Unreleased Albums We Never Got But Needed - Part 2
The ones who got away
Some albums just never leave your mind, even if they kinda never existed. I think it's safe to say most of us have at least one album in mind when talking about this topic. The one that got lost, cancelled, or never finished. Still, somehow, those albums fascinate us. Last time, I looked at some of those lost records that fans still talk about. I was surprised to learn just how many unreleased albums there are from some of pop’s biggest stars. The reasons for them never seeing the light of day are different, but one thing is the same: I want to hear them and you probably do too!
So today, we’re diving into Part 2 with five more albums we never got, but definitely needed.
In the case you missed Part 1:
Mariah Carey - Someone’s Ugly Daughter
While recording her album Daydream, which later would become certified diamond, Mariah Carey secretly also worked on a grunge album. It was a way for her to do something creative, step out of her comfort zone, and let out some of the anger in her private life. Despite sounding completely different from anything she ever released, she was going to release it. Unfortunately, her label refused that, as they feared it would mess up her image. But like a true artist, Mariah did not let this be the last word. Instead, she secretly released it with her friend Clarissa Dane as main vocalist under the name Chick.
Ever since then, fans have been wondering whether a release with Mariah's vocals is possible, since they can be heard in the background of the album. Fortunately, she confirmed she's thinking about doing it. Honestly, I hope she decides to do so, 'cause I would love to hear it!
The whole album is released, but we need Mariah on it:
Spice Girls - The Lost Third Album
In the late 90s, the Spice Girls were undeniably on top of the pop world. With their massively successful albums Spiceworld and Spice, the group scored multiple huge hits such as Wannabe and Stop.
But with Geri Halliwell's departure in 1998, things started to change drastically, and while they eventually released Forever in 2000, it was far from the quality of its predecessors. And that's a shame considering the direction everything leaned towards originally. The concept for it seemed fantastic, with the focus being not only on the band, but more on each individual band member. The girls planned to have solo songs, group songs, and different members were going to have duets with each other. The album sounded ambitious, but most of all very personal, with each member getting the time to show off their unique personality. Unfortunately, only a few recordings remained till now.
But when Geri left, those plans were scrapped, and the group pivoted to a more R&B-inspired sound. With it, they also lost a bit of their unique identity which made them so special.
Tinashe - Nashe
Tinashe’s third studio album, Nashe (also known as XO, Nashe), was shaping up to be something amazing. Executively produced by Hitmaka, it marked a shift in her sound, away from the traditional R&B sound of hers towards favouring hip-hop elements. The album was meant to feature an alter-ego-driven persona she described simply as Nashe.
But after the commercial underperformance of its first two singles, RCA pulled the plug. Despite being nearly finished, the album was cancelled in 2018, and only a handful of tracks like Feelings, Link Up and Cash Race survived the cut. They eventually found new life on Songs for You, her first independent release after parting ways with RCA.
Nashe remains one of those unreleased albums I’m craving for. Not only because I love Tinashe’s music, but also because the tracks that survived on Songs for You are among my favorite songs of hers.
Amy Winehouse - Follow-up to Back to Black
There are not many artists who are more iconic than Amy Winehouse. Her albums Frank and Back to Black are modern classics, known around the world. But a third album and potential follow-up to that success unfortunately never happened. With Amy's tragic decline in health and her eventual death, every plan for an upcoming album was scrapped.
While we got 10 unreleased tracks with the release of Lioness: Hidden Treasures, we never got to see the full vision for Amy's upcoming third album. All we have is a few leaks and the early track listing. From what we know, this album seems to have been her most personal and emotional yet. The song You Always Hurt The Ones You Love was even recorded as a poem by Amy, with her friend Tyler James saying the melody in that song was devastating and his favorite she’d ever written.
Apparently, her label also wasn’t too keen on releasing it even before her death, finding the subject matter too heavy. And with that, we are left wondering how this possible third album would have sounded. With Amy's death, every chance of a release seems to be at zero and maybe, for the better.
Even with limited information, unreleased albums always fascinated me. Maybe it’s the endless imagination you can put into each album. Or it’s the longing for those unreleased songs, wishing they would be released. Whatever it is, it’s fascinating and a great source for discussion. And maybe that’s what makes them so special, they’re not just albums, but open interpretations. Some might still see an official release someday, others will stay a myth forever. But either way, knowing how much we love music, they will always end up having a place in our minds.
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Aw, I didn't about plans for a follow-up to Back To Black. I think BTB is one of the most perfect albums I've ever heard, and I wish Amy was still around with us to continue sharing her brilliance.
And I absolutely love Mariah! I NEED her to release Someone's Ugly Daughter.
Spice girls omg😍