Tucker from Entertainment Weekly praised the song's instrumentation, adding, "I like the brisk waltz tempo of 'Forever'." In 2020, Billboard ranked it as the 100th greatest song of Carey's career. "Forever" was released as an airplay only single in the US, and received a limited European release. Due to Billboard rules at the time of its release, "Forever" wasn't eligible to chart on the Hot 100. However, the song charted on the Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number two. In Canada, the song peaked at number 11 on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart issue dated September 30, 1996. In New Zealand, the song entered the singles chart at its peak of number 40, spending only one week in the chart. On the Dutch Singles Chart, "Forever" peaked at number 47, fluctuating in the chart for a total of nine weeks. Music video and live performances "Forever" was first performed in October 1995 in Carey's concert at Madison Square Garden. The next year it was performed throughout all the shows on Carey's Daydream World Tour in 1996. The music video for "Forever" was filmed at one of the Japanese shows during the tour. It presents Carey singing the song on stage at the Tokyo Dome, and inter-cuts scenes from other segments of the show. For the show and video, Carey wore a pair of black pants and matching blouse, together with a long leather trench coat. Her hair teased in a long wavy fashion, and is a golden-auburn color. The video features three back-up singers, one male and two female and a large projection screen on the stage's rear. The live audio of this performance was released on the single. Formats and track listing European CD single "Forever" – 4:01 "Forever" (Live) – 4:12 Australian CD single "Forever" – 4:01 "Underneath the Stars" – 3:33 "Forever" (Live) – 4:12 "Make It Happen" (Live) – 4:43 Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the Daydream liner notes. Mariah Carey – co-production, songwriting, vocals Walter Afanasieff – co-production, songwriting Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Release history References Bibliography 1990s ballads 1996 singles Mariah Carey songs Songs written by Walter Afanasieff Songs written by Mariah Carey Pop ballads Song recordings produced by Walter Afanasieff 1995 songs Columbia Records singles Sony Music singles Contemporary R&B ballads