PLAYLISTS
The 19 “97” Singles of 2016
2016 year saw the return of heavy hitting Pop icons, like Britney and Beyoncé, those who had been away far too long, like JoJo and
Playlist: THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)
In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each
The Shadelist: Chronicling Mariah Carey’s shadiest songs
Once upon a time, there was a young multi-racial, multi-talented girl from Long Island, New York. Born to an Irish-American mother and
Playlist: If Destiny’s Child released an album this year…
Since the release of “Nuclear” in January 2013, the ladies of Destiny’s Child have been reminding music fans that their sisterhood is as
IN 1997
Elicit 1997 … ‘No Way Out’ by Puff Daddy & the Family
When it came to R&B and hip-hop music crossing over in the mid-90s, one need look no further than Bad Boy Records and its pinnacle release, No Way Out, which sold upwards of 7 million copies in the United States. Helmed by Sean Combs, the man with the ever changing stage name (in 1997, he was Puff Daddy), No Way Out is considered his debut album. However, all but two tracks feature guest appearances from artists on his label, hence “the Family” in
Wicked: For Good – Ranking Every Song in the Soundtrack
Spoilers ahead. The album itself contains heavy spoilers if you haven’t seen the movie. The wait is over. The Wicked Witch of
Review: “West End Girl” by Lily Allen
Welcome back, Lily Allen. I mean no shade when I say this, but is it 2025 or 2007? Listening to a Lily
Through It All, Mariah Carey is Still “Here For It All”
First Listen: “Here For It All” I was stunned. Before me was an 80-foot-wide, 50-foot-tall glass window overlooking Central Park, a stage
97-Hour Review: On “eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande proves herself
Upon the release of the lead single “yes, and?,” I wrote that Ariana Grande was selling herself short by successfully emulating her
Someone’s Favorite Daughter: A Different Type of Mariah Carey Album Ranking
It’s tiiiime again, it seems, to reevaluate my Mariah Carey album ranking. Following the release of her 16th set, many publications have done listicles ranking thee D-I-V-A’s incomparable discography. I’ll be doing it
Mariah Carey and the Catalyst of “Caution”
There comes a time in every iconic music superstar’s career when they must accept they have transitioned from icon to legend. Some do so obnoxiously, others are a little more graceful about it.
Big Purr: The Debut of Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton: The Debut It All Started With a Purr. Not quite the kind of vocal purr that Eartha Kitt famously once possessed. This purr was vastly different: vaguely androgynous, with a fry
FOR THE NOSTALGIA
Nippy is 60: Whitney Houston’s Greatest Live Performances
Whitney Elizabeth Houston lived a life that was akin to a Greek tragedy. The world watched her reach dizzying heights and stunning lows. In
Mariah Carey, Master of “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak”
For over three decades, Mariah Carey has cranked out record-breaking number-one hits that set towering standards and were masterclasses in vocal expertise. Besides gifting
Aretha Franklin’s Love All The Hurt Away
By 1981, Aretha Franklin was finding her musical footing again. The 70’s had started strong for Aretha, producing some of the most significant work
Who is Jill Scott? A Timeless Treasure.
JULY 18, 2000 Jill Scott’s debut album, entitled Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, opens with the song “Do You Remember.” She
Janet Jackson: Pop Music’s Leading Lady
After taking control of her life, her music and her career, Janet Jackson was about to transform herself yet again. This time, as the
Mariah Carey’s “Christmas Time is In the Air Again” Through the Years
Mariah Carey’s honorary title as “Queen of Christmas” is attributed to the colossal success of her #1 hit single, 1994’s “All I Want For
Aretha Franklin’s ‘Sweet Passion’ Yielded Mixed Results
Very little has been written about Aretha Franklin’s 1977 album Sweet Passion. Of the three most significant written accounts of Aretha’s life, none of
What You See Is What You Sweat: Aretha Franklin’s New Jack Swing and A Miss
What You See Is What You Sweat isn’t at the forefront of the Aretha Franklin canon. In fact, the 1991 album helps bring up
Mariah Carey’s Charmbracelet: Organizing the Charms
In the spirit of Justice, the #Lambily got Mimi’s E=MC² to the top of the iTunes Albums chart this week and now it’s time for
Snowflakes: A Very Toni Braxton Christmas
Toni Braxton is one of the most recognisable names and voices in R&B music. In 2001, after some turmoil with her record label and
VH1 Divas Live: A Life-Changing Show
I was recently at a friend’s house for game night, and upon finally finding the lost remote and taking over music (as I regularly
ABOUT THE 97
THE 97 ZINE
-
THE 97 ZINE, Issue 1 - "Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse"
Original price was: $14.97.$9.97Current price is: $9.97.
-
THE 97 ZINE, Issue 2 - "Damita Jo"
Original price was: $14.97.$9.97Current price is: $9.97.
