Bye Bye (Mariah Carey song)

Background

During the conception of her ninth studio album Charmbracelet in 2002, Carey's father, Alfred Roy, was diagnosed with cancer. After divorcing from Patricia, Carey's mother, when the singer was only three, he kept only limited contact with her throughout the years, as Patricia continuously moved due to their poverty. In a song titled "Sunflowers for Alfred Roy", present on Charmbracelet, Carey refers to a moment she shared with him on his death-bed. Critics described the song as "the album's most lyrically personal song" and appreciated its simple piano accompaniment, while Carey retells of a visit she shared with her father in his hospital room, "Strange to feel that proud, strong man / Grip tightly to my hand."

After the release of Charmbracelet and its succeeding album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005), Carey began working on material for her eleventh studio effort, the yet untitled E=MC² (2008). It was one of the most anticipated albums of 2008, with many critics weighing their opinions on whether Carey would be able to deliver significant success, following her achievements with The Emancipation of Mimi. "Bye Bye" was released as the album's second single, following "Touch My Body", in April 2008. Upon its release, Carey recalled in an interview with MTV:

Composition

"Bye Bye" is a slow-tempo "inspirational power ballad", which is influenced by R&B and pop music genres. The song is built on an understated and simple piano-driven melody, that is decorated with a soft bass-line. Written by Carey, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen and Johntá Austin, and produced by the former three, the song drew comparisons to several of Carey's previous musical arrangements featured in both "We Belong Together" and "Don't Forget About Us". According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Bye Bye" is set in common time with a tempo of 68 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of B-flat major, with Carey's vocal range spanning from the low-note of F3 to the high-note of F6 in whistle register, and F5 in chest voice.

Lyrically, the song was described by critics as a "larger than life anthem", and an "inspirational lighter-in-the-air ballad", where Carey remembers both her father, as well as any lost loved ones. "Bye Bye" begins with an understated chorus, then working into the first verse, in which Carey retells her childhood, and her relationship with her father years ago: "As a child there were them times / I didn't get it, but you kept me alive / I didn't know why you didn't show up sometimes / And its more than saying 'I miss you' / But I'm glad we talked through / All them grown full things separation brings / You never let me know it, you never let it show". Then, the pre-chorus continues describing Carey's emotions in the present, "And everyday life goes on / I wish I could talk to you for a while", and how the loss of her father still affects her day-to-day life.

While the verses are dedicated to him, the chorus was written in a third-person point of view, for her fans: "This is for my peoples who just lost somebody / Your best friend, your baby, your man or your lady / Put your hand way up high / We will never say bye / Mamas, daddies, sisters, brothers, friends and cousins / This is for my peoples who lost their grandmothers / Lift your hands to the sky / Because we won't ever say bye bye". As Carey sings the second chorus, she reverts to the singular conversation with her deceased father, however now revisiting 2005, "And you never got a chance to see how good I've done / And you never got to see me back at No. 1", referencing her return to the top of music with The Emancipation of Mimi. The song does not feature a bridge, instead repeating the chorus twice, once in the same key as the rest of the song, while the other in a raised octave.

Critical reception

"Bye Bye" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, and was heavily speculated to have become Carey's 19th number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. Many reviewers complimented its simple and understated musical arrangement and personalized lyrics, while some felt the song was too simple for an artist of Carey's stature. Jeffrey Mitchell from The Hollywood Reporter described it as a "high point" on the album, and wrote "Mariah softly and sweetly lamenting the loss of any kind of loved one on the truly touching 'Bye Bye'. The Houston Chronicles Goey Guerra highlighted the song as "truly trademark Mimi", and described it as "a lighters-and-hands-in-the-air tribute to deceased loved ones". The song received positive response from both Rolling Stones Christian Hoard and Yahoo! Music writer Dann Gennoe, who describes the track as a "piano-based big-voiced" In his review of E=MC², a writer from the Los Angeles Times described the song's lyrics and production in detail:

A columnist from the British newspaper New! described "Bye Bye" as their "favorite track" and wrote, "the delicious 'Bye Bye' is a classic slushy Mariah ballad, with a swoonsome chorus." Jonathan Reyes from Rap-Up felt the track would get listeners "teary eyed", and due to it being a "song everyone can relate too", assure it would become Carey's next number-one single. While ABC News writer, Steve Jones, described how "Bye Bye" packed the bum with "an emotional wallop", The Washington Posts Freedom De Luc compared it heavily to "Don't Forget About Us", Carey's 2005 single. De Luc wrote how both shared similar piano instrumentation, however different lyrical settings; "Don't Forget About Us" finds Carey playing a "broken-hearted lover", while "Bye Bye" an "inspirational song that comes with its own set of suggested demographics and instructions." Nick Levine from Digital Spy described the track as a "shmaltzy ballad", while an anonymous VH1 critic wrote "with the “We Belong Together” sonic template and lyrics tailored appeal to everyone on such a basic level seems like too easy of a combination for someone as established as Mimi. This one's like insurance – in case nothing else is a hit, here's a sure-shot. But ultimately, it turns out that the album is too good for that."

Chart performance

"Bye Bye" served as the second single from the album E=MC². Though released in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australasia and other select parts of Europe, the song was not sent to radio stations in countries like the Netherlands, France, Norway and Switzerland, where "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time", the album's third official single, was released instead. "Bye Bye" debuted at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 as the "Hot Shot Debut", selling 60,000 downloads. Following her performance of the song on American Idol and The Oprah Winfrey Show, it eventually peaked at number nineteen on the Hot 100, and at number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The track eventually peaked at number thirty-four on the Canadian Hot 100, and stayed within the chart for a total of twelve weeks. As of February 2014, "Bye Bye" had sold 598,000 copies in the United States.

On the main chart in Europe, "Bye Bye" peaked at number eighty-four on the European Hot 100. Six weeks later, on July 5, 2008, the song peaked at number thirty, due to the release of the song's music video. In Asia, "Bye Bye" charted on the Japan Hot 100, peaking at number seventy-three. In New Zealand, reached number seven in its third week. After a total of eight weeks, the song dropped out of the top 40.

Remixes

The main official remix, the "So So Def Remix", produced by Carey and Jermaine Dupri, features a verse by Jay-Z (Carey provided new background vocals on his verse) and Jermaine Dupri on background vocals. In an interview with MTV News, Dupri described the remix as "crazy", and said "Young Hov and Mariah crank it up, and myself, JD — a.k.a. Barry Bonds — cleans up." When asked if it would sound awkward due to the song's melancholy nature, he answered "we'll forget about the sad sentiments". A writer from Rap-Up gave the remix a positive review, calling it "FIRE!". An additional remix was released, titled the "R&B Remix", and features vocals from Akon, and an under-stated rap from Lil Wayne.

Music video

The music video was directed by Justin Francis, and co-directed by Nick Cannon on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The video became notable for the pair, due to the fact that it was during its conception and recording that they began dating, and eventually wed two months later. The video was shot in early April 2008, but was delayed until May, with several critics suggesting it because of the couples engagement. In an interview with People, Cannon spoke of his feelings when first speaking with Carey regarding the video: "From the first time we sat down to discuss the video at the Beverly Hills Hotel, we connected. We had so much in common spiritually, and we laugh at the same things. I didn't have to put on my Mac Daddy suave mode. I was able to be myself with her. We are both eternally 12 years old." The couple stayed on the island for over two weeks after the nuptials for their honeymoon, which is why the video was delayed until mid-May, so Carey would be able to promote it in time.

The video consists of multiple scenes with Carey and (now ex-husband) Cannon, who plays her love interest. This is shown along with various behind-the-scenes footage of Carey at various promotional events in the United Kingdom. The video begins with grainy footage of a plane landing in the Bahamas, with Carey and Cannon exiting the aircraft with her dog. Throughout the video, scenes of Carey laying on a sofa, writing lyrics and tearing, as well as the singer in a darkened stage are shown. Several behind-the-scenes clips of Carey promoting the album in the United Kingdom are shown, as she arrives at a CD signing, and connects with fans. Following the signing, Carey is shown at a fashion show, as well as modelling in several outfits. Other scenes that intermingle are of Carey looking out of her hotel suite window in London, as well as candles being put out. During the second verse, the couple is seen spending time together on the island, spending time with friends at a small gathering at the pool, as well as moments of Carey modeling for her bikini photo shoot for the June issue of Vibe. The video's final segment is of Carey performing the song at a concert in a large theatre, while several photos are sporadically shown. Photographs of several of Carey's deceased friends and family members are shown, including her dog, Jack, her father Alfred Roy, her grandmother Addie, David Cole, Luciano Pavarotti, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Luther Vandross, all of whom Carey had collaborated with during her career. Critics complimented the inclusion of the photos with both Pavarotti and Vandross, and considered it Carey's way of honoring them.

Live performances

On the seventh season of the popular talent competition American Idol, Carey was featured as a mentor for the top-seven week. Titled "Mariah Carey Week" and airing live on April 14, 2008, the contestants were to perform a song from Carey's catalog. After all seven contestants sang their individual songs, they all came together for a live rendition of Carey's 1996 collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day". Overall, critics noted how a Carey themed week would be extremely difficult for the performers, due to their vocally strenuous nature. Gil Kaufman from MTV News complimented Carey's performance, commenting on her "barely there micro-dress" and writing how she "serenaded the audience with her homage to lost ones." The Calgary Suns Lindsey Ward described it as a "less-than-fab performance", although complimenting on Carey's leaner figure, "Oh, who am I kidding? She would look hot in a paper bag."

On April 25, 2008, Carey opened the Good Morning America "Summer Concert Series" with a live performance in Times Square. She completed a three-song set-list with her follow-up single, "Bye Bye". After marking the album's stateside launch with her appearance on Good Morning America, Carey took to Europe to perform on several programs, one of which included a live rendition of "Bye Bye". She began with an interview on the British radio station, BBC Radio 1, and continued onto a live performance of the song on T4. On April 12, 2008, Carey made an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Winfrey interviewed the singer on her weight loss, E=MC², and even showed footage of Carey in her New York apartment, showing off her lingerie closet.

Track listings and formats

• International CD single

1. "Bye Bye" – 4:26
2. "Bye Bye" (So So Def Remix feat. Jay-Z) – 3:57

• International enhanced CD single

1. "Bye Bye" – 4:29
2. "Touch My Body" (Subkulcha Radio Edit) – 4:35
3. "We Belong Together" (Remix feat. Jadakiss & Styles P.) – 4:30
4. "Bye Bye" (Video)

Credits and personnel

Credits for E=MC² adapted from the album's liner notes.

• Mariah Carey – songwriting, producer, vocals, background vocals
• Mikkel S. Eriksen – songwriting, producer
• Tor Erik Hermansen – songwriting, producer
• Christopher Stewart – songwriting, producer
• Johntá Austin – songwriting
• Josh Houghkirk – audio mixing
• Bernie Grundman – mastering
• Maryann Tatum – background vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

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