At the turn of the millennium, Mariah Carey was in a transitionary period in her career, moving away from her earlier ballads and torch songs towards a more hip-hop influenced sound. This shift began with the success of the “Fantasy” remix featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard in 1995, and was further developed on her album Butterfly in 1997, during which she also separated from her husband Tommy Mottola. Despite Mottola’s disapproval of hip-hop, Carey was determined to explore new musical directions, setting the stage for her next album, Rainbow.
Rainbow, Carey’s seventh studio album, was recorded in Capri in 1999 and showcased a more diverse sound that incorporated elements of hip-hop, pop, and R&B. The album sold eight million copies worldwide and included hits such as “Heartbreaker” featuring Jay-Z and “Thank God I Found You.” While Rainbow still included some ballads, such as “Petals” and “Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme),” the standout tracks were those in which Carey experimented and collaborated with hip-hop artists, such as “Heartbreaker” and “How Much.” This album allowed Carey to further explore her musical range and express herself in ways she hadn’t been able to before.
In celebration of the album’s 25th anniversary, a digital Expanded Edition of Rainbow has been released, featuring previously unreleased bonus tracks, live performances, remixes, and more. The reworking of “Rainbow (Interlude)” into “Rainbow’s End” and the a capella version of “Bliss” offer fans new ways to experience Carey’s music and creativity. With this release, Carey’s fans, known as the Lambs, have new material to enjoy as they await updates on her next album and upcoming performances.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Carey reflected on the anniversary of Rainbow and the process of revisiting that chapter of her life. She discussed shooting the iconic cover with photographer David LaChapelle and reminisced about the memorable moments from that time. Carey also addressed the infamous spray-painted tank top she wore in the album artwork, sparking curiosity among fans about its significance. As she prepares for her final performances in Vegas as part of her Celebration of Mimi residency, Carey’s reflections on Rainbow highlight the evolution of her music and her continued relevance in the industry.
Overall, Rainbow marked a significant moment in Mariah Carey’s career, as she broke away from the constraints of her past and embraced new musical influences. The album’s success solidified Carey’s status as a versatile artist who could seamlessly blend genres and collaborate with a diverse range of musicians. As fans celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rainbow with the Expanded Edition release, they are reminded of Carey’s enduring talent and the impact she has had on the music industry over the past two decades. With each new project, Carey continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences, solidifying her legacy as one of the most iconic voices in contemporary music.
