Flashback Friday: Mariah Carey ‘Fantasy’

It's Flashback Friday Spotlight time, driven by Townsend Honda! Today in the spotlight is the female artist and diva who on this week in 1995 scored only the second song to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is 'Fantasy,' and was an instant smash, with its top of the chart debut! Only one artist before Mariah Carey accomplished this incredible debut. Any ideas? Much like Mariah Carey, it was a major artist. Think the King of Pop. Okay, you know that is Michael Jackson. But, do you know the song? The answer, Michael Jackson with 'You Are Not Alone.' You may be wondering, hasn't happen more than once? To this point of September 25, 1995, no. But, since then, yes. Mariah herself repeated the number one debut milestone a couple of more times in the years to come.

Back to 'Fantasy.' The song and even more so the video have such a summer feel. Instead, it was the end of summer 19 years ago. In that video, we see Mariah kicking around on skates, riding a roller coaster, standing on top of Jeep dancing in jorts. A concept that she directed on her own. This was a first for the pop star, as she was not satisfied with previous videos. What, a diva complain? C'mon, no way! As I watch the video, there are close up shots with a gentle breeze blowing her hair, I can totally see her demands to get that right. Haha.

I found an amazing analysis of this music video on Wikipedia. Okay, I'm being sarcastic. Take a look:

The video begins with Carey exploring the Playland amusement park, located in Rye, New York, on roller blades and riding a wooden coaster.[1] The video continues showing snippets of Carey at the park, until the end of the second verse. Afterwards, Carey proceeds to an outdoor celebration that involves people dancing atop their cars.

'Proceeds to an outdoor celebration.' You have to admit it, a person could not begin to write a more cheesy explanation.

Here's a, 'did you know?' The music Mariah samples in 'Fantasy' actually comes from the Tom Tom Club song 'Genius of Love.' The trippy animated video is wild and is posted below.

Tom Tom Club 'Genius of Love'

Now, here's video for 'Fantasy.'

Mariah Carey 'Fantasy'

Listen for the B101.7 Flashback Friday Spotlight every Friday after 5pm with Greg Thomas. Every weekend, join Louie Linguini for the Saturday Night Party loaded with your favorite flashback party songs!