Forever (Mariah Carey song)

"Forever"
Cover of "Forever" featuring a close-up image of Carey from the shoulders upward
Single by Mariah Carey
from the album Daydream
B-side
ReleasedJune 18, 1996
Studio
  • Wallyworld
  • Sony (New York)
Genre
Length4:01
LabelColumbia
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)Mariah Carey
Producer(s)
  • Walter Afanasieff
  • Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey singles chronology
"Always Be My Baby"
(1996)
"Forever"
(1996)
"Honey"
(1997)
Music video
"Mariah Carey - Forever (Live Video Version)" on YouTube

"Forever" is a rock and roll and pop song recorded by American singer Mariah Carey for her fifth studio album, Daydream (1995). Columbia Records released it to American radio stations for airplay on June 18, 1996, as the album's fifth single. The lyrics, written by Carey, are about one's continued affection despite the end of a romantic relationship. She composed the music and produced the song with Walter Afanasieff. Described by critics as referencing American music of the 1950s and 1960s, "Forever" is a doo-wop-influenced sentimental ballad in the form of a waltz. Its composition includes keyboards, guitars, and programming.

Music critics gave Carey's performance and the composition positive reviews; some viewed the song as unremarkable compared to others on the album. "Forever" reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart in the US and number 11 on the RPM Hit Tracks list in Canada. In both countries it achieved the most success on adult contemporary stations. The single entered the bottom half of charts in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Carey performed "Forever" during the 1996 Daydream World Tour. Her performance at the Tokyo Dome in Japan was released as the music video. Columbia later included the song on Carey's compilation album Greatest Hits (2001).