Mariah Carey Shares ‘Hint’ on When Her Shelved Grunge Album Is Coming: ‘I Get Asked This About Once a Week’

Mariah Carey recently stirred curiosity among her dedicated fanbase regarding the fate of her mysterious, unreleased grunge album recorded in the mid-1990s. During a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session commemorating the 25th anniversary of her album Glitter, Carey provided subtle indications that this long-shelved project might eventually see the light of day, though no specific timeline was offered.

The album in question, known as Someone’s Ugly Daughter, was conceived during the same creative period as Carey’s critically acclaimed Daydream, her fifth studio album. While Daydream enjoyed commercial success and topped the Billboard 200 for six weeks in 1995, the grunge album was recorded under the pseudonym Chick, with friend Clarissa Dane on lead vocals. This side project served as a creative outlet for Carey and her band to explore a rawer, rock-influenced sound, contrasting sharply with her established pop and R&B persona.

Despite its existence being an open secret among avid fans and detailed in Carey’s 2020 memoir, the original recordings featuring Carey’s vocals have remained unreleased. The singer admitted to frequent inquiries about the project, acknowledging that while the album is well-regarded by those who have heard it, she has yet to authorize a public release.

Carey’s ongoing engagement on Reddit also revealed additional insights into her current priorities. While the grunge album remains on hold, she celebrated the milestone of Glitter, an album that reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and doubled as the soundtrack to her 2001 film of the same name. To mark its quarter-century anniversary, she released a deluxe edition featuring bonus material, expressing enthusiasm for the work and highlighting the track “Lead The Way” as a personal favorite.

The AMA session further unearthed nostalgic anecdotes, such as Carey’s brief collaboration with the late Prince during the Glitter sessions. She recounted how Prince encouraged her to complete an unfinished song rather than sample a track by Vanity 6, although Carey disclosed that the demo remains lost in her archives.

While speculation circulates about the possibility of Someone’s Ugly Daughter emerging as a surprise holiday release, Carey’s recent statements suggest she remains focused on her established festive catalog, particularly her perennial hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” This track continues to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 during the holiday season, recently achieving 22 nonconsecutive weeks at number one, a record only recently surpassed.

Regarding new music, Carey indicated she is actively developing material, working on lyrics and musical ideas without confirming any imminent album release. This ongoing creative process underscores her enduring commitment to her craft, even as she balances legacy projects and fan expectations.

Although details about the precise content, production, and release strategy for Someone’s Ugly Daughter are scarce, the renewed hints from Carey have reignited interest in this unusual chapter of her career. The potential unveiling of this grunge experiment could offer fans a fresh perspective on the artist’s versatility and creative evolution during a pivotal era in her trajectory.

Ultimately, while the timeline for the grunge album’s release remains uncertain, Mariah Carey’s recent interactions demonstrate her awareness of fan anticipation and a willingness to keep the possibility open. As she honors past projects and continues to engage with her audience, the possibility of uncovering hidden aspects of her artistry adds a compelling dimension to her ongoing musical legacy.