At the turn of the millennium, Mariah Carey’s career was undergoing a significant transition as she moved away from her early ballads and torch songs and embraced a more hip-hop influenced sound. This shift was evident with the success of the “Fantasy” remix featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard in 1995, and further solidified with her album Butterfly and its lead single “Honey” in 1997. During the recording of Butterfly, Carey separated from her husband Tommy Mottola, her longtime music executive, giving her more creative freedom to explore new musical directions. With one album left in her contract with Columbia Records, Carey set out to record Rainbow in 1999.
Rainbow, Carey’s seventh studio album, was a commercial success, selling eight million copies worldwide and spawning two number one hits: “Heartbreaker” featuring Jay-Z and “Thank God I Found You.” The album showcased a blend of ballads and more upbeat tracks that reflected Carey’s experimentation with hip-hop influences. Tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “How Much” demonstrated Carey’s willingness to push boundaries and incorporate diverse musical styles. Compared to her previous album Butterfly, Rainbow allowed Carey to explore new creative avenues and showcase her versatility as an artist.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rainbow, a digital Expanded Edition has been released featuring unreleased bonus tracks, remixes, and classic live performances. The reimagined version of the album’s interlude “Rainbow” has been transformed into a dancefloor-ready track, while an a capella version of “Bliss” offers fans a new perspective on the original song. This release provides fans, known as the Lambs, with additional material to enjoy while they eagerly anticipate Carey’s next album and projects.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Carey reflected on her experience revisiting Rainbow and the significance of that period in her life. She discussed shooting the album cover with renowned photographer David LaChapelle and shared insights into the creative process behind the iconic imagery. The interview also touched on the cultural impact of Rainbow and the enduring popularity of tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “Thank God I Found You,” which continue to resonate with audiences.
As Carey prepares for her final performances in Las Vegas as part of her Celebration of Mimi residency, the anniversary of Rainbow serves as a reminder of her enduring influence and musical legacy. The album’s blend of heartfelt ballads and uptempo tracks captured a pivotal moment in Carey’s career and showcased her growth as an artist. With the release of the Expanded Edition, fans have the opportunity to experience Rainbow in a new light and appreciate the timeless quality of Carey’s music.
