Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her own catalog. As a Mariah Carey songwriter retrospective, this list explores songs she wrote for other performers, tracks that sample her music and recordings that mention her directly.

Indeed, Carey has written most of her own hits, including 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles. In 2022, the Songwriters Hall of Fame formally recognized that achievement.

1. Faith Hill — “Where Are You Christmas?”

For the film, Carey worked with James Horner and Will Jennings on music for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Taylor Momsen first performed the short film version as Cindy Lou Who.

Carey then expanded the song and recorded a demo. Because of an ongoing dispute with Sony and Tommy Mottola, Faith Hill released the soundtrack version instead. Carey later confirmed that she still had her original recording.

2. Bryson Tiller — “Don’t”

Later, Bryson Tiller’s 2015 breakthrough interpolates a lyric from Carey’s “Shake It Off.” Therefore, Carey receives a songwriting credit even though she did not participate in Tiller’s session.

3. Allure featuring Nas — “Head Over Heels”

In 1996, Carey launched the Crave label in 1996 and signed the group Allure. She co-wrote “Head Over Heels,” which featured Nas, and briefly appeared in its video.

4. Eminem — “The Warning” and “Bagpipes from Baghdad”

Admittedly, these songs do not give Carey a writing credit. However, both tracks focus heavily on her and responded to the public conflict surrounding “Obsessed” and Nick Cannon.

5. 7 Mile — “After”

Meanwhile, Carey also signed the R&B group 7 Mile to Crave. She co-wrote “After,” the second single from their only album. The song did not chart, and Crave later closed.

6. Fifth Harmony — “Like Mariah”

By contrast, Fifth Harmony built “Like Mariah” around the familiar vocal hook from “Always Be My Baby.” The lyrics openly celebrate Carey, who publicly thanked the group and said she enjoyed the track.

7. slowthai featuring James Blake and Mount Kimbie — “Feel Away”

Sonically, “Feel Away” sounds very different from Carey’s catalog. Nevertheless, a processed background vocal uses the “Dreamlover” chorus near the end. That interpolation explains her songwriting credit.

8. Sigala featuring Imani Williams and DJ Fresh — “Say You Do”

Similarly, “Say You Do” also samples “Always Be My Baby.” The dance single passed 100 million Spotify streams, demonstrating the continued reach of Carey’s melody.

9. Daryl Hall — “Help Me Find a Way to Your Heart”

Earlier, in 1993, Carey co-wrote this ballad for Daryl Hall’s first solo album. Although it did not receive a commercial single release, the collaboration showed her early credibility with an established songwriter.

10. Penny Ford — “I Lose Control”

Meanwhile, Carey and Narada Michael Walden registered “I Lose Control” in 1990. The upbeat song may have originated during her debut sessions, although no Carey recording has surfaced. Penny Ford released it in 1993.

11. Dean Blunt — “Brutal”

Elsewhere, Dean Blunt’s “Brutal” samples the instrumental opening of “The Roof.” Curiously, Carey does not appear in the published songwriting credits, so some listeners may miss the connection.

12. Trey Lorenz — “Someone to Hold”

Additionally, Carey co-wrote several songs for longtime collaborator Trey Lorenz. “Someone to Hold” became his biggest solo hit and reached No. 19 on the Hot 100.

She also helped write “Always in Love,” “Pisces” and “Make You Happy.” The latter appeared on the Men in Black soundtrack in 1997.

13. Blaque — “Don’t Go Looking for Love”

In 1999, Carey co-wrote “Don’t Go Looking for Love” for Blaque’s 1999 debut album. The track was not a commercial single, but the album earned Platinum certification in the United States.

14. Drake — “Emotionless”

Finally, Drake sampled the 12-inch Club Mix of “Emotions” on his 2018 song “Emotionless.” Carey’s famous vocal opens the recording. The song reached No. 8 on the Hot 100 and passed 100 million Spotify streams.

15. Other Mariah Carey references and samples

Many other artists have revisited Carey’s music. Rylo Rodriguez and Beenie Man sampled “Always Be My Baby,” while Megan Thee Stallion referenced “Obsessed” in “Hiss.”

Mr. Oizo and 11:11 also used material from “Shake It Off.” Meanwhile, Sultan + Shepard revisited Allure’s “Head Over Heels,” extending the influence of a song Carey originally co-wrote.

The Mariah Carey songwriter legacy

These examples show several forms of influence. Carey directly wrote songs for peers, created melodies that later artists sampled and became a subject within popular music itself.

Her work continues to move between pop, R&B, hip-hop and dance music. Consequently, the Mariah Carey songwriter legacy belongs not only to her own recordings but also to a much wider musical family.