Никогда не слишком далеко: История песни Mariah Carey

"Never Too Far" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey for her first soundtrack and eighth studio album Glitter (2001). It was written and produced by herself and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released as the album's second single on August 14, 2001 by Virgin Records. The song is a mid tempo ballad which lyrically deals with heartbreak. "Never Too Far" was used on the charity single "Never Too Far/Hero Medley", which combines the first verse of the song with a re recorded version of the first verse and bridge of Carey's previous single "Hero" (1993). The single did not make much impact on the US charts; however, it did reach the top forty in the UK and Australia, as part of a double A side with "Don't Stop (Funkin' 4 Jamaica)". A radio edit of "Never Too Far" was released and found as the opening track of the song's release. Carey was unable to film a music video for the single as she was recovering from a breakdown. Instead, a video was created using a scene taken directly from the film Glitter, where Billie Frank (played by Carey) sings the song at Madison Square Garden during a concert. Carey promoted "Never Too Far/Hero" medley through live performances at the 2001 Radio Music Awards, her A Home For The Holidays With Mariah Carey TV special, and "Never Too Far" during a Glitter medley 18 years later on her Caution World Tour.

"Never Too Far" received positive reviews from critics. Mark J. Marraccini from Albumism described it as "a classic Carey requiem full of big emotion". Billboard's Chuck Taylor called it a "shimmering ballad", that showcases the singer excelling at what made her a famous: "singing the hell out of a straight ahead love song free of gimmicks, gymnastics and self conscious attempts at targeting any particular demographic"; he also said that "Never Too Far" would relieve fans that think Carey had been "relying more upon samples and guest vocalists lately than melody and artful performing". A writer from BET network included the track on their list of "Mariah Carey Singles That Deserved to Be No. 1 (But Didn't Get There)", calling it "an absolute stand out among a slew of songs draped in 80s garb". Can't Stop the Pop stated that it "remains a hugely underappreciated ballad", adding that this is "classic Mariah territory; a dramatic, sweeping that could comfortably segue into most of her signature ballads". James Salmon from Dotmusic felt that "there's not much you can really say. It's a slow number with all the vocal showboating you'd expect from her". Kara Brown of Jezebel called it the album's strongest ballad. Harry Guerin from Raidió Teilifís Éireann wrote that "Never Too Far" showcased "her four octave range but sound[s] roughly like everything else she's committed to tape during her career". Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine called the song another "syrupy sweet" ballad on the album and that it "harbors over the top performances worthy of "Star Search" (more than fitting considering the film's '80s era rags to riches storyline)". Writing for Variety, Danielle Turchiano said it was the song that "transcended Carey’s catalogue and deserved to become an anthem". Turchiano said that the song's lyrics, which talk about a lost loved one, "held against the backdrop of Sept. 11" and transmitted the message "most needed to hear" at the time; "inspire[d] everyone [who had been through the trauma of the attacks] to look inward to find strength to push through".

Due to the September 11 attacks, radio stations began playing "Never Too Far" before its official add date to rotation. Instead, a video was created using a scene taken directly from the film, where Billie Frank (played by Carey) sings the song at Madison Square Garden during her first sold out concert. Frank's performance of the song in the film omits its entire second verse, and the song's development runs in parallel with the film's love story. Though having not promoted "Never Too Far" during the time of its release, Carey embarked on a short promotional campaign for "Never Too Far/Hero" medley, as well as charity benefits for the September 11 attacks victims. At the 2001 Radio Music Awards, Carey made her second public appearance following her breakdown, the first being a performance of "Hero" at the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon on September 21, 2001. Entering the stage in a long black evening gown, Carey performed the medley live, followed by a standing ovation from the audience. Carey donned a black open back dress with a plunging neckline, and performed "Never Too Far/Hero", followed by a live rendition of "What More Can I Give". On November 16, 2001, Carey taped a special titled A Home For The Holidays With Mariah Carey, which aired on CBS on December 21 of that same year. The special featured additional performances by Destiny's Child, Josh Groban, Enrique Iglesias and Mandy Moore. Carey opened the special, with a performance of "Never Too Far/Hero" while wearing a form fitting red evening gown. Aside from the medley, Carey performed "I'll Be There" and "Reflections (Care Enough)", also a single from Glitter. 18 years later, Carey included "Never Too Far" as part of the #JusticeForGlitter medley on her Caution World Tour.

+Release dates and formats for "Never Too Far"RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref. (Reference(s)) United States August 14, 2001 Adult contemporary music, Adult contemporary radio, contemporary hit radio, Adult contemporary music, hot adult contemporary radio, rhythmic contemporary radio, Urban adult contemporary, urban adult contemporary radio Virgin Italy2001 09 24Digital downloadEMI United States October 23, 2001 Maxi CD Virgin Australia November 5, 2001 EMI United Kingdom December 17, 2001 Twelve inch single, 12 inch vinyl, Cassette tape, cassette, maxi CD Virgin