Mariah Carey has 19 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, but “best” is a matter of judgment, not a chart category. This ranking weighs vocal performance, songwriting and arrangement, stylistic range, cultural and career significance, and replay appeal. It covers those 19 chart-toppers—not every beloved Carey song—and uses TheGrio’s November 2023 ranking as an attributed editorial point of comparison, not an official verdict.
Why these 19 songs—and how the ranking works
Guinness World Records identifies “Vision of Love” as Carey’s first Hot 100 No. 1 and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as her nineteenth. The count represents an extraordinary run across ballads, dance-pop, R&B, hip-hop-inflected tracks, collaborations, and seasonal music. The Songwriters Hall of Fame says she wrote or co-wrote 18 of those 19 chart-toppers, a major reason songwriting belongs alongside vocal virtuosity in judging them.
The order below follows TheGrio’s November 25, 2023 list by Giana Levy. The placements are that outlet’s editorial choices; the comments explain what each song contributes and why a listener might rank it differently. A person who values vocal fireworks above all else, for example, could reasonably move the early ballads higher, while someone drawn to reinvention or groove might favor the later R&B and hip-hop turns.
The countdown: Carey’s 19 Hot 100 No. 1s
19. “Touch My Body” (2008)
TheGrio puts this playful, minimalist track last, pointing to its pop-culture references and spare arrangement. Its relaxed, teasing vocal is a different kind of Carey showcase: the appeal is in the controlled lightness and conversational phrasing, not a climactic vocal sprint.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
18. “Don’t Forget About Us” (2005)
This polished midtempo R&B ballad returns to the ache of a relationship that has ended but still matters. Carey keeps the performance intimate, letting the refrain carry the plea rather than turning the song into a vocal showcase at every opportunity.
17. “Thank God I Found You” (1999)
A romantic duet with Joe and 98 Degrees, the song makes its emotional case through layered voices and a steadily swelling arrangement. Its collaborative format gives Carey a different role from the solo ballads: she anchors a shared declaration of lasting love.
16. “Heartbreaker” (1999)
“Heartbreaker” folds a bright pop hook into an R&B and hip-hop-leaning sound, with Jay-Z featured on the remix. That combination makes it a marker of Carey’s expanding late-1990s palette and a breezier counterpoint to her more dramatic ballads.
15. “We Belong Together” (2005)
One of Carey’s most direct breakup performances, this song builds its force through memory, regret, and a chorus that sounds like an urgent realization. Billboard Canada reported 14 weeks at No. 1 for the song in its December 2023 account; that is a dated historical figure, not a current chart-total update.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
14. “Someday” (1990)
Among the four Hot 100 No. 1s from Carey’s self-titled debut, “Someday” is the most buoyant and dance-oriented. Its crisp pop momentum shows that the early-career story was never only about slow ballads and high notes.
13. “I Don’t Wanna Cry” (1990)
This debut-era ballad is built around the difficult moment of admitting that love cannot rescue a relationship. Carey’s rising intensity gives the song its emotional arc, making it a strong example of how arrangement and vocal interpretation work together in her early hits.
12. “I’ll Be There (Live)” (1992)
Carey’s live version of the Jackson 5 song is a performance-led entry: the vocal interplay and the contrast between her voice and Trey Lorenz’s give it its character. It is important to distinguish this chart-topping live recording from the Jackson 5’s original version when discussing Carey’s No. 1s.
11. “Dreamlover” (1993)
Light, breezy, and built for summer-radio ease, “Dreamlover” trades ballad drama for a buoyant groove. Its relaxed confidence is part of its lasting charm: Carey sounds effortless without disappearing into the production.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
10. “Honey” (1997)
“Honey” announced a sleek, adventurous turn, pairing Carey’s smooth lead with a more pronounced hip-hop influence. Its place in the ranking reflects a key strength of her catalog: a willingness to reshape her sound while keeping a strong melodic center.
9. “Love Takes Time” (1990)
The second of the four No. 1s from her debut, this is a classic regret ballad about recognizing the depth of a loss too late. Carey’s phrasing gives the lyric a personal quality, while the song’s gradual emotional lift makes it one of the era’s most enduring showcases for her voice.
8. “Fantasy” (1995)
“Fantasy” is one of Carey’s most exuberant pop records, driven by an instantly recognizable groove and a buoyant vocal. It also stands as a vivid example of her ability to bring contemporary R&B and hip-hop sensibilities into a bright, accessible pop hit.
7. “My All” (1997)
A yearning ballad from the Butterfly era, “My All” leans into longing rather than vocal excess. The intimate mood and Latin-tinged guitar give it a distinct atmosphere within Carey’s No. 1 catalog, and the vocal grows more impassioned as the song unfolds.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
6. “Emotions” (1991)
The title track from Carey’s second album is a pure vocal showcase, with agile runs and high-register flourishes at the center of its exuberant dance-pop arrangement. It makes the list’s case for performance as an essential part of her artistry: few of her chart-toppers put the voice so plainly in the foreground.
5. “Always Be My Baby” (1995)
Warm, melodic, and instantly singable, “Always Be My Baby” balances wistfulness with a buoyant, affectionate groove. It is less about a dramatic vocal peak than a memorable melody and a performance that makes the sentiment feel easy and enduring.
4. “One Sweet Day” (1995)
Carey and Boyz II Men turn grief and remembrance into a sweeping duet, with the arrangement giving both vocal groups room to build toward a shared emotional release. Billboard Canada’s December 2023 report credited it with 16 weeks at No. 1 at that time. Its ranking reflects not just the record-setting run cited by TheGrio, but the unusual tenderness of a major pop hit about loss.
3. “Vision of Love” (1990)
Carey’s debut single established the vocal language that became central to her public identity: melisma, a flexible upper register, and a slow build from restraint to full-throated release. It is also one of four No. 1s from her debut album, alongside “Love Takes Time,” “Someday,” and “I Don’t Wanna Cry.” The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s account that Carey wrote or co-wrote 18 of her 19 No. 1s makes this more than a vocal calling card; it introduces her as an author as well as a performer.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
Released in 1994 on Merry Christmas, the song first reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 2019—25 years after its release, according to Sony Music Canada. Its bright, classic-pop arrangement and exuberant vocal turned it into a seasonal standard before it finally reached the chart summit. Billboard Canada reported 14 weeks at No. 1 in December 2023; that count describes the song’s standing at the time of that report, not its current cumulative total.
1. “Hero” (1993)
TheGrio places “Hero” first as a signature anthem of self-determination. Its plainspoken message, steadily rising arrangement, and open-hearted vocal make it easy to understand why it has resonated beyond the moment of its release. The song’s impact depends less on vocal acrobatics than on the way Carey makes encouragement sound personal and earned.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the ranking says about Carey’s No. 1 run
The list moves from the concentrated vocal identity of “Vision of Love” to the stylistic breadth of “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Fantasy,” then to the later emotional directness of “We Belong Together” and the seasonal longevity of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Four No. 1s came from the 1990 debut alone, while Carey’s songwriting is woven through nearly the entire set: the Songwriters Hall of Fame credits her with writing or co-writing 18 of the 19.
No single ranking can settle which song is best. TheGrio’s top choice favors “Hero” as a defining anthem, while another listener might put the vocal breakthrough of “Vision of Love,” the collaboration on “One Sweet Day,” or the lasting seasonal appeal of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at the top. The most persuasive way to use the countdown is as a tour of different strengths, not a claim that one taste is definitive.
Quick Recap
Sources and chart context
- Giana Levy’s TheGrio ranking, published November 25, 2023, is the source for the countdown order and its editorial rationales.
- Guinness World Records identifies “Vision of Love” as Carey’s first U.S. Hot 100 No. 1 and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as her nineteenth; the record entry is dated December 21, 2019.
- The Songwriters Hall of Fame profile credits Carey with writing or co-writing 18 of her 19 Hot 100 No. 1s and publishes a 77-week songwriter record figure. That weeks figure is profile-era information, not presented here as a current total.
- GRAMMY.com’s 2022 career retrospective covers the debut-era No. 1s and the later stylistic turn represented by Butterfly.
- Sony Music Canada’s December 16, 2019 announcement says “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was released in 1994 and first reached No. 1 in 2019.
- Billboard Canada’s December 2023 report gives the dated 14-week figures for “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “We Belong Together,” and 16 weeks for “One Sweet Day.” It describes the Hot 100 as blending U.S. streaming, radio airplay, and sales.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
