Why Mariah Carey Matters

Mariah Carey embodies the duality of celebrity; she has both rabid fans (known as Lambs) and vehement haters. This book by Chan (contributor, 4Columns) showcases Carey’s musical talents and delves into her work as a songwriter and producer. Her struggles for acceptance as an artist of color are also spotlighted. The well-researched book reads like a doctoral thesis but still in a comprehensive, accessible way. Chan’s beautiful descriptions of Carey’s songs, lyrics, and performances aid in the difficult task of bringing sound to life solely through words. Cited works are varied, ranging from the superstar’s own autobiography to articles from Buzzfeed. The outcome lends a distinctly 21st-century feel to an artist largely defined by her hits in the ’90s and early aughts. Observations of Carey’s influence on the LGBTQIA+ community are sprinkled throughout. Chan interjects his own stories of how he came to know and love Carey’s music, lending more insight to his admiration of her.