I Don't Wanna Cry

"I Don't Wanna Cry"
Single by Mariah Carey
from the album Mariah Carey
Released	March 11, 1991
Recorded	1990
Genre	Pop, R&B
Length
Label	Columbia Records
Songwriter(s)	Mariah Carey, Narada Michael Walden
Producer(s)	Narada Michael Walden

I Don't Wanna Cry is a song by American singer Mariah Carey. It was released as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album, Mariah Carey (1990). The song was written by Carey and Narada Michael Walden, and produced by Walden.

Background and Composition

"I Don't Wanna Cry" is a pop and R&B ballad. The song's lyrics deal with the end of a relationship and the emotional pain associated with it. The song showcases Carey's vocal range and emotive delivery, which became her signature style.

Release and Reception

The single was released on March 11, 1991, by Columbia Records. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Carey's vocal performance and the song's production. "I Don't Wanna Cry" became Carey's fourth consecutive number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first artist since The Jackson 5 to have their first four singles reach number one on the chart.

Music Video

The music video for "I Don't Wanna Cry" was directed by Larry Jordan. It features Carey in various settings, including a desert and a house, reflecting the song's themes of loneliness and heartache.

Live Performances

Carey has performed "I Don't Wanna Cry" during several of her concert tours, including the Music Box Tour and the Daydream World Tour. The song is often noted for its challenging vocal parts, which Carey delivers with precision during live performances.

Track Listings and Formats

The single was released in various formats, including CD single, cassette single, and 7-inch vinyl. The track listings typically included the album version of the song and an instrumental version.

Charts and Certifications

"I Don't Wanna Cry" achieved significant commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and also charted in several other countries. The song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Legacy

"I Don't Wanna Cry" is considered one of Mariah Carey's classic hits and is a staple in her discography. It has been included in several of her greatest hits compilations, such as #1's and Greatest Hits.

See Also

• Mariah Carey discography
• List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1991
• List of artists who reached number one in the United States