Just days ahead of her 16th studio album, “Here For It All,” fans of Mariah Carey found themselves buzzing for a different reason entirely: a long-rumoured grunge project recorded in 1995.
During an appearance on Apple Music’s “Flowers” series with SZA on Wednesday, Carey played snippets from the shelved album, known as “Someone’s Ugly Daughter.” The moment reignited a frenzy on social media, with fans pleading for an official release of the tracks.
“Please release Someone’s Ugly Daughter with Mariah’s vocals! Please – Apple – Gamma – MARIAH! 🙏🏼 We need grungeRiah! ☺️” wrote X user @mzandj, reflecting the excitement of a global fanbase.
A Lost Chapter from Mariah’s Career
The album was recorded while Carey was also working on her blockbuster 1995 album “Daydream”. Originally released under the band name Chick, the lead vocals featured her friend Clarissa Dane, though Carey later revealed that a version with her own voice exists.
.@MariahCarey played some songs from her unreleased grunge album for @sza. Watch their full conversation on Apple Music, and start the petition for Mariah to drop the album in the replies ⤵️ https://t.co/zyFW5SQNc8 pic.twitter.com/CNnl99SwkX
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 25, 2025
In her 2020 memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” she described the project as a deeply personal outlet.
“It was irreverent, raw and urgent,” she wrote, recalling how the songs helped her navigate personal struggles while exploring a sound far removed from the glossy pop she was known for.
Since then, Carey has hinted at the possibility of releasing the material, teasing collaborations, videos, and other creative ideas. During the Apple Music session, she acknowledged fans’ curiosity and expressed interest in sharing at least a few of the tracks soon.
Fans and the Social Media Buzz
The response online was immediate and impassioned. X users flooded the platform with pleas for “grungeRiah,” some joking that they might go “insane” if the album never sees the light of day. Others compared it to her rare cuts and B-sides, a coveted treasure for devoted fans.
“Here For It All” and Carey’s Contemporary Sound
While the grunge album dominates fan conversation, Carey also previewed music from her upcoming record, set to release Friday, September 26. “Here For It All” features 11 tracks with collaborations from Anderson .Paak, The Clark Sisters, Kehlani, and Shenseea, blending pop, gospel, and R&B influences. Highlights include the title track and a gospel-inspired collaboration with The Clark Sisters, demonstrating Carey’s continued versatility and artistic evolution.
For fans, the juxtaposition is thrilling: while they anticipate her polished new release, the allure of a raw, hidden 90s grunge side of Mariah offers a tantalizing glimpse into a different creative chapter.
As one X user summed it up:
“We’ve had popRiah, gospelRiah, R&B Riah… now give us grungeRiah!”
With Carey hinting at creative ideas for the unreleased tracks, it seems the secret album might not stay in the vault forever. For now, fans are left in suspense, eagerly awaiting both “Here For It All” and a chance to finally hear the grunge side of a music legend.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@chartmariah}
