Mariah Carey’s Dance Domination: Unraveling Her 17 Billboard Number Ones
We’re all familiar with Mariah Carey’s remarkable 19 chart-topping hits on the Billboard Hot 100, a fact often highlighted in her public appearances. However, what about her achievements on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart? Surprisingly, Mariah boasts an impressive tally of 17 number ones on this chart, challenging the perception that she’s primarily known for her ballads. With such a significant presence on the dance club scene, it’s evident that Mariah’s music transcends genres and resonates across diverse audiences.
Mariah and The Billboard Dance Club Charts
The Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, which ranks the popularity of songs in nightclubs across the United States, served as a vital platform for Mariah’s success from 1991 to 2014. During this period, she dominated the chart with 17 different songs, securing her place among the top artists in dance music history. Despite the chart’s suspension in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mariah’s legacy on the Dance Club Songs chart remains a testament to her enduring impact and versatility as an artist. As she stands as the 7th artist with the most number ones on the chart, Mariah’s influence in the realm of dance music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in the music industry.
1. Someday (16 March, 1991)
Mariah Carey’s debut album classic, “Someday,” marked her first single to ascend to the summit of the club charts. Initially crafted as an uptempo track, “Someday” held its own as a vibrant and energetic composition. Despite Mariah’s own reservations about the arrangement, the remixes by Shep Pettibone, the mastermind behind all of “Someday’s” remixes, elevated the song to new heights. Pettibone’s New 12″ House remix breathed fresh life into “Someday,” infusing it with pulsating beats and dynamic rhythms that resonated deeply with club audiences. Through Pettibone’s innovative remixes, “Someday” underwent a transformative journey, solidifying its status as a dancefloor anthem and setting the stage for Mariah’s future success on the club charts.
2. Emotions (30 November, 1991)
Mariah Carey’s sophomore album introduced the world to the lead single “Emotions,” a track revered for its stunning display of Mariah’s unparalleled whistle register. With its infectious energy and vocal acrobatics, “Emotions” captivated audiences worldwide. Producers David Cole and Robert Clivillés recognized the song’s potential as a dancefloor anthem and crafted the beloved 12″ Club Mix, propelling it to the coveted number one spot on the charts. The remix artfully enhanced the song’s already exhilarating tempo, infusing it with pulsating beats and electrifying rhythms that beckoned listeners to the dancefloor. Through the magic of the 12″ Club Mix, “Emotions” became more than just a hit single—it became a testament to Mariah’s vocal prowess and enduring influence in the realm of dance music.
3. Dreamlover (16 October 1993)
Mariah Carey’s enchanting single “Dreamlover” captivated audiences with its irresistible melody and uplifting lyrics. Seeking to infuse the track with new energy, Mariah turned to renowned remix artist David Morales, who initially hesitated but ultimately embraced the challenge of reimagining the song. The result was the electrifying “Dreamlover – Def Club Mix,” a dynamic rendition that propelled listeners to the dancefloor and soared to the top of the charts. Morales’ masterful remix breathed new life into “Dreamlover,” infusing it with pulsating beats and infectious rhythms that captivated audiences worldwide turning into a minor back melody, giving it an underground vibe. The remix was included in Mariah’s Remixes album and, later in the Music Box Anniversary album.
4. Anytime You Need a Friend (27 August 1994)
Mariah Carey’s soul-stirring anthem “Anytime You Need a Friend” took on new dimensions when expertly remixed by the dynamic duo, Cole & Clivillés. Infused with gospel-inspired harmonies and uplifting melodies, the original track was transformed into the infectious “Anytime You Need a Friend C&C Club Version,” a dance anthem that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. With its pulsating rhythms and euphoric beats, the Club Version captivated listeners on the dancefloor, earning Mariah her fourth number one on the club charts.
The remix showcased Mariah’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending elements of gospel and dance music to create a transcendent musical experience. As the soaring vocals and infectious hooks of the “Anytime You Need a Friend C&C Club Version” echoed through nightclubs, it became a symbol of unity and connection, uplifting spirits and inspiring joy wherever it was heard.
5. Fantasy (21 October 1995)
Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” was more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon that transcended boundaries and ignited dance floors worldwide. With its infectious melody and irresistible groove, “Fantasy” captured the essence of the 90s music scene, blending elements of pop and hip-hop into a groundbreaking masterpiece. Featuring the iconic rap stylings of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the track injected a dose of urban flair into Mariah’s signature sound, captivating audiences with its innovative fusion of genres.
As “Fantasy” dominated the airwaves, it also made waves in the club scene, where it reigned supreme for three consecutive weeks atop the Dance Charts. The remixes of “Fantasy” breathed new life into the song, infusing it with pulsating beats and infectious rhythms that compelled listeners to hit the dance floor. Mariah’s collaboration with Ol’ Dirty Bastard brought a fresh dynamic to the track, elevating it to new heights of success and solidifying its status as a dance anthem for the ages.
6. Honey (18 October 1997)
Mariah Carey’s “Honey” marked a significant shift in her musical journey. Released in 1997 as part of her album “Butterfly,” it showcased a new, daring sound. Collaborating with P. Diddy, Mase, and The Lox, Mariah recorded over 20 demos of the song until P. Diddy picked his favourite. The “Honey – Bad Boy Remix” became an anthem of freedom and empowerment, reflecting Mariah’s personal and artistic growth during the “Butterfly” era. With its dynamic production and the newly daring Mariah, “Honey” not only topped the dance charts but also made waves on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Mariah’s third hot shot debut on the prestigious chart.
7. I Still Believe (10 April 1999)
Mariah Carey’s rendition of “I Still Believe” in 1999 marked a poignant moment in her career. Initially known as a background vocalist for Brenda K. Starr’s original rendition, Mariah’s decision to cover the song propelled it to new heights of success. Collaborating once again with David Morales, Mariah infused her soulful vocals into the track, breathing new life into the beloved classic. While the original version peaked at number four on the Hot 100, Mariah’s remixes, with their infectious energy and heartfelt delivery, soared to the top of the charts, clinching the number one spot and solidifying her status as a powerhouse vocalist and hitmaker.
8. Through the Rain (8 February 2003)
Mariah Carey’s resilience shone through in “Through the Rain” following the tumultuous period she described as nearly ruining her life, referring to the Glitter era. Anticipation surrounded her comeback, and she emerged stronger than ever, navigating through adversity and emerging triumphant “through the rain.” Collaborating with several DJs, including Hex Hector and MacQuayle, Mariah’s emotive vocals resonated deeply with audiences, propelling the song straight to the dance floors and securing the number one position on the charts. The track not only marked Mariah’s return but also showcased her ability to channel personal experiences into powerful, uplifting music that connects with listeners on a profound level.
9. It’s Like That (21 May 2005)
Mariah Carey’s true emancipation unfolded in 2005, solidifying her status as a symbol of resilience and longevity in the music industry. “It’s Like That,” serving as the lead single from her album, epitomized her unbreakable spirit and unwavering determination to rise above challenges. With remixes by David Morales and Fat Joe, the track ascended swiftly to the number one spot, embodying Mariah’s ability to reign supreme in the realm of dance music. The infectious beats and captivating lyrics, including the iconic line “dem chickens is ash and I’m lotion,” resonated with audiences worldwide, further cementing Mariah’s legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of contemporary music.
10. We Belong Together (6 August 2005)
Mariah Carey’s monumental ballad, “We Belong Together,” which dominated the charts for an impressive 14 weeks in 2005, transcended its romantic roots to become her 10th chart-topping dancefloor anthem. With dynamic remixes by Peter Rauhofer and Craig C. & Martin “Mayhem,” the song’s journey from a heartfelt love ballad to a pulsating dance track showcased Mariah’s versatility and enduring appeal. The track’s irresistible beats and infectious rhythms transformed even the most stoic listeners into dancing queens, underscoring Mariah’s ability to captivate audiences across genres and generations with her timeless music.
11. Don’t Forget About Us (21 January 2006)
Mariah Carey’s chart-topping prowess continued with “Don’t Forget About Us,” released as the promotional single alongside the multiplatinum edition of “The Emancipation.” Showcasing remixes by Tony Moran and Ralphi Rosario, the track swiftly ascended to the summit of the dance charts, solidifying Mariah’s status as a reigning force in the music industry. The song’s infectious melodies and soulful vocals resonated with audiences, further cementing Mariah’s reputation for delivering memorable hits that transcend time and genre boundaries.
12. Say Somethin’ (27 May 2006)
As Mariah Carey’s “Emancipation” era continued its triumph, “Say Somethin’” emerged as the fourth single to conquer the dance floor charts, marking Mariah’s 12th chart-topper. Collaborating with David Morales, the renowned DJ and producer, Mariah elevated the track to new heights with irresistible remixes that captivated audiences worldwide. With its infectious beats and Mariah’s signature vocal prowess, “Say Somethin’” captured the essence of Mariah’s musical evolution and her enduring appeal in the dynamic landscape of dance music. The song’s success underscored Mariah’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her distinctive sound, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the world of popular music.
13. Touch My Body (10 May 2008)
Embracing the trends of the era, Mariah Carey hopped onto the autotune bandwagon with “Touch My Body,” a catchy pop tune accompanied by an iconic and hilarious music video that quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious beats and playful lyrics captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making it a staple on both the airwaves and the dance floors. With remixes that echoed the song’s irresistible charm, “Touch My Body” solidified Mariah’s reputation as a hitmaker who effortlessly bridges the gap between pop sensibility and club-worthy beats. The success of “Touch My Body” underscored Mariah’s ability to stay ahead of musical trends while maintaining her signature style, cementing her status as a pop icon for generations to come.
14. I Stay in Love (14 February 2009)
Despite being one of Mariah Carey’s lesser-known ballads, “I Stay in Love” captured the attention of club DJs and enthusiasts alike with its infectious beats and heartfelt lyrics. Released on Valentine’s Day, the song resonated with audiences seeking emotional resonance on the dance floor. With remixes by Jody den Broeder and Ralphi Rosario, “I Stay in Love” defied expectations and soared to the top of the dance charts, proving that even the most understated tracks in Mariah’s repertoire have the power to captivate listeners and dominate the club scene.
15. Obsessed (3 October 2009)
With its catchy hook and sassy lyrics, “Obsessed” made waves in the nightclub scene, captivating audiences with its irresistible beats and Mariah’s signature vocals. While initially not recognized as a mainstream hit, the song found its home on the dance floor, resonating with clubgoers who propelled it to the top of the charts. Despite its unconventional reception, “Obsessed” has stood the test of time, garnering increasing streams and cementing its status as one of Mariah’s most beloved hits. Years after its release, the song continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating Mariah’s enduring appeal and the timeless allure of her music in both mainstream and niche markets.
16. Triumphant (Get ‘Em) (27 October 2012)
Despite being a non-album track, “Triumphant (Get ‘Em)” showcased Mariah’s resilience and fiery spirit as she strutted through the boxing ring in the accompanying music video. Surprisingly, the song didn’t receive the attention it deserved upon release, leaving many puzzled by its overlooked brilliance. However, the Pulse Club Mix breathed new life into the track, igniting dance floors with its infectious energy and irresistible beats. Despite initial oversight, the remix’s undeniable appeal resonated with audiences, affirming Mariah’s ability to command attention and deliver electrifying performances across diverse musical genres.
17. You’re Mine (Eternal) (10 May 2014)
Surprisingly, “You’re Mine (Eternal)” marked Mariah’s 17th number one hit on the Dance Charts, solidifying her position as the 7th artist with the most number ones on these charts. Collaborating with Fedde Le Grand and Gregor Salto for the remixes added a fresh perspective to the track, infusing it with pulsating beats and dynamic rhythms that resonated with club-goers worldwide. Despite initial surprise at its success, the remixes breathed new life into the song, capturing the essence of Mariah’s timeless allure and reaffirming her enduring influence in the realm of dance music.
In conclusion, Mariah Carey’s unparalleled success on the Billboard Dance Charts stands as a testament to her enduring influence and versatility in the music industry. With a staggering total of 17 number one hits, she has solidified her status as a dance music icon, captivating audiences with her infectious rhythms and soulful vocals. Beyond the mainstream pop realm, Carey’s ability to dominate the dance charts underscores her capacity to transcend genres and connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
As we reflect on Mariah Carey’s remarkable achievements on the Dance Charts, it becomes evident that her impact extends far beyond her record-breaking accomplishments. Through her music, she has carved out a timeless legacy, inspiring generations of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of popular culture. As she continues to captivate audiences with her artistry and innovation, Mariah Carey remains a beacon of excellence in the world of dance music, leaving an enduring legacy that will resonate for years to come.
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