Having amassed a wealth of critical acclaim over the last 34 years for chart-topping albums like ‘Music Box,’ ‘The Emancipation of Mimi,’ and others, it’s difficult for the average Mariah Carey fan (affectionately called #Lambs) to pinpoint which in her treasure trove of hit projects qualifies as “the best.”

For Carey herself, however, the answer is simple: 1997’s ‘Butterfly.’

Sitting down with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang for the latest episode of their ‘Las Culturistas‘ podcast, Mimi chatted about everything from her outstanding discography, 2024 Christmas tour (and other festive plans), love for Brandy, and more.

When discussing her sixth studio album, 1997’s ‘Butterfly,’ Carey beamed.

“It definitely has very special significance to me. I think it’s probably my best album,” she revealed.

Later in the chat, she elaborated on why.

“I love that album. It has a certain feeling when you listen to it. It’s just got a lot of diversity. You go from ‘Breakdown’ to ‘Butterfly’ to ‘My All,'” she said after joking about how it doesn’t have accolades.

The sentiment echoes one she relayed in the past, particularly around the album’s 25th anniversary release in 2022.

“I will never forget the day I released this album to the world. I had never felt more exposed and vulnerable yet free and euphoric at the same time. It was a true EMANCIPATION (no pun intended!) of my spirit, soul and innermost feelings which I poured into every lyric and every note on every song,” she said at the time. “25 years later, it’s still one of the proudest moments of my life & career.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Carey was quizzed about that elusive, shelved Rock album of hers – ‘Someone’s Ugly Daughter.’

“I’m so mad I haven’t done that yet,” she said about the project reportedly recorded in the mid-90s during her ‘Daydream‘ era.

And while she didn’t say when the set will be available for her beloved fans, the Songbird Supreme did confirm the Grunge-inspired opus will come – eventually.

“It’s a good album…you will hear it. I was getting life from that, seriously. It was jokes, as well. They’re everlasting,” Mariah relayed to the hosts.

Click PLAY on the video above to see the full interview.

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