The Ballads (Mariah Carey album)
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| Compilation album by Mariah Carey | ||||
| Released | February 22, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 1989–2001 | |||
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| Allmusic |    |
The Ballads (released in the UK in 2010 as LoveSongs) is a compilation album by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. The album features some of Carey's top selling ballads over the course of her career. It was released internationally in spring 2009, but was given an early release in North America in February 2009.
The album contains some of Carey's hits and singles, primarily from her time at Columbia Records. It does not feature any new material or include songs recorded with her then-current label, Island Records.
The 1993 single "Hero" was re-recorded and re-released to promote the The Ballads compilation. The video shows Mariah Carey walking into the recording room accompanied by her dog, lingering in the studio and singing to the song. It is intercut with a scene of New York City during the night.
She performed "Hero" at the Inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C., and was featured on a CBS TV special.
A limited edition of The Ballads was being sold exclusively at all Target Stores. The CD comes in a gift pack that includes a small bottle of Carey's fragrance Luscious Pink.
Blogcritics said: "This release is a different type of Mariah Carey album. Without her faster and hip hop songs, it is smoother as it puts the focus squarely on her vocals which has always been her greatest attribute and saving grace."Allmusic said: "And that's what The Ballads is: nothing but big love songs sung in a big voice."Billboard stated that the album "will keep singing on the chart as we get closer to Valentine's Day, as it seems like a natural gift purchase."
The album debuted at number 17 on UK Albums Chart. Following a successful appearance on X Factor, the album peaked at number 13 in its 4th week and remained on chart for ten consecutive weeks. In Ireland, the album peaked at number 8 and remained on chart for twelve weeks, and has been certified gold. In New Zealand, the album peaked at number 19, remaining on chart for three weeks. The album also debuted at number 79 in Australia. In Japan, the album has reached number 19. The album debuted at number 45 on the Dutch Albums Chart and fell nine spots behind in the second week. In the third week the album climbed from number 54 to 5.
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