Jimmy Iovine was cool when he dated Stevie

[JazmenFlowers]

Originally Posted by SpyNote

I have a lot of respect for Jimmy Iovine. His work ethic and production skills have always impressed me. I wonder sometimes what Rock a Little, which is kind of a mess, would have sounded like had he stayed on board.

I have nothing against Mariah Carey either. While she epitomizes the classic, high-maintenance diva, she has the talent to back up the persona. From what I've read, former Sony CEO Tommy Mottola had complete creative control of her career, so that's why she became the pop ballad queen. But her roots have always been in R&B. Her last album, The Emanicipation of Mimi, is actually fantastic from beginning to end.

agreed on all accounts.

not to get off topic, but have you noticed that Mariah's actual singing voice has changed over the years? speculation is that all of her "whisper singing" has ruined her ability to have control over her chest voice. I think she has her whistle register and her whispery vocals, but that's about all that's left (aside from the studio recordings, of course).

looking back at some of her performances just blows me away. it's kind of like Stevie and what Rhiannon did to her voice. we got lots of years of unreal performances, but they take a toll. and I think Mariah's voice is very fragile to begin with. I saw her sing Emotion last year or the year before and she pulled what we dog Stevie for. she had lowered it, slowed it down and didn't even attempt the full, chest voice belts.