While Mariah Carey doesn’t have birthdays, yesterday marked the beginning of yet another trip around the sun for the diva.

To celebrate, this week’s From The Vault comes in the form of the track that planted the seed for the ultimate comeback.

Today’s pick is 2005’s ‘It’s Like That.’

Issued as the first single from the classic blockbuster record ‘The Emancipation Of Mimi,’ the song was written and produced by Carey and partner-in-rhyme Jermaine Dupri, alongside Manuel Seal. Fatman Scoop on the ad-libs.

After her underrated Island Records debut ‘Charmbracelet’ failed to ignite the charts as hoped, the artist’s subsequent release was always going to be either make-or-break.

Needless to say that the single exceeded expectations, peaking at #16 in the US, #9 in Australia, and #4 in the UK. It was also nominated the following year for a GRAMMY Award.

Thematically, the track centers on letting one’s hair down, self-celebration – or, as Mimi herself puts it, “making the most of life.”

The song’s music video was shot by Carey’s longtime friend Brett Ratner.

It depicts Mariah getting ready for a lavish Beverly Hills party where she was unquestionably the center of attention. Eric Roberts and Wentworth Miller both starred in this visual as well as in the clip for its follow-up,  for ‘We Belong Together.’ Because put together they tell the story of a bride-to-be on the verge of entering a loveless wedding until her former lover comes back for her.

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30+ years in, Mimi is a living legend, an icon, and the blueprint for many a vocalist. Not only in terms of vocal excellence but also longevity.

Having loved everything about the ‘Caution’ era – the music, the look, the tour – we’re more than ready for the next batch of newness from the songbird supreme. And with the live performances she has blessed us with during these past few months, we’re in for a treat.

Happy “anniversary” Mimi!

Your thoughts?