Мария Кэри: MTV Unplugged концерті

MTV Unplugged is a live EP by American singer songwriter Mariah Carey, released in the United States on June 2, 1992, by Columbia Records. Following the success of Carey's previous two albums and the growing critical commentary on her lack of concert tours and unsubstantial televised performances, Sony organized a live performance show at the Kaufman Astoria Studios, New York on March 16, 1992. The show, titled MTV Unplugged, originally aired on MTV to help promote Carey's second album Emotions, as well as help shun critics who deemed Carey a possible studio artist. However, after its success, the show was released to the public as an EP, with an accompanying VHS titled MTV Unplugged +3. Upon release, the EP garnered generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom complimented Carey's vocals. Commercially, the album was a success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard 200, and was certified 4× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of two million copies within the United States. Additionally, the EP experienced strong success in several international markets, such as the Netherlands and New Zealand, where it reached number one and were certified 2× Platinum. MTV Unplugged peaked within the top five in the United Kingdom, and in the top ten in Australia and Canada. "I'll Be There" was chosen as the lead single from the album. Due to its critical success until that point, it was released one month before its parent EP, eventually becoming Carey's sixth chart topper in the United States, and one of the few songs to do so by two different acts. Globally, the song was successful, topping the charts in Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand, as well as reaching the top five in Ireland and the United Kingdom. After its success, "If It's Over", a song from Carey's second studio effort Emotions was released, due to its exposure on the show and EP.

After the release of Carey's second studio album, Emotions (1991), critics began wondering whether Carey would finally embark on a worldwide tour, having not toured to promote her self titled debut album. Although Carey had done several sporadic award show appearances, as well as television program performances, critics began accusing Carey of being a studio artist, not capable of delivering or replicating the same quality vocals live, especially her whistle register. The issues Carey faced once the show was booked was the content; she didn't know what material to present at the intimate concert. While Carey felt strongly of her more soulful and powerful songs, it was decided that her most popular content to that point would be included. The show featured a number of musicians, back up vocalists and just a crew of ten, for filming and recording. Directed by Larry Jordan, who previously worked with Carey on the music video for "Someday". They were Lew Delgado, baritone saxophone; Lenny Pickett, tenor saxophone; George Young, alto saxophone; Earl Gardner, trumpet; and Steve Turre, trombone. During the song, Carey would often place her index finger over her left ear, especially while using the whistle register. The performance varied heavily from the studio version, as it was more low key and only used voices in a cappella form, without any heavy instrumentation. After performing the song alongside a very simple arrangement and minimal instrumentals, the back up singers began humming to the tune of "Can't Let Go", leading Carey to present "another final" song for the show. Carey's version was met with critical acclaim and extended popularity, leading to it being shown more often than usual.

After the success of the EP's lead single "I'll Be There", Sony chose to release not only the EP, but a VHS accompaniment package; a video of the actual concert titled MTV Unplugged +3. MTV Unplugged +3 garnered generally positive reviews from music critics. Allmusic editor Shawn M. Haney gave the video three out of five stars, praising Carey's vocals as well as her cover of "I'll Be There". Haney wrote "Gradually, the power and esteem of these tales lift to new heights and remain at a peak with the breathtaking, moment making performance of "I'll Be There," a charming song first cut by The Jackson 5." Journalist and writer from The New York Times Jon Pareles branded the performance "shrewd", and claimed Carey's cover of "I'll Be There" "set off fireworks". A writer for Entertainment Weekly called the show a "vocal Tour de force", and wrote "in addition to her breathtaking pipes, she has developed a commanding stage presence."

After the decision to release the EP was made, Sony decided to release Carey's live version of "I'll Be There" as the only single, due to its critical success. "I'll Be There" was certified Gold by both the Australian Recording Industry Association and Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, denoting shipments of 35,000 and 7,500 units of the song in their respective countries.

MTV Unplugged debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 with sales of 67,000 copies, on the week of June 20, 1992, becoming Carey's third consecutive top ten album in the US. In its third week, the album peaked at number three, charting one spot higher than Emotions. In total, the album remained in the top twenty for fourteen weeks, and on the chart for fifty seven (making one re entry). MTV Unplugged was certified four times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipment of two million copies throughout the country. On June 20, 1992, MTV Unplugged entered the Canadian RPM Singles Chart at number thirty seven, eventually peaking at number six five weeks later, becoming also Carey's third consecutive top ten album in Canada. During the week of November 22, 1992, the album spent its last week on the chart, exiting at number eighty seven after spending twenty four weeks on the album's chart. To date, the album has been certified Platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA), denoting shipments of 70,000 units throughout the country.

Outside the United States, the album experienced success in several European markets. In Austria, MTV Unplugged entered the albums chart at number thirty nine, eventually peaking number twenty one and spending a total of ten weeks on the chart. In France, the album peaked at number twenty two, and was certified double Gold by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), with estimated sales of 144,000 copies. On the Swiss Albums Chart dated September 13, 1992, the album reached its peak position of number nineteen. After only five weeks charting within the country, it was certified Gold by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). In the United Kingdom, the album debuted and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart, during the week dated July 18, 1992. After spending ten weeks on the chart, the album was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), denoting shipments of 100,000 units. In Australia, the album debuted at number thirty four on the ARIA Charts, during the week ending July 12, 1992. and thiry three weeks in the top 100. The album was certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of 70,000 copies.