Music icon Mariah Carey has reissued her groundbreaking fourth album, Butterfly, with a special 25th-anniversary edition.
“I will never forget the day I released this album to the world,” Carey shared on Instagram. “I had never felt more exposed and vulnerable yet free and euphoric at the same time. It was a true EMANCIPATION (no pun intended!) of my spirit, soul and innermost feelings which I poured into every lyric and every note on every song.”
She added, “25 years (😳) later and it’s still one of the proudest moments of my life and career. I hope you enjoy reliving this journey with me.”
The expanded edition features eight bonus tracks, including fresh remixes, never-before-released acapellas and live tracks, as well as Carey’s reinterpretation of the fan-favorite “The Roof,” with vocal support from Brandy.
In a January interview with Rated R&B, Brandy exclusively talked about her experience working with Carey.
“I can tell you the experience was so beautiful. She’s breathtaking, number one. She has a beautiful soul,” Brandy told Rated R&B. “When I was in the booth, doing whatever she wanted me to do, it was just beautiful to be coached by her. I loved working with her. That was a dream come true.”
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For one of the remixes mentioned above (“Butterfly”), Carey enlisted rising producer Amorphous to create an anniversary club version.
He wrote on Instagram, “Thank you @MariahCarey for inviting me to take part in celebrating your legacy on #Butterfly25 with my take on such a classic and personal record. I am so blessed and grateful. this is truly a dream come true!!!”
Not only is the album available for streaming, but also on vinyl. It includes a 2LP standard edition pressed on Champagne Wave vinyl and a 4LP deluxe edition pressed on 180g Gold Nugget vinyl. The vinyl is packaged with a lyric and photo booklet, as well as rare remixes.
Carey also has visual plans to celebrate Butterfly’s 25th anniversary. Next week, she will premiere a new Honey music video documentary. She also plans to share classic live performances throughout the month.
Released on Sept. 17, 1997, Butterfly debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It spawned the Hot 100 chart-topping singles “Honey” and “My All.”
The former song received two nominations at the 40th Grammy Awards, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. Carey also picked up a nod for “Butterfly” for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
In March, Carey updated her certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “Honey” advanced to 2x multi-platinum for exceeding two million equivalent sales units and “Breakdown” featuring Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone reached gold status (500,000 copies sold).
Mariah Carey Butterfly: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition Tracklist
1. Honey (5:00)
2. Butterfly (4:34)
3. My All (3:51)
4. The Roof (Back In Time) (5:14)
5. Fourth of July (4:23)
6. Breakdown (feat. Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone) (4:44)
7. Babydoll (5:06)
8. Close My Eyes (4:20)
9. Whenever You Call (4:21)
10. Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise) (3:49)
11. The Beautiful Ones (Featuring Dru Hill) (6:58)
12. Outside (4:46)
Bonus Tracks:
13. Whenever You Call (feat. Brian McKnight) (4:21)
14. The Roof (When I Feel the Need) (feat. Brandy) (4:53)
15. Butterfly (Live from the Late Show with David Letterman) (1997)
16. My All (Live from VH1 Divas Live) (5:27)
17. Fourth of July (Acapella) (4:17)
18. Outside (Acapella) (4:15)
19. Butterfly (Amorphous Anniversary Club Remix) (6:05)
20. Honey (Another Taste of Honey David Morales Remix) (7:56)
Stream Mariah Carey’s Butterfly: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition below.
