothing's real
You're the reason that I feel
Tell me what you need
Let me give you everything
Every moment I'm alive
Until the end of time

Why can't you see
I would give the world away
To have you by my side
I'm so in need
Each and every night I pray
You'll come and save my life
I would love you
Till the end of time

I would love you till the end of time


Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.

The Wind

The wind has taken you
You're free finally at peace
So still you lie
Leaving your cares behind

The pain is gone
Gone with the spirit in your eyes
Now you're wandering around
Above us
Looking downward
As we cry

You've flown into the wind
Escaping all the hurt within
Took to the sky
Leaving the world behind

So young to die
How could you let it all pass you by

And to the wind go so many dreams
That you held inside
Now you're just a memory
Burning in my mind

So young to die
How could you let life pass you by
And now you'll never know I loved you
And now you'll never know I cared

I really loved you
And now you'll never know

You'll only fade
Into the wind


New lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Russell Freeman.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.