“Merry Christmas” is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, released by Columbia Records on October 28, 1994. Positioned at the peak of Carey’s career, between the successful albums “Music Box” (1993) and “Daydream” (1995), this Christmas-themed album combines cover versions of popular holiday songs with original material.
Collaborating with Walter Afanasieff, Carey co-wrote all the original tracks and presented her unique interpretations of the classics. Notably, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” emerged as a record-breaking single, achieving the status of one of the best-selling singles of all time and the top Christmas ringtone in the United States.
The critical response to the album’s Christmas theme was diverse. Many music critics praised Carey’s “gospel and soul-inflected” vocals, and some even deemed it her finest work to date. Over the years, the album has been re-released multiple times in various formats, attaining remarkable commercial success.
As of December 2019, it has sold 5.7 million copies in the United States and holds an eight-time platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, it topped the charts in countries like Japan, Latvia, and Lithuania and secured top-ten positions in 16 additional countries, including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
In 2005, a special edition DualDisc of the album was released, featuring “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and a special anniversary version of “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town” on the CD side, while the DVD side showcased the entire album in enhanced PCM stereo and music videos. Subsequently, in 2010, Carey unveiled a sequel Christmas album titled “Merry Christmas II You.”
A commemorative deluxe edition was also released in 2019, marking the album’s twenty-fifth anniversary. This edition included live renditions, newer songs such as “Oh Santa!” and “The Star,” and numerous remixes. As of 2021, “Merry Christmas” has reached a staggering 15 million copies sold worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the best-selling holiday albums of all time.
Throughout her career, Carey has expressed her spiritual beliefs and the deep connection between music and spirituality. She found a medium to portray her spirituality through music in this album.
Though initially met with skepticism, Carey’s decision to explore the Christmas genre proved to be successful. The album garnered recognition in various markets, including Christian radio and contemporary R&B stations, while also elevating her popularity in Japan, where it achieved substantial success. Carey’s unwavering confidence and dedication to her work ensured that “Merry Christmas” became a remarkable addition to her illustrious discography.
