Vision of Love by Mariah Carey

About

“Vision of Love” was released as Mariah Carey’s debut single one month prior to the release of her 1990 self-titled album. The theme of the ballad was interpreted to be about Mariah’s relationship with God or with a lover, which she said either could apply, while also connecting it to her struggles growing up in talking about how she “felt so alone”, “suffered from alienation” and how she “had to be strong.” Written by Mariah and Ben Margulies, “Vision of Love” was featured on her demo tape that got her signed to Columbia Records by executive Tommy Mottola. The song was re-recorded and re-produced by Narada Michael Walden and Rhett Lawrence. The vocals from the demo version were re-used as background vocals and the new instrumentation was recorded at Skyline Studios in New York City. The song is also noted for Mariah’s use of her whistle register high notes along with the syllable-stretching style of melisma runs. Two versions of the music video were produced, with the first version being scrapped after Sony label execs felt it didn’t match the quality of the music, leading to the production of the version released showing Mariah performing in a cathedral setting. The first live performance of “Vision of Love” aired on The Arsenio Hall Show on June 1, 1990. The single topped several charts internationally, including the US Billboard Hot 100, where it sat atop the chart for four consecutive weeks and became the first of many #1 pop hits in Mariah Carey’s career. “Vision of Love” won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and a Soul Train Music Award for Best Female R&B/Soul Single. She also won a BMI Pop Award for Best Songwriter. “Vision of Love” influenced the singing styles of stars such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson among others.