“One Sweet Day,” featuring Boyz II Men, was released as the second single from Mariah’s Daydream album in November 1995. She was inspired to write this song after losing her close friend and collaborator David Cole, who died in January 1995 due to complications from spinal meningitis brought on by AIDS. Mariah wanted to write (and sing) a eulogy for him and other loved ones she and her fans had lost. 

It is the most commercially successful single of both Carey’s and Boys II Men’s careers. It was also a hit internationally, reaching the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. Additionally, the song received critical acclaim, with critics lauding its writing and craft, as well as the sentiment behind the lyrics.

“One Sweet Day” spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a record that has been matched by only one other song, Despacito, which also stayed at the top for the same amount of time. “Old Town Road” officially broke the record on July 29, 2019, marking its 17th week on the Hot 100 as number one.