Mariah and Paula

When I was twelve years old, Mariah Carey released her self-titled debut album. I can’t even guess how many times I listened to it that summer. I’m surprised the tape lasted through it all. And my dad must have spent a fortune on batteries for my Walkman. 

And I can still listen to that album. 

When I was thirteen years old, Paula Abdul released her second album, Spellbound. I can’t even guess how many times I listened to it that summer. My dad must have spent a second fortune on batteries for my fancy Walkman with auto reverse.

I can’t stand a single song from it now. New jack swing?? Not my thing. I have no idea what I was thinking.