For decades, it remained a whisper, a tantalizing rumor in the annals of pop music history. Now, the enigmatic alternative rock album recorded by Mariah Carey under the pseudonym “Chick” in 1995, titled Someone`s Ugly Daughter, is making an unexpected comeback, stirring fervent speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
Mariah Carey, a name synonymous with five-octave vocal prowess, chart-topping ballads, and a meticulously crafted image of glamour, has consistently defied easy categorization. Yet, even the most devoted “lambs” might be surprised to learn of her deep-seated desire to delve into the raw, unpolished sound of 90s alternative rock—a genre seemingly antithetical to her polished pop persona.
A Secret Identity and a Creative Rebellion
The year was 1995. Mariah Carey was at the zenith of her pop career, fresh off the success of albums like Music Box and simultaneously working on the iconic Daydream, an album that would redefine her sound with more R&B and hip-hop influences. But beneath the surface of her superstar obligations simmered a different artistic ambition. Frustrated by the stringent creative control exerted by her record label, Carey sought an outlet for a more audacious, less `perfect` form of expression.
This desire manifested in a clandestine recording project. Adopting the guise of “Chick,” a snarling, irony-laden alter ego, Carey secretly laid down tracks for an album titled Someone`s Ugly Daughter. This was not a flirtation with a new sound; it was an immersion. The music embraced the grittiness and angst of the alternative rock and grunge movements then dominating the airwaves, a stark contrast to the saccharine melodies and pristine production she was famous for.
“It was a way to break free from the rigid control of the major label at the time, to try a genre where gloss and perfection were less valued than raw sound, irony, and youthful defiance,” Carey reportedly explained, shedding light on her motivations.
The Industry`s Leash and the Pseudonym Ploy
The notion of Mariah Carey, the quintessential pop diva, releasing a grunge album was, predictably, a non-starter for her label. Such a radical departure could have “completely ruined” her carefully cultivated image and commercial viability. In a move reminiscent of past artistic subterfuge (the article points to Alla Pugacheva`s fictional composer “Gorbonos” in the 70s), Carey initially attributed the lead vocals to a friend, “Clarissa,” while she herself remained a “hidden layer” in the background arrangements.
Despite the creative fervor and the distinct vision, the project was ultimately halted by the label. Someone`s Ugly Daughter became a mythical artifact, a whispered legend among those in the know, gathering dust in the vaults of music history.
From Memoir to Mainstream: The Album Resurfaces
For years, the album`s existence was purely speculative. It wasn`t until 2020, with the release of her revealing memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, that the superstar officially confirmed the project. This revelation ignited a quiet buzz, but the album remained elusive, locked away by unknown circumstances.
Fast forward to today, and the “secret” album is no longer just a memoir footnote. A sudden surge of activity suggests an official release might be imminent. Carey has begun discussing the album`s cover art in interviews, vividly describing its lipstick-scrawled inscriptions. She recently mentioned a track called “Hermit” from the album. The most significant hint came during a recent appearance on Jimmy Fallon`s show, where a snippet of a song titled “Prom Queen” was played, attributed to the enigmatic “Chick.”
Carey`s subsequent comment on the show, “I always regretted that we didn`t release it. We were simply stopped then,” served as a direct confirmation of her continued passion and the institutional barriers that prevented its initial unveiling.
The Tangled Web of Master Recordings
Despite Mariah`s evident enthusiasm, a critical question looms: who owns the master recordings? This complex issue is frequently the primary impediment to releasing archival material. The rights to these masters often determine if, when, and how an album sees the light of day. It is highly probable that negotiations or legal clarifications regarding ownership are the current hold-up, creating an intriguing behind-the-scenes drama that plays out in hushed tones.
A Different Mariah: What This Release Could Mean
If Someone`s Ugly Daughter indeed receives an official release, it will be more than just a musical curiosity. It represents a rare opportunity for fans to experience a vastly “different” Mariah Carey. Beyond the shimmering pop icon and the queen of Christmas, this album promises to reveal a “raw, vulnerable, and audacious” artist, as musical commentators have aptly described the “Chick” persona following recent public previews.
This isn`t merely a blast from the past; it`s a profound statement on artistic freedom and the multifaceted nature of creativity. For an artist whose career was meticulously sculpted around perfectly polished ballads, “resurrecting” a grunge experiment from 1995 is both provocative and undeniably captivating. It reminds us that even the most globally recognized artists harbor hidden depths and unfulfilled creative urges, waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
