Always Be My Baby

"Always Be My Baby"
Single by Mariah Carey
from the album Daydream
B-side
  • "Slipping Away"
  • "Long Ago"
Released March 9, 1996
Format
Recorded December 1994
Genre
Length 4:18
Label Columbia
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
  • Carey
  • Dupri
  • Seal
Mariah Carey singles chronology
"Open Arms"
(1995)		 "Always Be My Baby"
(1996)		 "Forever"
(1996)
Daydream track listing
"Open Arms"
(4)		 "Always Be My Baby"
(5)		 "I Am Free"
(6)

"Always Be My Baby" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, taken from her fifth studio album, Daydream (1995). It was released by Columbia Records on March 9, 1996 as the third U.S. single and fourth overall. The song was written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal, who also produced the song. A mid-tempo song, its lyrics describe the feeling of attachment and unity Carey feels towards her estranged lover, even though they are no longer together. She says he will always be a part of her and will "always be her baby" even after they move on.

Music critics have praised "Always Be My Baby." The song became Carey's 11th chart topper on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with Madonna and Whitney Houston for most number one singles for a female artist. It spent two weeks atop the chart and became Carey's eight chart topper on the Canadian Singles Chart. In other regions, the song performed moderately, peaking at number three in the United Kingdom, number five in New Zealand, number 17 in Australia and in the top 20 in most music markets where it charted.

The song's music video features scenes of Carey frolicking by a campsite, as well as swinging on a large swing over a lake. Additional inter-cuts include scenes of two children, one male and female, sneaking out at night and spending time together by a campfire similar to Carey's location. Most scenes from the video were filmed at The Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah, named after Mariah Carey for her generous support and dedication to Fresh Air Fund children. The song was performed live during her Daydream World Tour (1996) and many of her future tours and concerts. "Always Be My Baby" was also featured in Carey's compilation albums, Number 1's (1998), Greatest Hits (2001) and The Ballads (2008).

Background and recording

While Carey was writing and recording Daydream in early 1995, she began searching for different producers, in order to give her work a new sound.[1] Jermaine Dupri, who had risen to fame during that period, began working with Carey on material for her album. After recording the song in December 1994, Carey recalled that she chose to work with Dupri because he had a "very distinct vibe."[1] Additionally, Carey commissioned the assistance of hip-hop and contemporary R&B producer, Manuel Seal. As Seal played different keys on the piano, Carey led him with the melody she was "hearing inside her head" and began humming the phrase "always be my baby."[1] In an interview with Fred Bronson, Carey discussed the process it took to write and produce the song:

"Jermaine, Manuel and I sat down and Jermaine programmed the drums. I told him the feel I wanted and Manuel put his hands on the keyboards and I started singing the melody. We went back and forth with the bridge and the B-section. I had the outline of the lyrics and started singing 'Always be my baby' off the top of my head."[1]

Like producers before him, Dupri commended Carey's vocal abilities, "she can pretty much do anything with her voice. She's really strong vocally."[1] Another musical craft the song featured was the inclusion of heavy background vocals of her lower registers, with Carey then belting and singing the higher notes over the her background vocals and melody, creating a "double voice effect."[1] When discussing the technique used in the background vocals, Carey said:

"The background vocals are an important part of the picture for me. That's why I like to do them myself a lot of the time, or initially I'll lay down the tracks. I'll double my voice or do a couple of tracks of my own voice. It's easy for me to match my voice. And then if I'm going to use other background singers, I'll let them go on top of mine.[1]

Composition

"Always Be My Baby"
A 26-sample of the song, featuring background vocals described as "double voice."
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Always Be My Baby" is a ballad, which incorporates pop and contemporary R&B genres.[1] It has a moderate tempo of 76 beats per minute.[2] The song features a "double voice" which is an effect Carey created in the studio, where her lower vocal notes are used as backup, and her higher chest notes are used as the song's main focal point.[1] The song's instrumentation is written in the key of E major.[2] It is set in signature common time.[2] Carey's vocals span from the note of B2 to F5.

Critical analysis

The song earned positive reviews from music critics. Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly complimented the song's "relaxed swing" and felt its instrumentation helped make it a standout from the album.[3] Stephen Holden, editor of The New York Times, complimented "Always Be My Baby," calling it one of "the best on the album."[4] At the 38th Grammy Awards the song received a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.[5]

Chart performance

Carey performing "Always Be My Baby" during a concert in Las Vegas on December, 2010.

"Always Be My Baby" was released by Columbia Records on March 9, 1996 in Europe, and debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 on the issue dated April 6, 1996, behind Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me," which had replaced Carey's previous single, "One Sweet Day", at number one.[6] "Always Be My Baby" stayed at number two for four weeks, and topped the Hot 100 on May 4, 1996, where it spent two weeks before returning to the number two position for an additional five weeks.[6] At the end of its US chart run, the song spent a total of nine weeks at number two, the fourth longest stay in the chart's history.[6] The song became Carey's 11th chart topper in the United States, tying her with pop singers Whitney Houston and Madonna as the female solo artist with the most number one singles, a record she passed soon after.[6] After spending two weeks atop the Hot 100, the three singles from Daydream had given Carey a combined 26 weeks (six months) atop the chart, something never duplicated by another artist until Usher and The Black Eyed Peas in the mid to late 2000s.[6] In Canada, the song became Carey's eighth chart topper, after it ascended to the number one position on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart during the week of May 20, 1996.[7]

While it charted well outside the US, the song didn't manage to chart as high as her previous two singles "Fantasy" and "One Sweet Day." In Australia, the song entered the Australian Singles Chart at number 28 during the week of March 13, 1996. The song spent 16 weeks fluctuating in the chart before spending its last week at number 47 on June 30.[8] "Always Be My Baby" was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of over 35,000 units.[9] The song debuted and peaked at number five in New Zealand, spending three consecutive weeks at the position. After 16 weeks, the song fell of the singles chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ).[10][11] In the United Kingdom, the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number three, where it peaked.[12] In its second week, the song fell to number four, staying on the chart for a total of ten weeks.[13] As of 2008, sales in the UK are estimated at over 220,000.[14] In Ireland, the song peaked at number ten on the Irish Singles Chart, spending nine weeks in the chart.[15] In the Netherlands, "Always Be My Baby" entered the singles chart at number 43 during the week on April 20, 1996. The song peaked at number 27, spending one week at the position and five weeks in the chart overall.[16] "Always Be My Baby" entered the singles chart in Sweden at number 58 during the week of May 3, 1996. After peaking at number 38 and spending a total of five weeks in the chart, the song fell off the Swedish Singles Chart.[17]

Music video

The music video for "Always Be My Baby" was the second video Carey's directed.[6] In it, she is the seemingly happy narrator of a tale of young love, as a young boy and a girl elope in the middle of the night. The video was filmed on location at Carey's sponsored charity, the Fresh Air Fund upstate New York camp.[6] The video begins with scenes of Carey on a lakeside tire-swing, smiling and beginning to retell a story of young love. As she sits upon the swing, scenes of two children sneaking out of their bungalow in the middle of the night are shown. They frolic together beside a fireplace, soon coming up to the lakeside swing Carey had been on before. They soon go swimming wearing their clothes, much like Carey did in her video for "Dreamlover" though she does not jump into the water herself this time. As they jump into the water, Carey is then seen by the campfire they passed on their journey to the lake, smiling with friends and enjoying herself by the fire. Eventually the boy and girl are seen kissing underwater. The video concludes with scenes of the young boy and girl walking together back to their bungalow, walking hand-in-hand. Having possibly witnessed the entire event, Carey is seen once again by the large swing, chuckling and staring into the night's sky.[6]

An alternate video was shot for the song's remix. It too was directed by Carey, and was shot in black and white. The shot of Carey in a beret that would become the cover for this single is a scene from the video. The video features cameo appearances by Da Brat and Xscape.[6] It begins with Carey and the duo spending time recording the song in Carey's in-home studio. In the video, Carey is wearing a large white, straw hat and features long golden hair. As the trio finishes the song, scenes of Carey by her pool are shown, with cameos made by her dog, Jack. Brat and Xscape are seen poolside with Carey, playing cards and drinking beer, as the trio further bond and laugh. Towards the end of the video, scenes of the trio in the studio are shows, and intermingled with snippets of Carey walking inside her mansion, shared with then husband Tommy Mottola. The video ends with Carey and Brat bonding by the studio and pool.[6]

Live performances and cover version

Carey performed the song throughout the entire run of her Daydream World Tour (1996), Rainbow World Tour (2000), and The Adventures of Mimi (2006), and during select shows on her Charmbracelet World Tour (2002–03), and Angels Advocate Tour (2009–10). During the Japanese shows in 1996, Carey donned a white suit and jacket, and featured three female back-up singers. Red spotlights were used throughout the performance, as well as some light dance routines.[18] During her Rainbow World Tour, Carey wore a two piece outfit, a pair of pants and top, with golden heels. Three back-up singers were provided, one male and two female, while Carey interacted with the front row fans.[19] On her Adventures of Mimi Tour in 2006, Carey donned a pair of black leggings, worn with a bikini-like top. Wearing Christian Louboutin pumps, Carey sang on the arena's secondary stage, where she sang three of the set-list's titles.[20]

On the seventh season of American Idol, David Cook performed a rock arrangement of the song during the April 15, 2008 episode, in which Carey mentored the contestants on her songs.[21] His version received high praise from all three judges, and even Carey herself. Cook's studio recording of the song was released on the iTunes Store during the show's run as "Always Be My Baby (American Idol Studio Version) - Single" and was among the season's best-selling singles.[21]

Official versions and remixes

The main remix of this song, also known as "Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Mix), features re-sung vocals with most of the melodic structure retained while using a sample of the song "Tell Me If You Still Care" by The SOS Band, including vocals from Da Brat and Xscape and another song called "Slipping Away" that was supposed to be on the Daydream album, but failed to make the track listing.[6]

Worldwide CD single[22][23]

  1. "Always Be My Baby" (album version) – 4:18
  2. "Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri No Rap Radio Mix) – 3:42
  3. "Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Mix) – 4:40
  4. "Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Extended Mix) – 5:30
  5. "Always Be My Baby" (Reggae Soul Mix) – 4:53

U.S. 7" single[24][25]

  1. "Always Be My Baby" – 4:18
  2. "Long Ago" – 4:32

Worldwide 12" single[26][27]

  1. "Always Be My Baby" (Always Club) – 10:51
  2. "Always Be My Baby" (Dub-A-Baby) – 7:16
  3. "Always Be My Baby" (Groove a Pella) – 7:15
  4. "Always Be My Baby" (ST Dub) – 7:12

U.S. CD single

  1. "Always Be My Baby" (album version) – 4:18
  2. "Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Mix) – 4:40
  3. "Slipping Away" – 4:30

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the Daydream liner notes.[28]

Charts

Peak positions

Chart (1996) Peak
position
Australian Singles Chart[8] 17
Canadian RPM Singles Chart[7] 1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[29] 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[30] 6
Dutch Singles Chart[16] 27
German Singles Chart[31] 76
Irish Singles Chart[15] 10
Japanese Singles Chart[32] 79
New Zealand Singles Chart[10] 5
Swedish Singles Chart[17] 38
UK Singles Chart[12] 3
US Billboard Hot 100[33] 1
US Billboard Pop Songs[33] 3
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[33] 1
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs[33] 6
US Billboard Adult Pop Songs[33] 2
US Billboard Adult Contemporary[33] 2

Year-end charts

Chart (1996) Position
Canadian RPM Singles Chart[34] 21
US Billboard Hot 100[35] 5

End-of-decade charts

Chart (1990–1999) Position
US Billboard Hot 100[36] 49

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
Australia (ARIA)[37] Gold 35,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[38] Gold 7,500*
United Kingdom (OCC)[39] Silver 200,000
United States (RIAA)[40] Platinum 1,000,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
xunspecified figures based on certification alone


Preceded by
"Closer to Free" by BoDeans		 Canadian RPM 100 number-one single
May 20, 1996 		Succeeded by
"Old Man & Me" by Hootie & the Blowfish
Preceded by
"Because You Loved Me" by Céline Dion		 Billboard Hot 100 number-one single
May 4, 1996 – May 11, 1996 		Succeeded by
"Tha Crossroads" by Bone Thugs N Harmony
Preceded by
"You're the One" by SWV		 Billboard Hot R&B Singles number one single
May 4, 1996

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Bronson 2003, p. 845
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby - Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing. Retrieved 2013-09-13.
  3. ↑ Tucker, Ken (1995-10-13). "Daydream (1995)". Entertainment Weekly. Time Warner. Archived from the original on 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  4. ↑ Holden, Stephen (1995-10-08). "Pop Music; Mariah Carey Glides Into New Territory". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  5. ↑ "List of Grammy nominees". CNN. January 4, 1996. Archived from the original on 2012-12-07. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 Nickson 1998, p. 145
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Top Singles – Volume 63, No. 14, May 20, 1996". RPM. 1996-05-20. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby". Australiancharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 2013-10-26. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  9. ↑ Kent, David (2006). Australian Chart Book 1993-2005. ISBN 978-0-646-45889-2.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby". Charts.org.nz. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 2013-10-27. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  11. ↑ Scapolo, Dean (2007). The Complete New Zealand Music Charts 1966-2006. ISBN 978-1-877443-00-8.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Chart Archive: 22nd June 1996". The Official Charts Company. British Phonographic Industry. 1996-06-22. Archived from the original on 2012-01-10. Retrieved 2010-11-28.
  13. ↑ "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby". Chart Stats. UK Singles Chart. Archived from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  14. ↑ "Mariah Carey Official Top 20 Best Selling Singles in the UK". MTV. MTV Networks Europe. Archived from the original on 3 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-10.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Search The Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 2009-06-03. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby". Dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2010-12-10.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby". Swedishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2010-12-10.
  18. ↑ Argenson 2010, pp. 17–22
  19. ↑ Argenson 2010, pp. 29–33
  20. ↑ Argenson 2010, pp. 42–46
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Cantiello, Jim (2008-04-16). "'American Idol' Recap: Teary David Cook, Powerful David Archuleta Master Mariah Carey Night". MTV News. MTV. Archived from the original on 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2010-12-10.
  22. ↑ Always Be My Baby (US CD Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 44K 78277.
  23. ↑ Always Be My Baby (UK CD Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 663334 2.
  24. ↑ Always Be My Baby (US 12-inch Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 38-78276.
  25. ↑ Always Be My Baby (UK 12-inch Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 38-78276.
  26. ↑ Always Be My Baby (US 12-inch Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 44 78313.
  27. ↑ Always Be My Baby (UK 12-inch Single liner notes). Mariah Carey. Columbia Records. 1996. 09-870783-17.
  28. ↑ Carey, Mariah (1995). Daydream (Liner Notes) (Compact Disc). Mariah Carey. New York City, New York: Columbia Records.
  29. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  30. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  31. ↑ "Chartverfolgung/Carey, Mariah/Single" (in German). musicline.de PhonoNet. Archived from the original on 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
  32. ↑ "Profile of Mariah Carey" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2010-09-21.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 33.5 "Mariah Carey Album & Song Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on 13 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  34. ↑ "RPM's Top 100 Singles Of 1996". RPM. 1996-12-15. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  35. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 - 1996". Billboard. Longboredsurfer.com. Archived from the original on 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2010-08-27.
  36. ↑ Mayfield, Geoff (1999-12-25). 1999 The Year in Music Totally '90s: Diary of a Decade – The listing of Top Pop Albums of the '90s & Hot 100 Singles of the '90s. Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  37. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1996 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  38. ↑ THE FIELD id (chart number) MUST BE PROVIDED for NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATION.
  39. ↑ UNSUPPORTED OR EMPTY REGION: United Kingdom (OCC).
  40. ↑ "American single certifications – Mariah Carey – Always be My baby". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2013. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH

Bibliography

External links