ALBUM REVIEW: MARIAH CAREY

Here is an usual album review (in that it's structure is more of an editorial work) that I did a few weeks back for a university publication I write for...


With worldwide sales at approximately 175 million units, Eighteen Billboard number ones, and five Grammys, What more success is there for one to obtain? Apparently, Mariah Carey has something to prove with the release of her twelfth studio album, “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” in response to the lack-luster success of her 2008 album, “E=MC2.” Her new album boasts seventeen original tracks with production exclusively from The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, who helped Mariah achieve her goal of creating an album with a “classic” Mariah sound (i.e. “Butterfly” and older albums) while trying to remain contemporary, artistic, and commercial.

“Memoirs…” is a definite improvement over “E=MC2.” The new album is mostly filled with slow jams and low-key mid-tempo jams. The album’s lead single, “Obsessed” is the only up-tempo track on the album, and one of its cheesiest lyrically. Although Mariah claims the song is directed towards no one person in particular, the song is clearly a smart ploy at expressing her feelings towards Eminem and his infatuation with dissing her. Aside from other immature lyricism and song titles (i.e. “Candy Bling”), the album includes some standout material that is very reminiscent of specific songs from the “Butterfly” album or its overall aura in general. Mariah’s attempt at proving her vocals are still intact with this project is also evident. With little wear and tear, she utilizes her full voice on every song as the prominent vocal part, and decorates every song with at least a few whistle notes to prove her upper register has not deteriorated. Her interludes and reprises on this album are impressive as well as Mariah utilizes her voice like an instrument. She is still able to sing melodies in her whistle register and even enunciates phrases in her upper-most register as well. Surprisingly, there is no hip-hop influence on the album at all. Seemingly, Mariah has come almost full circle in terms of reverting back to her “classic” self as an artist. However, “Memoirs…” overtly commercial sound halts any possible revolution for Mariah’s music. The day she begins to make music for the sake of making music is the day she will create a masterpiece album.

Tracks to listen for: H.A.T.E.U, Ribbon, It's A Warp, The Impossible, Angels Cry (Prelude), Languishing (The Interlude)