Glitter

Released in September 2001, Glitter serves as the soundtrack for Mariah Carey's film of the same name and marks her eighth studio album. Virgin Records issued this project on August 18, 2001, featuring a distinct shift toward an '80s post-disco aesthetic to match the movie's 1983 setting. The record blends dance-pop, funk, hip hop, and contemporary R&B across fourteen tracks. Carey worked closely with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside DJ Clue, bringing in guests like Ludacris, Ja Rule, and Busta Rhymes to flesh out the sound. Critics initially panned both the film and the music, yet retrospective opinions have softened significantly over time. Many now view the album as unfairly dismissed given its production quality. Commercially, the project debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, representing Carey's lowest first-week sales at that moment. Despite missing the top spot in America, it reached number one in Greece, Japan, and South Korea. Lead single "Loverboy" peaked at number two on the Hot 100, though later singles struggled to gain traction. This period ended Carey's long tenure with Virgin Records after they bought out her $100 million contract. Nearly twenty years later, the album gained a cult following before being removed from streaming services in January 2026. A deluxe edition remains scheduled for release on October 30, 2026.[edit]