Mariah Carey is the queen of Christmas, with iconic hits like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” that are essential to any holiday playlist.
Her music has R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements; her song catalog is impressive yet diverse.
She’s a multi-platinum artist capable of some stunning vocal feats, and she’s never been afraid of exhibiting any of her talents.
Whether listening to her on a cold winter night or celebrating the holidays with loved ones, Mariah Carey’s music will transport you to a world of happiness and wonder.
So, how do we define her music precisely? The best way to do this is by dissecting her songs’ unique musical elements?
Mariah Carey’s music genres
Pop
Mariah Carey is pop at heart. From the start, she embraced the sound that comes with soulful pop and rhythms.
Her songs have recurring themes of love, she’s a huge fan of Aretha Franklin and considers her one of her inspirations.
Her vocal range, full of emotion and richness, weaves through verses of lyrical composition with ease and finesse.
Mariah knows what it takes to create a great track – from the lyrics to production – and this is something she does so well.
Her voice commands attention as if under a spell, it highlights and compliments her unique style.
She’s all about creating an immersive experience for her listeners with an enchanting atmosphere, built on passion and beauty.
R&B
Mariah Carey isn’t just a singer; she’s a living legend when it comes to R&B.
From her iconic five-octave range to powerful melodies, Mariah’s voice blends classic and modern sounds effortlessly.
Her use of vocal runs and layers, blending soulful grit with plush pop production, is unmatched in the industry.
Her unique approach to the genre has revolutionised the sound of R&B and produced some of the most timeless anthems in music history.
Mariah Carey is undeniably an icon within the world of R&B, paving the way for more modern artists like Rihanna and Beyonce.

How did Mariah Carey’s music style evolve?
Merry Christmas
Mariah Carey’s 1994 album ‘Merry Christmas’ is a glittering holiday masterpiece featuring timeless renditions of classic carols and sparkling original compositions.
Her hallmark expressive phrasing and lush production was firmly established on this record, it weaved the nostalgia of the past holiday seasons and carols with the modern vibes of joy and celebration pop music had to offer.
Lyrically evocative and musically masterful, ‘Merry Christmas’ sealed Mariah Carey’s reputation as the modern diva of festive music – setting a high bar for all holiday albums to come ever since.
Caution
Mariah Carey’s album Caution continues to showcase her creative and unique approach to R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
Enlisting a diverse array of producers like Blood Orange, this luxurious pairing has resulted in an enchanting album debuting No. 5 on the US Billboard 200.
A dreamy blend of genres and generations, Mariah Carey presents us with a soundscape befitting its title: Caution!
Conclusion
Mariah Carey is a chameleon: her tunes have transcended genres and taken listeners on a soothing, ethereal journey.
From soulful R&B to pop anthems that reign supreme on the radiowaves – Mariah’s remarkable range still stirs up emotion and captivates audiences with some luxurious sounds.