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(Rating: 5.0/5.0)
In her 12th album release, multi-platinum recording artist, Mariah Carey has once again portrayed musical genius with the release of “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel”. In the eagerly anticipated follow-up to her multi-platinum-selling album E=MC2, Mariah has collaborated with the likes of industry-mogul Randy Jackson (America’s Best Dance Crew) and super producer The-Dream. Executive production was lead by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, CEO Island Def Jam Music Group, so this album is destined to top billboard charts. The 2-CD ensemble shows the evolution of her talent in a competitive industry, while still maintaining the distinct harmonizing that has made her such a great success.
The first single, “Obsessed”, is a reply to Rapper Eminem’s antics towards Carey and her, “America’s Got Talent” host, husband Nick Cannon. Mariah’s sensual voice melts wax on “The Impossible” as her octaves serenade stereo speakers. The reprise of “The Impossible” takes you back to the classic Jodeci era of the mid-90’s, with the artful use of synthesizers and slowed tempo. It’s evident in Carey’s music that she has finally found true love. The savory song, “More Than Just Friends”, is laced with the lyrics “…I need your touch/never wanted something so much/friendship just aint enough/I wanna be with you until the end…” Those are definitely the words of an impassioned woman. The second single, her rendition of Foreigner’s classic hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is”, expresses the earnest thoughts of every woman worldwide.
The upbeat hip-hop influenced song “Standing O” gives a sarcastic applause to an unknown former lover, who left her brokenhearted - what an idiot he was. (lol) “Up out My Face” really picks up the pace, while showing that the 40 yr-old R&B diva still “has what it takes” and is no pushover. In the head-bobbing track “It’s a Wrap”, Carey further reveals that underneath her beauty, she is one tough cookie that’s not to be messed with.
Though the album portrays a new-era of R&B, it still maintains some of M.C.’s classic sound – especially on the piano driven cuts “Languishing” and “Angel”. Her soothing voice lures listening eardrums on “Betcha Gon Kno” and “H.A.T.E.U (Having a Typical Emotional Upset)”. You can feel the commitment and the compassion to her craft throughout the whole album. Catchy choruses on the seductive club hits “Ribbon” and “Candy Bling” aim to have disc jockeys worldwide spinning them on the 1’s and 2’s every Friday night.
Since her first album release in 1990, Mariah has sold over - an astonishing - 185 million records. With dazzling tunes such as “Inseparable” – which contains samples from Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 hit, “Time After Time” – “Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel” will undeniably top the charts. Mariah, by and large, has given it her all. She planted the commendable seeds of dedication and has yielded another spectacular, soon-to-be, multi-platinum album. We salute you, Mariah.


# of songs on album: 17
# of songs worth a listen: 17

Music Playlist at MixPod.com