When Mariah Carey released The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005, the album received critical acclaim. It went on to become the best selling album of 2005 in the US, and won Mariah 3 Grammy Awards. The album’s original 14 tracks are nearly flawless. However, there are 3 other tracks that almost made the cut, yet didn’t. Let us take you back…
Sprung
The first song that did not make the album is this Mahogany produced moment. It was included on most international versions of the albums, and released in a special Target deluxe edition in the US in late 2005. However, it’s generally unknown outside of the fans. The sampled track is airy. fun, and upbeat to say the least. It’s not the most dance-able track, but it’s fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVrlQjXsGMM
Secret Love
Mariah’s second released collaboration with Swizz Beatz (the first being Jay-Z’s “Things That U Do”) found it’s way onto the Japan edition of The Emancipation of Mimi. It also served as a bonus track on certain copies of the “Shake It Off” & “Get Your Number” single. Backed by Swizz’s hard-hitting drums and staccato piano chords, Mariah vocally shines.
I Feel It/ When I Feel It
Perhaps the most notable and elusive of the bonus material, this song never received a formal release. Originally, it was destined to be track 13 on The Emancipation of Mimi, but the sample did not clear in time. Also produced by Mahogany (who tried to scam fans into paying him for it in 2007 and never delivered it), this is a classic retro-soul moment. The song would have fit nicely alongside album cuts such as “Mine Again”, “Circles” and “I Wish You Knew”. Mariah’s vocal track is notably strong and ends with a powerful high-note. The high-note was also used for one of her Pepsi ringtones in 2007.
Which is your favorite non-album track from The Emancipation of Mimi?