I Ranked Mariah Carey’s 12 Studio Albums From Good To Masterpieces

Charmbracelet deserved better!

Mariah Carey is a music legend and has one of the greatest voices of our time. She’s been in the business for over 30 years now and has released many projects. This list will be a ranking of the 12 studio albums Mariah Carey has released. It will not include her two Christmas albums or the Glitter soundtrack album!

12. Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse

Def Jam

One of Mariah’s more recent albums, MIAM is all over the place in its songs. It doesn’t feel as articulated as her best do. It’s got some great tracks, but it just doesn’t carry the same heart as her other albums.

11. Music Box

Columbia Records

While this is one of Mariah’s biggest and most iconic albums, it’s a lot more subdued than most people think. With hit songs like “Dreamlover” and “Hero,” it does have some Mimi classics. It can become cheesy at some points as well.

10. E=MC2

Island

This 2008 album gave Mariah her 18th #1 song. It’s much more upbeat than Music Box, but it also feels more generic compared to her other albums. It has some gems, but overall, most of the album isn’t memorable.

9. Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Island

This album, while containing the song “Obsessed,” feels very much like a product of the time. It’s very much a 2009-sounding album. If you like that era of music, you’ll like this album. It does have some great songs like “H.A.T.E.U.,” “Candy Bling,” and “Inseparable.”

8. Rainbow

Columbia Records

Rainbow was Mariah’s last album of the '90s, thus marking the end of an era. It has so many great songs like “Heartbreaker,” “After Tonight,” and “Petals.” It also contains some forgettable and even just strange songs like “Thank God I Found You” and “Did I Do That?"

7. Emotions

Columbia Records

Mariah’s second album, Emotions really shows off her voice and all of its acrobatics. The songs also range from dark to light, which makes for an interesting listen. There are also more jazz vibes on this album!

6. Caution

Epic

Mariah’s most recent album, Caution showed the world that Mimi could still hold her own in a new era of music. She also goes back to her R&B roots on this album. She blends her old style with new sounds and made a great album!

5. Mariah Carey

Columbia

Mariah’s debut album spawned the hit song “Vision of Love” and started Mimi’s illustrious career. Her self-titled album has an '80s sound and still holds up to this day. It's definitely worth a listen!

4. Charmbracelet

MonarC/ Island

Without a doubt, Mariah’s most underrated album. Charmbracelet is an often overlooked album that contains so many fantastic songs! It's peak 2000s R&B and deserved the success that her other albums got. Give it a listen, you won’t be disappointed!

3. The Emancipation Of Mimi

Island/ Def Jam

Mariah’s commercial comeback, this album contained the massive hit “We Belong Together.” TEOM is a well-executed album with many songs that could’ve been hits. Everyone should hear this iconic album at some point.

2. Daydream

Columbia Records

Containing three of Mariah’s biggest hits, Daydream feels very planned. It seems like it’s almost too good. This album sounds like something a singer would work their entire career in order to release. It's a masterpiece of music!

1. Butterfly

Columbia Records

Considered by many to be Mariah’s magnum opus, Butterfly feels very heartfelt and personal. It has its commercial moments, but overall, it’s definitely an album made to express her true emotions. I don’t think many singers are brave enough to give up commercial performance for true emotion. This album is truly a testament to Mariah’s artistry.