What makes Love Takes Time by Mariah Carey notable?

'Love Takes Time' achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also receiving critical acclaim for its production and Carey's vocal performance. The song helped to define the sound of early '90s pop music and is often credited with influencing subsequent artists in the genre. Released on September 11, 1990, 'Love Takes Time' came shortly after Mariah Carey's self-titled debut album, which had already established her as a rising star. This follow-up single further solidified her position in the pop and R&B landscape and showcased her ability to blend emotional depth with commercial appeal.

How many songs are on Love Takes Time?

Love Takes Time has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Love Takes Time

Mariah Carey · 1990

15 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A dazzling blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that showcases Mariah Carey's extraordinary vocal range.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Love Takes Time — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of love and longing, featuring a stunning vocal performance that highlights Carey's range and emotive style.
→
Vision of Love — This breakout single not only launched Carey's career but also set a new standard for vocal prowess in pop music, blending gospel influences with contemporary R&B.
→
Vanishing — The poignant lyrics of this ballad reveal vulnerability, showcasing Carey’s ability to convey deep emotions while maintaining her signature vocal control.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong vocal performances and varied tempos while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The lead track features a slow tempo and builds around Carey's vocal performance, with layered harmonies that create a rich sound.
The second track, 'Vanishing', shifts to a more introspective tone, using minimal instrumentation to highlight the lyrics.
The third track introduces a more upbeat rhythm but maintains a soulful quality, contrasting with the preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single solidified Mariah Carey's reputation after her debut album.
Themes: heartbreak longing· early 90s pop ballads
Career context: Released on September 11, 1990, 'Love Takes Time' came shortly after Mariah Carey's self-titled debut album, which had already established her as a rising star. This follow-up single further solidified her position in the pop and R&B landscape and showcased her ability to blend emotional depth with commercial appeal.
Stylistic neighbors: Alicia Keys· Whitney Houston· Beyoncé