Mimi's legendary voice has had changes in tone depending on he era. Which is your fav Mariah era based on her tone?

I feel it would objectively have to be 1990-1995.

That's tough. I think my favorites are:

 

Debut era's darker, jazzy tone

 

Butterfly's soulfulness and rasp

 

Charmbracelet's fullness

 

Just now, Hey Dude said:

I feel it would objectively have to be 1990-1995.

Her prime vocal years were 1990-1998; 02-04

 

But the OP is asking about tonal quality specifically.

butterfly 

Daydream era of course

she was G5ing effortlessly

 

1995/1996. But I like the increased rasp between 1997-2000. Also, her tone during The Emancipation of Mimi was different but very pleasant still and more layered imo

 

 

 

 

 

Based on ONLY tone though - Rainbow and Glitter were so good  

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, CottageHore said:

Also, her tone during The Emancipation of Mimi was different but very pleasant still and more layered imo

 

2005 in particular. 

7 minutes ago, constantinople said:

Daydream era of course

she was G5ing effortlessly

 

This

 

 

'Daydream' imo is the best she has ever sounded, live and in the studio.

Just now, Feanor said:

'Daydream' imo is the best she has ever sounded, live and in the studio.

OP is asking about tone, specifically.

 

also some people would argue Music Box - Merry Christmas > Daydream, but I think it comes down to personal preference. All-time great vocals all over the place  

I would say:

 

1. Butterfly

2. Debut/Emotions

3. Daydream

 

Of her prime, the only era I don’t really like is Rainbow. Tone wise the Long Island came OUT.  

The Roof/Butterfly

 

But also E=

I have a soft spot for Glitter era vocals

 

 

 

1 minute ago, Lamb said:

I have a soft spot for Glitter era vocals

 

 

 

OHOMO was recorded in mid 2000, I think. It was still Rainbow era before the rest of the soundtrack was recorded in late 2000-early 2001

Just now, suburbannature said:

OHOMO was recorded in mid 2000, I think. It was still Rainbow era before the rest of the soundtrack was recorded in late 2000-early 2001

Wasn't it originally meant to be in Glitter? The lyrics fit the storyline of the movie and the sound of the album. Either way I loved ha tone during those years

Rainbow 

 

But 2013 for her whisper register >

Music Box

 

I prefer Daydream and Butterfly musically but I love how smooth/soothing her tone was during MB/MC

Butterfly, Emancipation

 

Butterfly. Perfect balance of her supreme abilities that peaked in the mid-90s (imo) and a smokey raspiness. Post-Butterfly, this newer tone started sounding weak and damaged (see: Rainbow)

Daydream and Rainbow were my absolute favorites 

Music Box & Daydream

 

I also have a soft spot for the Butterfly raspiness

Butterfly will always the that era for me

1993-1996 for me.