Wiki
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Release Date
1997
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Length
14 tracks
Butterfly is the sixth studio album by American singer Mariah Carey, released on September 16, 1997, through Columbia Records. Widely regarded as one of her most personal and transformative works, Butterfly marked Carey’s full transition into R&B and hip-hop, leaving behind much of her adult contemporary roots. The album was met with critical and commercial success, solidifying her influence on the evolving landscape of late-90s pop and R&B.
Background and Creation
During the creation of Butterfly, Carey was undergoing a period of personal and professional reinvention. Her marriage to Sony executive Tommy Mottola was dissolving, giving her more creative control over her music. She embraced a more urban sound, collaborating with producers like Sean "Puffy" Combs, Missy Elliott, and Jermaine Dupri, in contrast to the polished pop production of her earlier albums.
Carey described Butterfly as the album where she truly "found her voice", both musically and personally. It introduced a sultrier, more introspective Mariah, blending soulful R&B, hip-hop beats, and smooth ballads, a style that would define the rest of her career.
Singles and Reception
The album spawned several landmark hits, including:
- Honey – A game-changing single that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her third song to do so. The track’s sexy, hip-hop-infused sound and cinematic video symbolized Carey’s artistic and personal freedom.
- Butterfly – A soaring, deeply personal ballad of transformation, often seen as a metaphor for her newfound independence.
- My All – A Latin-tinged ballad showcasing her signature whistle notes, reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100.
- Breakdown (feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) – A fan-favorite that highlighted Carey’s R&B credibility, though it was never officially released as a single in the U.S.
- The Roof – Considered one of her most sophisticated tracks, blending hip-hop, sensuality, and storytelling in a way few pop artists had done before.
Butterfly received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Carey’s bold artistic choices. It was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, though it controversially did not win.
Legacy
Butterfly is often regarded as one of Mariah Carey’s most influential albums. It played a major role in bridging pop and hip-hop, inspiring countless artists in the process. Songs like Honey helped pave the way for future pop-R&B-hip-hop crossovers, a trend that remains dominant in mainstream music today.
The album sold over 10 million copies worldwide, further cementing Carey’s status as one of the biggest artists of the 1990s. More than just a commercial success, Butterfly is seen as her most defining artistic statement, symbolizing both her musical evolution and personal liberation.
With Butterfly, Mariah Carey reinvented herself, setting the stage for a career that would continue to evolve and push boundaries.
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