Mariah Carey Ballads: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Through the RainMariah Carey6rank/position

Mariah Carey – Through The Rain (Official Music Video)

It’s the lead track from the 2002 album “Charmbracelet.” After the previous setback and her physical and mental struggles, it marked a comeback released under a new label.

Comparing life’s trials to a driving rain, the song declares, “With faith and prayer to lean on, I can make it one more day,” powerfully portraying the will to rise in the face of adversity.

The vocal, expanding from restrained low tones to sustained long notes at the end, feels like climbing a staircase toward hope.

In Japan, it was used in 2002 as the ending theme for the drama “You’re Under Arrest.” It’s a song that gently stands by anyone trying to make a fresh start after painful experiences.

When You BelieveWhitney Houston, Mariah Carey7rank/position

Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey – When You Believe (Official HD Video)

The classic song “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Released in 1998, this work drew attention even before its release for its star-studded collaboration, and after release it became a worldwide hit.

The melody is crafted as a quintessential ballad representative of the 1990s.

Highly recommended for those who love classic ballads and the energetic R&B of the ’90s.

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Angels CryMariah Carey8rank/position

Mariah Carey – Angels Cry (Official Music Video) ft. Ne-Yo

A gem-like R&B ballad imbued with a heartfelt desire to mend a relationship on the brink of breaking.

Featured on the 2009 album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” a duet version with singer-songwriter Ne-Yo was released in January 2010.

Riding on luminous strings and resonant piano, Mariah Carey’s vocals are showcased to the fullest.

The longing to restore a bond with a loved one is woven through delicate harmonies, evoking a beauty like an angel shedding tears.

It’s a song to listen to when you feel uncertain about your relationship, or when you want to reflect on the bond you share with someone you love.

Bye ByeMariah Carey9rank/position

Mariah Carey – Bye Bye

This work tells the story of being parted by death from a beloved partner, and it’s a fairly heavy ballad that chronicles the sorrow and sense of hopelessness of never being able to meet again.

Released in April 2008, it was issued as a single by Mariah Carey and was cut as a single from her 11th original album E=MC2, which was released the same month.

Listening to it with the Japanese translation, you can’t help but feel tears well up.

There really are many different kinds of ballads.

The line, “Day after day passes as I think, if only I could talk with you even a little,” is filled with profound sadness.

Here For It AllMariah Carey10rank/position

Mariah Carey – Here For It All (Official Lyric Video)

This piece, the title track and final song of the album Here For It All released in September 2025, begins as a piano-led ballad that gradually rises into a gospel-like swell.

The lyrics, which vow to remain “here” despite hardship and loss, are layered with a time-weathered vocal timbre and prayerful ad-libs, giving it a mature, universal quality distinct from the power ballads of the ’90s.

It stands as a symbolic number that Mariah Carey released under a new, strongly independent framework through her own imprint.

It’s a deeply resonant song I recommend for moments when you want to face yourself honestly, and when you want to feel the bonds you share with someone anew.