Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel | Mariah Carey
Posted September 30, 2009 at 12:00 am
Updated September 30, 2009 at 2:37 am
Rating: 4.5/5
For fans of: Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, Alica Keys
Tracks to download: ‘H.A.T.E. U.’, ‘Standing O’, ‘Angel’s Cry’
Catering to a society that has been criticized as having a collective attention span matching that of a boll weevil, the entertainment industry—particularly its branch of music—has produced a number of artists who are constantly seeking to reinvent themselves. This has been a hugely successful tactic commercially, allowing mainstays like Madonna to go from “Ray of Light” to “American Living to Confessions on a Dance Floor.”
Then there’s Mariah Carey, the best-selling female in the world. Her album sales in the ’90s trumped those of any other artist from that decade, as her five-octave range and her Mary Poppins demeanor catapulted her to the record books and into the hearts of countless fans and critics worldwide. Then came her oft-publicized divorce from her domineering husband/boss, Tommy Mottola, whereupon she took more control over her image—both musically and physically. As her sound grew more hip-hop and her skirts got shorter, her fanbase shifted a tad, but the Hot 100 number ones (of which she now has more than any other artist except The Beatles) kept pouring in. She was on top, never to be stopped, it seemed, by anything less than a meteoric event. Which is what “Glitter” was. The movie tanked, the companion album failed and she lost her mind. Hospitalized for “exhaustion,” she slowly faded from the spotlight and into obscurity. Although she returned with the biggest sales of 2005 with “The Emancipation of Mimi,” her use of guest rappers, pop and hip-hop producers and increased sexuality since 1997’s “Butterfly” has left critics, Lambs (diehard MC fans like myself) and the general public a little nostalgic for the glory days.
“Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” in stores Tuesday, is that return to form. The album’s 17 tracks delve into the New York diva’s psyche more like her 20th-century efforts. No more touching her body; introspection adorns this new album. Carey rehashes the themes she’s been using constantly since her 1990 debut, but they still aren’t old because of her deeply felt songwriting and expressive vocals. The song has club bangers such as the hit “Obsessed” and the marching band anthem “Up Out My Face,” but unlike some of her previous discs’ bass heaviness, these two are as fast as Carey gets. The rest of the album’s makeup is reminiscent of the “Vision of Love” and “Always Be My Baby” days. Especially poignant: “H.A.T.E. U” (Having A Typical Emotional Upset), with its choruses capped off by signature high notes; “Standing O,” with The-Dream’s ubiquitous repetitive hook; and the regretful ballad “Angels Cry.” By the closing track (and second single), a triumphantly executed cover of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” it’s apparent that a certain someone has been heeding the advice to go back to her old style while maintaining relevance, something every artist wishes they had the ability to do as easily and successfully as Mariah Carey.
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On September 30, 2009 at 7:35 am Jason said
Actually check your facts, Madonna is the best seller and most successful artist in the world, not Mariah. I’ve listened to this album multiple times and as a Mariah fan I can say I’m very disappointed, the songs run together and are forgettable. Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce, and Whitney Houston’s I Look to You are far better then this!
On September 30, 2009 at 7:55 am Ardis said
MCC brings it with this album. There is something for everyone on this album. I personally can not stop listening to it incessantly. It’s a must have for your collection.
On September 30, 2009 at 11:07 am DNYC said
This album is great. Full of Lucious, sultry vocals, it really does have something for all kinds of fans. H. A. T. E. U is amazing, I hope she realeses it as a single it would be a number one. Angels cry, betcha gon know, standing o, candy bling, ribbon ALL great songs! Overall five stars!
On September 30, 2009 at 1:44 pm Chucky said
I agree with this review. Don’t get me wrong, Emancipation was a great record, but this is her first since the ’90s that really has the classic Mariah feel. This one wasn’t about crafting chart toppers, it was about delivering an honest, cohesive ALBUM. Thank you for the review, and thank you Mariah, from a fan since the old days.
On September 30, 2009 at 2:15 pm Joshua said
I feel like this is one of the best albums that she has done! and it is true, Mariah may have not sold more albums then Madonna, but she has has more Number one hits, which means there is no question as to who is “better” Im a die hard mariah fan.. ill listen to other music, but i always end up going back to mariah.. Her new album is my favorite, i love the R&B- Hip Hop sounds and i love the fact that the album is not covered with rappers. Genuine Mariah, Period.
On September 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm Steven said
Hate to say it: Mariah’s days are over. I wanted an exceptional album from her and as the album progresses: It falls flat. It will be the die hard fans that support this one-i guess i’m not one anymore. Going to check out the madonna anthem album next and see what the hype is all about. Yes I know i’m a traitor! I can’t help it this time tho! Its not a good album at all. Plus sing’n a track about another so called ‘artist’ was just too Jerry Springer. Ugh.
On September 30, 2009 at 3:32 pm Diva Me said
Honeys: Ms. Mariah has failed. It is in fact ANOTHER stale release that sounds just like all the others but the sounds are a bit more current…Ms. Carey has failed. Dismissed! Fake Double D- is her grade on this stinking release!
On October 1, 2009 at 10:24 am niltash said
mariah certainly is getting better as the years go by this album is more mature and proves that her only strenght isn’t her voice. she is so talented. she simply is flawless and the best the world ha s ever seen. all i can say is congrats mariah.
On October 2, 2009 at 10:51 am Stephanie Walker said
Well written article! I bet your mother (& father) are very proud!!!!