“I just can’t flop this time!”

We didn’t need Phoebe’s premonition powers from Charmed to see this coming. With exactly a month to go before the arrival of her new album, Mariah Carey has delayed the release date of The Art of Letting Go so that she can perfect the record. However, there may be another reason for the change.

“While making this album, I got so immersed in the creative process that I just don’t feel I would be doing it justice to release it on 7/23,” Carey explained to her fans on Twitter. “I’d rather not exclude meaningful songs. I want to give you this album as it’s meant to be heard.When I’m ready, you’ll be the first 2 know!”

Yet, beyond whatever artistic goals that Carey has for herself, the business side of The Art project clearly needed more time to be fully set into motion. Despite thus far peaking at a relatively impressive #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, “#Beautiful” is still not a big enough hit to lead Carey to a successful comeback. In fact, the diva herself must understand that, hence the reason for the Urban radio-targeted remix that she has reportedly recorded with Young Jeezy.

Additionally, even if Carey issues a remix to #”#Beautiful” and a third second video for the song, she still needs another single on radio to guarantee a strong enough buildup to The Art. “#Beautiful” is fun and catchy but does not signal a triumphant – sorry for the flashback – return of Carey at full force. What she really needs is a trademark ballad that properly showcases her talent at its best.

Now, knowing Carey’s usual pattern, her second single usually debuts at least three weeks before her album hits stores. However, if the “#Beautiful” remix is issued this week, her schedule of releases won’t allow enough time for either song to grow before The Art arrives, and she would saturate her market with too much material.

Carey simply can’t suffer a loss at this stage of her career. “#Beautiful” is still gaining momentum via online streaming platforms and there is still time for it to blossom into an even bigger hit. Therefore, she needs to pace herself by releasing the remix by the end of this week, a new single in the last week of July and The Art in late August.

Besides, Carey barely has competition from other female artists this summer. Kelly Rowland is off to a slow start, Ciara still hasn’t scored a hit and Beyonce is too busy promoting her 4 album to focus on new music. While we wait, you can expect Carey to appear on The View on June 28, The BET Awards on June 30 and the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Special.

Thoughts?