Mariah Carey Wants To Be Recognized As A Songwriter And Producer
Mariah Carey has written or co-written over 160 songs, including her hits “Vision of Love” and “Dreamlover,” which is why she’s annoyed when people are still surprised to learn she writes her own material. Mariah tells the New York Daily News, “I mean, I do play into the diva thing because it is fun to dress up, put on a gown, and sing a song. But if Elton John wanted to dress up he would still be recognized as the artist he is. When it comes to females, it’s different. Unless you’re sitting behind a guitar or a piano, people don’t look at you as a producer, an artist, a writer.”
Mariah’s new album, the Emancipation Of Mimi, hits stores Tuesday (April 12). Mariah says her song lyrics reflect what she’s going through at the moment. The new album contains the song “Fly Like a Bird,” which features an appearance by her pastor, and talks about how her faith has steered her through rough times. She says, “If I didn’t have the ability to say, ‘OK, God, get me through this,’ I wouldn’t have gotten through it–the rumors, the speculation, the criticism and ups and downs, whether I am battling a record company, an ex-husband, this, that and the third! I’m not trying to get on a soap box and preach. It’s just important for people to know where I am coming from.”
Watch The Video Mariah Carey – We Belong Together