Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey's version of the Phil Collins hit "Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)" became a chart-topper in Europe, but caused neigh a whisper in the U.S. Previous to this single, her label issued the double-sided "Crybaby"/"Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme)" from her album Rainbow. Radio couldn't decide which song was the hit, and therefore the whole single tanked, resulting in Mariah's first genuine flop (imagine, after a decade of non-stop chart-toppers, you have a single peter out at number 28). That, in turn, marked the end of U.S. promotion for her album Rainbow. Not so in Europe. Red-hot boyband Westlife was recruited to re-record vocals for the song and a single was issued, billed as Mariah Carey featuring Westlife, and, voila, a number one hit! The collaboration resulted in a warm, lush ballad, with Carey offering one of her better stabs at recording a cover, and Westlife adding lush layers of harmony, similar to her early duet with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day." The single was also issued with an amazing dance remix featuring Carey-only vocals. The remix is funky and the groove is irresistible, resulting in one of the artist's best dance remixes ever, not to mention the beautiful electric guitar solo towards the end (the electric guitar was virtually non-existent at this point in popular music history, so featuring a solo in a dance song seemed extremely innovative and refreshing). Columbia may have had a huge hit on their hands had they released this same single in the U.S. The duet with Westlife is beautiful and lush, and the dance remix is unstoppable. Unfortunately, someone made the terrible decision to not give this single a chance, and, therefore, this song is reduced to import status in the U.S. (and stands as testimony to terrible marketing and A&R) while Europe knows it as another genuine, and well-deserved, chart-topping chapter in this chanteuse's musical history. ~ Jose Promis, All Music Guide