Mariah Carey - Me. I am Mariah... The Elusive Chantesuse | Album Review

With an awkward title and an even more awkward album cover featuring a clearly photoshopped Mariah, the only thing that could save “Me. I am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse” from being trashed by critics, (albeit the most important thing) – is the music itself. So did Mariah let the music speak for itself or are the crappy title and artwork a reflection of the quality of the songs?



The answer to that question is no- thank God! With numerous push backs and delays to this album and even a sudden album change from “The Art of Letting Go” to what Mariah Carey bizarrely decided to title it, “Me. I am Mariah...” had to be something worth listening to, considering that this is Mariah’s first studio album in five years (not including her 2010 Christmas album “Merry Christmas II You” but Christmas albums don’t count right?).



“Cry.” Is the albums opener, which is  an unusual kick off for a record after such a long departure in music, however it is a light ballad that highlights Mariah’s incredible range in her voice. And if anyone had any doubts whether after an over 20 year career Mariah Carey still had an amazing set of pipes on her, this album puts any doubts aside. And in true Mariah style, she feels the need to sing a whistle note in near enough all her songs. And it works for the songs on “Me. I am Mariah...” – all but one. On the track “Heavenly (No Ways Tired/Can’t Give Up Now)” it all becomes too much, her yelling sounds chaotic and uncalled for, you wish she just shut up quite frankly, and stop trying to out sing the choir.

 

It’s not all bad though- far from it. “Me. I am Mariah...” is a great R&B album and has a vibe to it similar to that of her international smash 2005 album “The Emancipation of Mimi” and even her 1997 effort “Butterfly”. Another reason that this album works is that the collaborations don’t hinder the album but make it even more enjoyable. “You Don’t Know What To Do” ft. Wale is the albums stand out track which sounds like a homage to Jocelyn Brown’s 1982 hit “Somebody Else’s Guy”. Wale and Mariah both deliver on this track, producing the most infectious chorus of the album.



A giggle can be heard from Mariah on a few of the songs from the album and it is obvious that this record was made with love. That can be heard especially on “Supernatural” which includes a feature from Mariah’s twin babies while she sings about how in sync they all are. Cute.



Overview: “Me. I am Mariah... The Elsuive Chantauese” is a triumphant record that is so good, you nearly forget about the horrible title and dodgy Photoshop job. Nearly.

7.5/10