"Hero" is a song by American singer-songwriter and record producer Mariah Carey released on October 18, 1993, via Columbia Records as the second single from her third studio album, Music Box (1993). The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. While writing the song, Carey did not connect to its style or sound, therefore forfeiting it to Gloria Estefan, who was intended to sing it for the soundtrack of the film of the same name (1992). However, after being convinced by Sony executive Tommy Mottola to keep it for herself, she changed some of the lyrics to more precisely fit her personality. Lyrically, the song is regarded as one of Carey's most inspirational and personal ballads, with its protagonist declaring that even though people may feel discouraged or down at times, in reality, they are "heroes" if they look inside themselves and see their own inner strength; in time, it will help them "find the way".
The song initially received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, with praise for Carey's vocal performance and its message, and criticism for its lyrical content; however, critical opinion of the song has improved over time. Aside from its lyrics, "Hero" derived its hook and sound from several musical instruments such as the guitar, piano, and organ. The song was a global success, reaching the top five in Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand and Norway, and the top ten in Australia and the United Kingdom, and becoming Carey's eighth chart topper on the US Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it was ranked number 5 on the 1994 year-end chart and number 53 on the Decade-End Chart.
Due to fan requests and letters, as well as their connection to its personal meaning and content, the song remains one of Carey's most performed songs. Deemed by many as her signature song, the song was originally performed on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Hey Hey It's Saturday during its original chart run. Additionally, Carey has performed Hero at several special live telethons, memorials and benefit concerts; in 1996, Mariah sang the song at Capitol Hill’s Peace Officers Memorial Day service in Washington, D.C. (with the Clinton family in attendance), as well as Pavarotti and Friends in 1999, Michael Jackson & Friends also in 1999, America: A Tribute to Heroes in 2001, Live 8 in 2005, and the inaugural ball for Barack Obama in 2009. Additionally, the song has been featured on all of Carey's tours, usually serving as the encore or closing number, and making its debut during the album's accompanying set of concerts, the Music Box Tour. The song was included on several of Carey's compilation albums, #1's (1998), Greatest Hits (2001), The Ballads (2008), and #1 to Infinity (2015).
Throughout the course of her career, Carey has re-recorded the song twice, and filmed other music videos, aside from the original. The first music video for the song was filmed by Larry Jordan in July 1993, during a private concert at Proctor's Theatre, later released on the home video Here Is Mariah Carey. In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Carey re-recorded the song as a mash-up single titled "Never Too Far/Hero Medley", a medley with her single at the time, "Never Too Far". Additionally, prior to the release of her compilation album The Ballads, Carey re-recorded "Hero" and filmed a new video featuring behind the scenes footage of the studio. "Hero" won two ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, one ASCAP Pop Music Award and one BMI Pop Award for the Songwriter Award. The song has been covered many times during both studio and live recordings, such as on global singing competitions.
Background
Mariah Carey's second studio album, Emotions (1991), contained influences from mostly 1950s, 1960s and 1970s balladry and gospel, as well as her continued work of R&B and soul. The album, while praised by some as more mature and raw, failed to reach the critical or commercial heights of her debut effort, and could not introduce Carey to a different market. Following these events, Columbia decided to market the singer in a similar fashion to her debut, only have her produce a more commercial and radio-friendly album. Their plans were to tone down Carey's vocals, and soften the album's production, leaving a more contemporary pop record. Agreeing to the change, Carey and producer Walter Afanasieff began writing and recording material for her third studio effort, Music Box (1993).
Writing and recording
Aside from her work as a vocalist and record artist, Carey was becoming known as a songwriter, having penned and co-produced all of her own material throughout her career. During the production of Music Box, she was approached by Epic Records to write and record a song alongside Afanasieff, and release it on the soundtrack to the 1992 film Hero, featuring Dustin Hoffman and Geena Davis. While Carey was interested in the project, Mottola was very adamant over not allowing Carey to take part in anything involving film, fearing it would hurt her career.
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As they completed the song's demo, Tommy Mottola, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment and Carey's fiancé, walked into the studio. After hearing the rough version of the song, on which they were still working, he became interested in it, asking what project the song belonged to. Carey explained to him the concept and how the song would be used for the film Hero. Originally, Carey felt the song was "too schmaltzy" and over the top for her, and not in line with her other work. However, after being convinced by Mottola to keep the song, Carey changed the song and personalized it, during which time she grew to feel a connection to the song and its lyrics. According to author Chris Nickson, "Hero" is one of Carey's most personal and inspirational ballads. Ingall continued how due to a hero's power to transform and inspire those around them, so too every person has inside of them the light and force needed to help change the world.
According to Maryellen Moffitt, author of "See It, Be It, Write It", "Hero" is about looking into oneself and discovering the inner courage inside each individual, and being strong and believing in oneself through times of trouble and adversity. Moffitt claims the song personally helped him get through difficult moments when "the answers seemed so far away".
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Copyright lawsuits
"Hero" was the subject of two copyright plagiarism cases; one by Christopher Selletti and the other by Rhonda Dimmie, filed in 1993 and 1996. Selletti claimed he had written the song's lyrics in the form of a poem. One day, as he drove Sly Stone in a limousine to Long Island, he claimed to show him the poem. Selletti claimed Stone complimented the poem, taking it and promising to patent it and earn him royalties. After many months, the pair fell out of contact, leading Selletti to mail himself the envelope and poem, performing a "poor man's copyright". During the short deposition made by Carey, Afanasieff revealed that they had written the song in two days during the summer of 1992, "within a matter of hours".
| rev2 = Stereogum
| rev2score = 2/10
The Baltimore Sun critic J.D. Considine praised the song, writing, "["Hero"] is a lavish, soul-stirring ballad, the sort of thing other singers would pay Diane Warren to write." Additionally, he called its chorus "uplifting" and "soaring", following praise towards Carey's vocal performance. Larry Flick from Billboard described it as "an inspirational winner with a sure, dignified message whose wisdom is matched by the stirring clarity of the arrangement." He added, "Carey's vocals have never been more pure-toned and plaintive. An across-the-spectrum smash, it will be heard for years to come because it deserves to be." Troy J. Augusto from Cashbox named it Pick of the Week, calling it a "lushly arranged song of inner strength and the finding of one's self-worth." He felt it "plays like a companion to Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings", complete with soaring chorus, delicate vocal phrasing and a message so powerful and timeless that it's bound to be turned into a charity fundraising theme song, prom dance theme song, sandwich chain ad campaign or, probably, all of the above." Rik Ambelle from Crawley News stated that Carey "really is at her best" on ballads like "Hero". Entertainment Weekly wrote that "there's a timelessness" to the song "that's almost jarring — it's such a classic chest-pounder that it's as if we've always had 'Hero', and the imaginary movie scene to go with it." Annette M. Lai from the Gavin Report commented that the song is "less commercial", "in that its hook is rather subtle, but still worthy of mention because of its inspiring message about believing in oneself and one's dreams." Another editor, Ron Fell, called it "a wonderful song of self-assuring courage". In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton wrote, "The first ever Mariah Carey single that I will hold my hand up and admit to loving, "Hero" eases back on the vocal histrionics and ups the emotion to produce this tender ballad which crashes straight in to beat the peak of the last single and becomes her highest new entry ever." In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue noted that Carey's vocals "are flawless, and the song flows perfectly along with her." Nathan Brackett from Rolling Stone called the singer's vocal tone "golden" and regarded "Hero" as "a standard for weddings, funerals and singing auditions."
It received a mixed review from The Washington Post editor Mike Joyce, who while impressed, claimed it was not as good as competing ballads of the time. Paul Gettelmen of the Orlando Sentinel criticized the song, calling it a "rip-off" of Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All". Stephen Holden, another editor from Rolling Stone also noted an inspiration and similarity to "Greatest Love of All" and calling its lyrics "made up entirely of pop and soul clichés".
Chart performance
left|thumb|Carey performing "Hero" live during her [[Charmbracelet World Tour: An Intimate Evening with Mariah Carey|Charmbracelet World Tour (2003–2004)]]
"Hero" became Carey's eighth chart topper on the US Billboard Hot 100. It reached the number one position in its tenth week and spent four weeks at the top, from December 25, 1993, to January 15, 1994. On the Billboard year-end Charts for 1994, "Hero" finished at number five, number 53 on the decade-end chart and number three on the year-end Airplay Chart. "Hero" has been certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of over three million units throughout the country. Prior to the song's recital at Carey's concert at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 1993, during her Music Box Tour, she announced that the proceeds from the stateside sales of the single were to be donated to the families of the victims of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road shooting. The song was dedicated to the three men who subdued the shooter on stage that night, three days after the tragedy. Carey was a frequent rider on the LIRR rush hour service out of Penn Station when she lived on Long Island. During the week of December 4, 1993, "Hero" reached its peak position of number three, staying there for three consecutive weeks, and a total of 21 weeks within the top 100.
The song entered the Australian Singles Chart at number 47 on the issue dated November 14, 1993, and eventually spent three weeks at its peak position of number seven. "Hero" was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of over 70,000 units throughout the country. In France, "Hero" entered the single chart at number 24 during the week dated March 19, 1994. After staying six consecutive weeks at its peak position of number five, and a total of 21 weeks in the chart, the song was certified silver by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), denoting shipments of over 200,000 units. In the Netherlands, the song peaked at number 13 on the Single Top 100 chart, spending eight weeks fluctuating within the chart. "Hero" peaked at number five on the Irish Singles Chart, spending a combined 14 weeks within the chart. In New Zealand, the song peaked at number two on the singles chart, spending five nonconsecutive weeks at the position, and a total of 20 weeks on the chart. "Hero" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), denoting shipments of 15,000 units. During the week of January 21, 1994, the song peaked at number two on the Norwegian Singles Chart, spending a total of eight weeks in the chart and being certified gold by the VG-lista. On November 11, 1993, the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number eight. The following week, it reached its peak position of number seven, spending a total of 15 weeks in the chart during its original chart run. On November 8, 2008, following the release of the "Hero" by the X Factor finalists, it re-entered the chart at number 100. As of December 2022, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) estimates sales of "Hero" in the United Kingdom to be at 400,000 units, qualifying it for a gold certification in the UK. Additionally, it was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 37th annual Grammy Awards, losing to Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do".
Music videos and re-recordings
Prior to the song's release towards the end of 1993, Carey performed an intimate concert at Proctor's Theatre, New York on July 15, 1993. It was titled "Héroe", and featured translation by Jorge Luis Piloto, a Spanish musician who had come to briefly work with Carey. Titled "Never Too Far/Hero Medley", it was released as a charity single throughout October of that year. In an interview with MTV, Carey described the idea behind the medley:
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"I started [performing] at different charity events where I did a combination of 'Never Too Far' and 'Hero'. We made it into a medley and kinda put them both in the same key and just made it work, and people responded really well to it. It's been interesting for me, since the events of September 11, the way people have been playing 'Hero' and talking to me about 'Never Too Far', 'cause that song is also about loss. I figured that it would be a nice thing to do, to put them both out for Christmas. ... I feel like it's our responsibility to do what we can right now in terms of music, just being artists and being human beings." Additionally, a music video was filmed and released for the 2008 version, featuring behind the scenes footage of the song's recording, as well as Carey's writing music in the studio. The song was eventually featured on the 30th anniversary edition of Music Box released in September 2023, sub-titled the "2009 Version". In 2024, a remastered live version of the song is included on the 30th anniversary edition of Merry Christmas which was her performance at the Cathedral of St. John The Divine.
Live performances
thumb|left|upright|Carey performing "Hero" live during [[First inauguration of Barack Obama|The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball for President Obama in Washington, D.C.]]
Due to fan requests and its personal lyrical content, Carey has performed "Hero" on several occasions throughout her career. Following the release of her sixth studio album Butterfly, Carey performed it alongside "Butterfly" on The Oprah Winfrey Show on September 22, 1997. In between both performances, Winfrey interviewed Carey over her failed marriage to Mottola, as well as the several negative rumors that followed their divorce. Carey appeared on stage alongside him, wearing a long pink evening gown and sporting a long straightened hairstyle. The performance was filmed and released on VHS as Pavarotti and Friends. Her appearance on the telethon was her first public appearance since her publicized breakdown and hospitalization, prior to the release of Glitter which was theatrical release on the same day. Following the medley, she included "Hero" onto the short set-list, followed by Jordan's final game. The televised event was watched by over 9.6 million British citizens, and held a live audience of over 200,000. Carey performed a three-song set-list, opening with "Make It Happen" and "Hero", which featured a live choir of African children, and followed by "We Belong Together", accompanied by actors Chris Barrie, Judy Flynn, Mike Burns and Julia St. John. Prior to its release, Carey appeared on the program, where she performed her single at the time "I Stay in Love", followed by a duet of "Hero" in between her and the finalists. On June 5, 2010, Carey performed the song alongside "We Belong Together" at the Walmart shareholders meeting. Following the performance, Carey gained heavy media coverage for her apparent weight gain, leading many to suspect her pregnancy with husband Nick Cannon.
Aside from the several live televised performances, Carey included "Hero" on the set-lists on all of her tours, usually serving as one of the closing numbers. In an interview, Carey said that although it is not one of her favorite songs, she tries to perform it on each of her shows due to its powerful message, fearing that if she doesn't, she might miss out on the opportunity to help someone.
- "Hero" (LP version) – 4:18
- "Hero" (Live from Here Is Mariah Carey) – 4:16
- European CD maxi single
- "Hero" (LP Version) – 4:19
- "Dreamlover" (Def Club Mix Edit) – 4:02
- "Dreamlover" (Theo's Club Joint) – 4:32
- "Dreamlover" (Def Tribal Mix) – 6:40
- Japanese CD single
- "Hero" – 4:18
- "Everything Fades Away" – 5:25
- US/Japan CD maxi single
- "Hero" (LP Version) – 4:18
- "Hero" (Live from Here Is Mariah Carey) – 4:16
- "Everything Fades Away" – 5:25
- "Dreamlover" (Club Joint Mix) – 4:33
- 2023 7-inch vinyl
"Hero" was recorded at The Plant Studios, Sausalito, California and The Record Plant, Los Angeles. Vocals were recorded and mixed at Right Track Studios, New York. Recording engineer, Dana Jon Chappelle.
- Mariah Carey – Lyricist, co-production, songwriting, vocals
- Walter Afanasieff – co-production, songwriting, keyboards, rhythm programming, acoustic guitar
- Michael Landau – guitar
- Dana Jon Chappelle – music and vocal engineering
- David Gleeson –additional engineering
- Mick Guzauski – mixing
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
Charts
Weekly charts
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (1993–1995)
!Peak <br />position
|-
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Retail Singles (The Record)
| 10
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (The Record)
| 1
|-
|-
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)
| 19
|-
!scope="row"|Europe Adult Contemporary (Music & Media)
| 7
|-
!scope="row"|Europe Airplay (Music & Media)
| 5
|-
!scope="row"|Europe Airplay (Music & Media)
| 8
|-
!scope="row"|Europe Airplay (Music & Media)
| 7
|-
!scope="row"|Europe Airplay (Music & Media)
| 3
|-
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)
| 23
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Japan Albums (Oricon)
| 11
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)
| 1
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
| 2
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)
| 5
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot Latin Tracks (Billboard)<br/>
| 40
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)
| 5
|-
!scope="row"|US Top 40/Mainstream (Billboard)
| 1
|-
!scope="row"|US Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover (Billboard)
| 2
|-
!scope="row"|US Cash Box Top 100
| 2
|-
!scope="row"|US Top 100 R&B Singles (Cash Box)
| 7
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Gavin Report)
| 1
|-
!scope="row"|US Top 40 (Gavin Report)
| 1
|-
!scope="row"|US Urban (Gavin Report)
| 3
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)
| 2
|-
!scope="row"|US Contemporary Hit Radio (Radio & Records)
| 186
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)
| 67
|}
Year-end charts
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (1993)
!Position
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Top Singles (RPM)
| 97
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
| 118
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)
| 58
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)
| 61
|-
!scope="row"|US Contemporary Hit Radio (Radio & Records)
| 79
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (1994)
!Position
|-
!scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)
| 59
|-
!scope="row"|Brazil (Brazilian Radio Airplay)
| 6
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Retail Singles (The Record)
| 31
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Top Singles (RPM)
| 17
|-
!scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
| 56
|-
!scope="row"|France (SNEP)
| 19
|-
!scope="row"|Germany (Media Control)
| 91
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand (RIANZ)
| 41
|-
!scope="row"|US Billboard Hot 100
| 5
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
| 19
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Radio & Records)
| 30
|-
!scope="row"|US Contemporary Hit Radio (Radio & Records)
| 185
|-
!scope="row"|US Billboard Hot 100
| 53
|}
Certifications
Release history
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Hero"
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format(s)
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"|
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| October 18, 1993
|
| rowspan="4"| Columbia
| align="center"|
|-
! scope="row"| United States
| October 19, 1993
|
| align="center"|
|-
! scope="row"| Canada
| October 25, 1993
| Maxi CD
| align="center"|
|-
!scope="row"|Australia
|November 1, 1993
|
| align="center"|
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| Japan
| November 18, 1993
| Mini CD
| rowspan="2"| Sony Music Japan
| align="center"|
|-
| January 1, 1994
| Maxi CD
| align="center"|
|-
! scope="row"| Various
| November 17, 2023
| 7-inch vinyl (Urban Outfitters exclusive)
| Sony Music
|
|}
Miho Nakayama version
"Hero" was covered by Japanese entertainer Miho Nakayama as her 30th single, released by King Records on December 14, 1994. Co-written in Japanese by Nakayama and arranged by Robbie Buchanan, this version was used as the theme song of the Fuji TV drama series For You, which also starred Nakayama. The B-side is an a cappella version with different lyrics.
Nakayama's version of "Hero" peaked at No. 8 on Oricon's weekly singles chart. It sold over 474,000 copies and was certified Platinum by the RIAJ.
|8
|}
Year-end charts
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (1995)
!Peakposition
|-
! scope="row" |Oricon Year-End Chart
On October 30, it was announced that the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, would waive all tax on copies sold on the single. He said, "I support the efforts being made by the X Factor contestants and in recognition of that I'm proposing effectively to waive the VAT on the sale of these singles. We will do that by making a donation equivalent to the value of the VAT." Following the single's release, the music video was sent to music channels on November 8 before the fifth live show, when the contestants (excluding Diana Vickers, absent because of illness) sang it again. All the contestants appeared in the video, which also showed still images of soldiers in Iraq. The song sold 100,000 copies in the first day of its release and 313,244 copies by the end of the week. It raised over £1 million for Help for Heroes.
It was suggested that the song would become one of the biggest-selling releases of the decade, with HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo saying: "This is proving to be one of the biggest single releases for years if not the decade. Only Leona Lewis's debut hit "A Moment Like This", which sold over 500,000 copies in its first week, can compare. It's selling more than most Christmas No 1s would, and HMV has placed an urgent order for more copies." On December 28, 2008, the UK Singles Chart listed it as the second biggest selling single for the year end countdown and the nineteenth best-selling single of the decade. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the song double-platinum, denoting shipments of over 1.2 million copies within the country.
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Chart (2008)
! Peak<br />position
|-
|align="left"|Irish Singles Chart
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|align="left"|UK Singles Chart
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|}
Year-end charts
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Chart (2000–2009)
! Peak<br />position
|-
|align="left"|UK Top 100 Songs of the Decade
| style="text-align:center;"|19
|}
Certifications
Other cover versions and uses
"Hero" has been covered several times through live performances, as well as recorded studio versions. Additionally, since its debut, it has achieved strong media attention. In 2009, prior to the election results, Barack Obama's wife Michelle played him the song to give him strength and inner support. A source close to Carey claimed that hearing the song's use meant a lot to her, saying, "She was blown away when she heard. She is so honoured to have played her part in such an occasion." In 2001, Neal Schon performed an instrumental version on the album Voice. Filipino singers Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo both performed the song live on television, with the former playing a medley of the song alongside Carey's "Anytime You Need a Friend". International male operatic pop group Il Divo included the Spanish version of the song on their second studio album, Ancora (2005). Australian singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte performed a live version of the song at the Rugby League World Cup Heroes 08 Campaign. Michael Ball, British singer, actor and radio personality, covered "Hero" for his album titled One Voice (2006). American Idol season 5 contestant Heather Cox performed the song during the top 20 performances week, only to be voted off that night for not being able to successfully carry the song. Similarly, season 7 contestant Brooke White performed the song during the Mariah Carey themed week, while season 8 contestant Danny Gokey performed the song in the top 36 performances. season 10 contestant Karen Rodriguez performed the song in both English and Spanish versions in the top 24 performances, making it into the top 13 the following night. Japanese-American singer Yuna Ito included her rendition of "Hero" on her compilation album Love -Singles Best 2005–2010. Barbadian R&B singer Rihanna sang "Hero" during a live talent show at her high school in Barbados when she was 15. Soon after, she was signed by Jay-Z to Def Jam. The YouTube event "Dear Class of 2020" had the cast of Schitt's Creek performing the song before Carey appeared for the last lines. The X Factor winner Melanie Amaro performed the song during the first season of the show, as a song chosen for her by the public. In 2013, Dami Im recorded a version for her album Dami Im. The album was #1 in Australia.
See also
- List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1993
- List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1994