Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel - THE REVIEW BY MANDY M
Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel - THE REVIEW BY MANDY M
Serious Mariah content follows, lol so I'll spare everyone with a cut!
So the new Mariah album comes out tomorrow, and yes I have taken a day off work for a "Mariah Day" hahaha. I'm going to go downtown to the library to shop for used books, then I'm going to HMV to buy the CD, hopefully see Denise (my BFF), and then we'll go to Wendy's for dinner, and then come home in time to watch Top Chef! A really good day if I do say so myself lol.
I already have the album on my Itunes from converting the leaked album from YouTube that someone uploaded about a week ago. I got all the songs except one, cuz it said it can't be viewed in Canada... but all the other ones were fine. So I've had the album for about a week now, and I have seen a number of reviews out there, some funny, some mean, and a lot of good ones, and I thought that it was time to express my thoughs on it, being a lamb and all. So here is my run through of the album.
1 - Betcha Gon Know (The Prologue)
When I heard the snippit of this song, I thought that it was only going to be an interlude, or a short, half-song to start off the album. When I got the whole thing, I got excited because it was a full song, and it is really one of the best on the album. It has this ghetto laid-back vibe to it, and with the beeps-beeps that are in it that are so popular these days, it is current and chill, without being trendy.
The lyrics are serious, and dark, but you still feel the Mariah's twist of humour on this very serious song, when she sings "I'ma la-la-la-la-lau-laugh right in your face boy". And the booming little breakdown after the first chorus is really really good. It just makes you get more into the story of the song. I can't say that I'm too into the second chorus, but the lyrics are still Mariah-ish and natural to her style. Then comes the "for real for real" part which is kind of funny in this dark song, and then another musical punch comes after the second chorus, which is a transition into another level, where it all comes together, and Mariah goes off on her familiar powerful vocals for a few bars, then it all comes to settle down in her soft version of a warning, with no music behind her "But you gonna know how this feels, even if it's the last thing I ever do...". Uh oh! Watch out! lol
2 - Obsessed
This song is well known by now, and as it was the first single, it is the only really up-tempo ghetto song on the album. Remember the days of Honey, and Heartbreaker? Those days are gone, but the humour is still there. Obsessed is a VERY tongue-in-cheek song, and you can hear Mariah laughing on this one. It's very ghetto, and I love that side of Mariah. The song seems a little off with the rest of the album, and I have to admit that Obsessed is one of her most ghetto songs ever... and with such a laid-back album, this song does stick out. No matter how much I love this song, I can't get enough of it. It's classic Mariah, and the remix with Gucci Mane makes it that much more ghetto! Unfortunately, the copies of Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel that comes out in most of the world on Tuesday, doesn't include the second disc, with the remix on it, but it is available widely, and there is an accompanying video to go with it. I prefer the remix, because it just has a little more "oomph", but I have been trying to listen to the original in the context of the album. "Why you so obsessed with me" is definately going to go down as one of the Lambs most favourite saying for the next couple of years.. it's a classic Mariah-ism now.
3 - H.A.T.E U
Now I had The Dream's version of the demo for this song for about a month before I heard Mariah's version, and when the demo leaked, Mariah was all on her Twitter saying that her version was going to be different and all that, but the song is DOPE. The Dream's version is a song on its own, and I love him, and his voice, so I listen to it often. With Mariah's version, it's the exact same beat, and melody etc, but the lyrics are different, and the vibe is a little more sad.
This is my favourite song on the album, and that's saying a lot for this whole album - it's mostly solid. This song just sticks out. I connect to it personally, and there's nothing wrong with the song at all, so you can't NOT like it. Classic ballad lyrics, with a little ghetto in the vibe, and obviously a clever use of the title. Also, it seems that the lack of Jermaine Dupri on this album has been a good thing. Sorry JD, ya know I love ya, for what you did for music, and Mariah, and all the good things from the past, but this song is FRESH, and current and produced really well. It doesn't sound polished and slick - it sounds rough, and subdued, just like a broken heart should sound, and it fits the song completely.
I love this song. I think it is the best on the album, but a lot of people will disagree with me. But my personal connection to the lyrics, and the way it makes me feel is undeniable. It will go on in history as being one of my favourite Mariah songs ever.
4 - Candy Bling
I have not heard the whole song yet, so I will review on Tuesday night.
5 - Ribbon
The most unexpected sound, and suprise on the album. This song is musical-candy, and I'm talking sweet sweet candy that you wanna eat over and over again, it just tastes so good. This song is exactly what people want to hear from Mariah - positive feeling, uplifting, fluffy goodness. This song reminds me of the Heartbreakers and Honeys of the past, but it's very much 2009, and it's very much the sound of the moment. With the "fat slow guy" as one reviewer called it in the background, to The Dream's tags "Radio Killa", and the "eh, eh, eh"'s, to the beat, and the sexy cooing over the heavy beat.. omg can you say perfect? This song better be a single, that's all I can say. I thought that Ribbon would be a ballad because of the title, and when I saw it, I was all "what's with the title??" but I have to say that I'm glad it wasn't another ballad. This album has many. I was really suprised and glad for this song. It is a welcomed departure to the many sad songs on this album. Sometimes you just need a feel-good song! And this is just the perfect prescription. When the beat breaks down near the very end, you think it's over, but it comes back again with some of Mariah's high notes, and you're just like oooohhh yes. Perfect ending to a perfect song.
6 - Inseperable
Apparently, there is supposed to be a Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time" sample in this song, but as much as I listen to it.. I just cannot get it. I don't hear it, and I'm starting to doubt my musical knowledge. Is it just me? There are some points when I think I hear it, but it's not very obvious.
First of all, this is my least favourite song of the album. I'm sorry to say, and many people will disagree, cuz I've read a few reviews, but I just can't get into it. The lyrics are clever, and current, but I find it repetitive, boring, and a re-hash of "Last Kiss" from E=MC2. I just don't find anything unique about it in any way. I do like the high note in the middle of the sentence thing, but that's its one and only redeeming quality for me to be honest. I hate to bash any Mariah song, but I think that this one was filler. I might be crucified for saying that lol, but to each their own, and that's my thoughts on this one. It's definately been skipped quite a few times on my ipod.
7 - Standing O
I did not like this song when I first heard it. It's one of those creeper songs, that catches up to you after a few listens. Also, it's one of the few up-beat songs on the album, and it's a nice mix up to the slowjams. I like the "Oh Oh Oh Oh"'s on it, and I think that it matches the rest of the album, but it has a little "Take A Bow" by Rihanna, or "Take A Bow" by Leona Lewis vibe to it with the lyrics. Both songs are current, and even though Leona's is not widely known, the lyrics to all 3 songs come eerily close on the same topic. Mariah has her own twist of course, and with the "Oh Oh Oh Oh"'s, and the stuccato piano in the background, it fits very well with Obsessed. It just sounds like it's made to be kind of a part II for Obsessed, but it's a little more serious, and a little more bitter, which is good. Not everything has to be candy-coated. I like Mariah a little bitter. It shows she is NOT perfect, as her album's title clearly states. She's human, and she gets hurt, and damn she's gonna let you know about it in this song. It's powerful, without being a knockout. It's a little more subtle in its lyrics, and style. When the second verse kicks in, there's a nice little real percussion feel in the background, and it sounds really fresh. It almost as if she's singing on her own in the song, and then everyone hears what she's talking about, and the band decides to back her up to support the message more clearly. It's like "we got your back Mariah.. let's make it really tasty here". The percussion also comes back at the end after the bridge, with a little breakdown to finish the song. Very subtle, yet it gets the scathing message of the lyrics across, with it's abrupt ending. I like this song a lot, even though it took a few listens.
8 - It's A Wrap
From the snippets of the songs that I heard first, I just KNEW that this song would be a real treat. That's what I refer to it as, because it is just a musical bon-bon with whipped cream on top. Old school to the max here. Talking about really really mundane things like donuts and coffee, and kicking a dude out of her appartment never sounded so damn good. How in the hell did she put this one together I ask myself. It's like it's right out of a "Best of the 50's" compilation, with its soaring highnotes, and that motown girl-group sound, and the "you did me wrong" vibe. But then there's the Mariah style that comes in and you know that you're not kicking it to your momma's record player, it's clearly Mariah - when she calls out Maury Povich, and Patrone, and says "put all your sh*t on the elevator, it's going down like a denominator".. that one almost made me fall out of my chair I laughed so hard! The humour is clearly there, and you can just imagine Mariah having a blast with this one. It's funny, and you listen to it with a smirk on your face, cuz it's very cheeky. The beginning sets the tone, with a glass being poured of something, and then comes Mariah's high high notes. The Diva is up in the house on this one. "Let me take a breath, and regain my composure... it's a wrap for you boy" Such a playful little song. Like a breath of fresh air. Also, I find it quite funny that such a throwback oldschool song has Mariah singing "if you effed up it's over"... lol Did I just hear Mariah say "effed up"?? She sings it "EFFED UP" just like that too.. I'm not bleeping anything there lol. Mariah obviously knows how to keep things current and light, even in a classic song like this. Haha.. awesome song!
9 - Up Out My Face
Now, I didn't think that I would like this song at first, and it has grown on me, but I wouldn't say it's my favourite. It's on the plus side of the middle haha. It's very "Cruise Control" for me, which is a brilliant song, and I love that one, but this one is like a lesser version of that one. All be it, it has a different vibe, and a danceable beat, and clever lyrics, but as one reviewer said "it's just not a song that Mariah should be doing".. "She's above this kinda song". But apparently I heard that it's Mariah's favourite song on the album. I can see why. It's fun, and catchy, and lyrically funny, but like I said, it's not the best, for me at least.
But I find myself getting into it more and more, and singing the chorus with my hands up in the "talk to the hand" posture, and walking with a little more bounce in my step when I listen to it. It's very "up out my face".. lol "just bounce, cuz I don't wanna see you right now" kinda thing, and that's always fun for us girls.
10 - Up Out My Face (The Reprise)
I'll tell you one thing right now, don't get me wrong. I love you Mariah, but this was a waste of 54 or so seconds of my life. Totally out of place, and not needed at all. I heard that it might be an ode to Nick Cannon, but seriously, I do not need to hear this sh*t on my ipod when I'm chillin to ballads, and awesome r&b jams, and bumpin club hits. I did not download the song at all. To me it doesn't exist lol. I didn't put it on my ipod, I didn't even want to include it on this review, but I thought to be fair, I had to give my two cents on it. Please forgive me, lambs, and Mariah, but I just don't get it lol. End of story!
11 - More Than Just Friends
This is another one of those creeper songs. I didn't like it particularly the first time I heard it, but the chorus is really redeeming. It's really chill and relaxed, and someone has likened it to Biggie's "One More Chance", but I only hear that in the chorus, and that's my favourite part of the song. I find it a little like Obsessed with the stuccato piano in the verse background, and the "Oh oh okay"'s, so it fits the album flow, but as I said, I didn't like it at the beginning. It's growing on me, and it seems to be a good up-tempo song, but it's a little bit better than filler. Not my favourite, but not at the bottom of the heap. It doesn't stand out enough for me to love it, but the chorus is really good, so I find myself listening to it just for the chorus.. and of course her referrence to McDonald's fries.. "Steady feenin for you like them fries at McDonalds".. lol Ain't that the truth. If you've ever been in love, isn't that the best way to say it? ;) What a compliment haha.
12 - The Impossible
I knew that this song was gonna have that old school r&b vibe, when I heard people likening it to Blackstreet, whom I happen to love, and I was excited.
It satisfies that slowjam itch we all have - to have Mariah sing like that again.
To have anyone, actually, sing that way again. There's something deeply satisfying about a good slowjam, and with Mariah singing it, it's almost too much.
The hard beat, the soft melody, the love-filled lyrics, the satiny vocals, the "let's get it ON" vibe to it. Mariah is gonna tell you all the ways she loves you, and she doesn't stop. She loves you as much as she loves "free money", and "kool-aid", and "Duncan Hines yellow cake" Damn, she must love this someone a whole LOT! The best part for me is all the "shoop doop doo doo"'s in the background, that bring me back to Blackstreet. It brings me back to my teenage years, and it's just a really chillax song, and then it samples heavily Jodeci's "Forever My Lady", which is a good thing. "Layin in the bed pumpin Jodeci".. she calls out to them in a classy way, and pays tribute nicely. This is the kind of song that is just an instant classic. Nothing wrong with it in my books.
13 - The Impossible (The Reprise)
Just a continuation of the vibe, and beat of the original song, with a little more laid back feeling. A little more to add to the original song, and it's really nice.
14 - Angel (The Prelude)
What can I say about this one? Beautiful, and short. lol I think that it should have just been tacked onto the beginning of Angels Cry, instead of being a prelude, but it runs nicely into the song.
15 - Angels Cry
I heard the live version of this first, and I instantly liked it. Straight up ballad tour-de-force. Typical, classic Mariah. Amazingly subtle vocals, and the lyrics are really well written and just right for the song. Retrospective, and sad, yet it gives you a feeling of hope with the melody and vibe of the song. Personally, I connect to the song, and find it one of her most beautiful ballads. It's honest, and not trying to come at you like it's the most awesomest love song ever. It's just a really solid song, and when it goes into the end, that's when all the power comes, as if she's been reserved for the song, and has to let it all out at the end. It comes across as heartfelt and real, and when the music kinda disappears at the end a bit, and there's this undertone of bass, before the power note, it just stops your heart, and gives you goosebumps. A perfect ballad, and perfect for this album. My favourite part of the lyrics are the first verse. They were perfectly written and pack an emotional punch, as if you were really there feeling everything she was going through at the moment. It's beautifully written. And the chorus is unique with images that aren't normally used in music: "And lightning don't strike
The same place twice" is beautiful imagry, and fits the theme of a storm really nicely. Such a good song. Very close to my favourite song on the album. If HateU and Ribbon were'nt on this album, this would be my favourite song. I hope that it's released as a single!
16 - Languishing
Beautiful, and deep, and really really honest. I was expecting more of a song, but it says right there that it's an interlude unfortunately. I really wish that it was a full song, but sometimes in writing songs, all of the emotions have been put down onto paper, and there's nothing more to talk about, and it's complete as it is. I feel that's what's happened with this. All is said that needs saying. It doesn't need anymore that way, but it's so beautiful that we WANT more. I was also expecting this song to be a gospel ballad, somewhat like "Fly Like A Bird", "My Saving Grace", and "I Wish You Well", which have been on the last few Mariah albums, but was suprised when it wasn't one of those. It is a nice change, just for a simple and honest song/interlude. I like the lyrics, and the flow of the song, and the piano is absolutely beautiful, and when she goes up an octave in the last few lines of the song, it absolutely fulfills a musical promise that had been progressing since the beginning - towards something big at the end. It is very very nicely orchestrated.
17 - I Want To Know What Love Is
I already knew this song, through Foreigner, and liking their version, and Mariah's version was a nice rendition of such a classic. It's so subdued at the beginning, and it's such a sweet, and sad cover, until the end when the power comes out. The only thing I don't like, is that it's too damn short, you just want her to BELT it out at the end for like 5 minutes, like the real song. It leaves you wanting so much more every time, even though you know the end is coming. It's very beautiful, and I think that it pays a really nice homage to the original. Its musical arrangement is almost exactly the same, and it doesn't disorient you at all, but then again, all of Mariah's covers have been really similar to the originals. Which I like. Cuz you don't wanna mess with a classic haha.
I think it's a beautiful way to end the album. Leaving us wanting more. With a new Mariah album so soon after the last one, I feel that us Mariah fans are very spoiled. We get exceptional Mariah material almost every year, and I feel very lucky to be a Mariah fan. This is a beautiful album all together, and though I could very much do without a few songs, I have felt that way about a few other albums too, so it's not such a dramatic thing for me. The point is, is that we have many single worthy songs on this album, and Mariah-mania is sure to come in the next couple months. She should be proud of this album, and I know that the fans are going to love it, and hopefully the mainstream loves it as much as we do. Mariah is very generous, and always gives us her best. She may be declaring herself as imperfect on this album, but we accept her no matter what.
She is showing us a little more of her true self in every record these days, and it endears us to her all the more. Thanks Mariah, for giving us your all. Again!!
M
Serious Mariah content follows, lol so I'll spare everyone with a cut!
So the new Mariah album comes out tomorrow, and yes I have taken a day off work for a "Mariah Day" hahaha. I'm going to go downtown to the library to shop for used books, then I'm going to HMV to buy the CD, hopefully see Denise (my BFF), and then we'll go to Wendy's for dinner, and then come home in time to watch Top Chef! A really good day if I do say so myself lol.
I already have the album on my Itunes from converting the leaked album from YouTube that someone uploaded about a week ago. I got all the songs except one, cuz it said it can't be viewed in Canada... but all the other ones were fine. So I've had the album for about a week now, and I have seen a number of reviews out there, some funny, some mean, and a lot of good ones, and I thought that it was time to express my thoughs on it, being a lamb and all. So here is my run through of the album.
1 - Betcha Gon Know (The Prologue)
When I heard the snippit of this song, I thought that it was only going to be an interlude, or a short, half-song to start off the album. When I got the whole thing, I got excited because it was a full song, and it is really one of the best on the album. It has this ghetto laid-back vibe to it, and with the beeps-beeps that are in it that are so popular these days, it is current and chill, without being trendy.
The lyrics are serious, and dark, but you still feel the Mariah's twist of humour on this very serious song, when she sings "I'ma la-la-la-la-lau-laugh right in your face boy". And the booming little breakdown after the first chorus is really really good. It just makes you get more into the story of the song. I can't say that I'm too into the second chorus, but the lyrics are still Mariah-ish and natural to her style. Then comes the "for real for real" part which is kind of funny in this dark song, and then another musical punch comes after the second chorus, which is a transition into another level, where it all comes together, and Mariah goes off on her familiar powerful vocals for a few bars, then it all comes to settle down in her soft version of a warning, with no music behind her "But you gonna know how this feels, even if it's the last thing I ever do...". Uh oh! Watch out! lol
2 - Obsessed
This song is well known by now, and as it was the first single, it is the only really up-tempo ghetto song on the album. Remember the days of Honey, and Heartbreaker? Those days are gone, but the humour is still there. Obsessed is a VERY tongue-in-cheek song, and you can hear Mariah laughing on this one. It's very ghetto, and I love that side of Mariah. The song seems a little off with the rest of the album, and I have to admit that Obsessed is one of her most ghetto songs ever... and with such a laid-back album, this song does stick out. No matter how much I love this song, I can't get enough of it. It's classic Mariah, and the remix with Gucci Mane makes it that much more ghetto! Unfortunately, the copies of Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel that comes out in most of the world on Tuesday, doesn't include the second disc, with the remix on it, but it is available widely, and there is an accompanying video to go with it. I prefer the remix, because it just has a little more "oomph", but I have been trying to listen to the original in the context of the album. "Why you so obsessed with me" is definately going to go down as one of the Lambs most favourite saying for the next couple of years.. it's a classic Mariah-ism now.
3 - H.A.T.E U
Now I had The Dream's version of the demo for this song for about a month before I heard Mariah's version, and when the demo leaked, Mariah was all on her Twitter saying that her version was going to be different and all that, but the song is DOPE. The Dream's version is a song on its own, and I love him, and his voice, so I listen to it often. With Mariah's version, it's the exact same beat, and melody etc, but the lyrics are different, and the vibe is a little more sad.
This is my favourite song on the album, and that's saying a lot for this whole album - it's mostly solid. This song just sticks out. I connect to it personally, and there's nothing wrong with the song at all, so you can't NOT like it. Classic ballad lyrics, with a little ghetto in the vibe, and obviously a clever use of the title. Also, it seems that the lack of Jermaine Dupri on this album has been a good thing. Sorry JD, ya know I love ya, for what you did for music, and Mariah, and all the good things from the past, but this song is FRESH, and current and produced really well. It doesn't sound polished and slick - it sounds rough, and subdued, just like a broken heart should sound, and it fits the song completely.
I love this song. I think it is the best on the album, but a lot of people will disagree with me. But my personal connection to the lyrics, and the way it makes me feel is undeniable. It will go on in history as being one of my favourite Mariah songs ever.
4 - Candy Bling
I have not heard the whole song yet, so I will review on Tuesday night.
5 - Ribbon
The most unexpected sound, and suprise on the album. This song is musical-candy, and I'm talking sweet sweet candy that you wanna eat over and over again, it just tastes so good. This song is exactly what people want to hear from Mariah - positive feeling, uplifting, fluffy goodness. This song reminds me of the Heartbreakers and Honeys of the past, but it's very much 2009, and it's very much the sound of the moment. With the "fat slow guy" as one reviewer called it in the background, to The Dream's tags "Radio Killa", and the "eh, eh, eh"'s, to the beat, and the sexy cooing over the heavy beat.. omg can you say perfect? This song better be a single, that's all I can say. I thought that Ribbon would be a ballad because of the title, and when I saw it, I was all "what's with the title??" but I have to say that I'm glad it wasn't another ballad. This album has many. I was really suprised and glad for this song. It is a welcomed departure to the many sad songs on this album. Sometimes you just need a feel-good song! And this is just the perfect prescription. When the beat breaks down near the very end, you think it's over, but it comes back again with some of Mariah's high notes, and you're just like oooohhh yes. Perfect ending to a perfect song.
6 - Inseperable
Apparently, there is supposed to be a Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time" sample in this song, but as much as I listen to it.. I just cannot get it. I don't hear it, and I'm starting to doubt my musical knowledge. Is it just me? There are some points when I think I hear it, but it's not very obvious.
First of all, this is my least favourite song of the album. I'm sorry to say, and many people will disagree, cuz I've read a few reviews, but I just can't get into it. The lyrics are clever, and current, but I find it repetitive, boring, and a re-hash of "Last Kiss" from E=MC2. I just don't find anything unique about it in any way. I do like the high note in the middle of the sentence thing, but that's its one and only redeeming quality for me to be honest. I hate to bash any Mariah song, but I think that this one was filler. I might be crucified for saying that lol, but to each their own, and that's my thoughts on this one. It's definately been skipped quite a few times on my ipod.
7 - Standing O
I did not like this song when I first heard it. It's one of those creeper songs, that catches up to you after a few listens. Also, it's one of the few up-beat songs on the album, and it's a nice mix up to the slowjams. I like the "Oh Oh Oh Oh"'s on it, and I think that it matches the rest of the album, but it has a little "Take A Bow" by Rihanna, or "Take A Bow" by Leona Lewis vibe to it with the lyrics. Both songs are current, and even though Leona's is not widely known, the lyrics to all 3 songs come eerily close on the same topic. Mariah has her own twist of course, and with the "Oh Oh Oh Oh"'s, and the stuccato piano in the background, it fits very well with Obsessed. It just sounds like it's made to be kind of a part II for Obsessed, but it's a little more serious, and a little more bitter, which is good. Not everything has to be candy-coated. I like Mariah a little bitter. It shows she is NOT perfect, as her album's title clearly states. She's human, and she gets hurt, and damn she's gonna let you know about it in this song. It's powerful, without being a knockout. It's a little more subtle in its lyrics, and style. When the second verse kicks in, there's a nice little real percussion feel in the background, and it sounds really fresh. It almost as if she's singing on her own in the song, and then everyone hears what she's talking about, and the band decides to back her up to support the message more clearly. It's like "we got your back Mariah.. let's make it really tasty here". The percussion also comes back at the end after the bridge, with a little breakdown to finish the song. Very subtle, yet it gets the scathing message of the lyrics across, with it's abrupt ending. I like this song a lot, even though it took a few listens.
8 - It's A Wrap
From the snippets of the songs that I heard first, I just KNEW that this song would be a real treat. That's what I refer to it as, because it is just a musical bon-bon with whipped cream on top. Old school to the max here. Talking about really really mundane things like donuts and coffee, and kicking a dude out of her appartment never sounded so damn good. How in the hell did she put this one together I ask myself. It's like it's right out of a "Best of the 50's" compilation, with its soaring highnotes, and that motown girl-group sound, and the "you did me wrong" vibe. But then there's the Mariah style that comes in and you know that you're not kicking it to your momma's record player, it's clearly Mariah - when she calls out Maury Povich, and Patrone, and says "put all your sh*t on the elevator, it's going down like a denominator".. that one almost made me fall out of my chair I laughed so hard! The humour is clearly there, and you can just imagine Mariah having a blast with this one. It's funny, and you listen to it with a smirk on your face, cuz it's very cheeky. The beginning sets the tone, with a glass being poured of something, and then comes Mariah's high high notes. The Diva is up in the house on this one. "Let me take a breath, and regain my composure... it's a wrap for you boy" Such a playful little song. Like a breath of fresh air. Also, I find it quite funny that such a throwback oldschool song has Mariah singing "if you effed up it's over"... lol Did I just hear Mariah say "effed up"?? She sings it "EFFED UP" just like that too.. I'm not bleeping anything there lol. Mariah obviously knows how to keep things current and light, even in a classic song like this. Haha.. awesome song!
9 - Up Out My Face
Now, I didn't think that I would like this song at first, and it has grown on me, but I wouldn't say it's my favourite. It's on the plus side of the middle haha. It's very "Cruise Control" for me, which is a brilliant song, and I love that one, but this one is like a lesser version of that one. All be it, it has a different vibe, and a danceable beat, and clever lyrics, but as one reviewer said "it's just not a song that Mariah should be doing".. "She's above this kinda song". But apparently I heard that it's Mariah's favourite song on the album. I can see why. It's fun, and catchy, and lyrically funny, but like I said, it's not the best, for me at least.
But I find myself getting into it more and more, and singing the chorus with my hands up in the "talk to the hand" posture, and walking with a little more bounce in my step when I listen to it. It's very "up out my face".. lol "just bounce, cuz I don't wanna see you right now" kinda thing, and that's always fun for us girls.
10 - Up Out My Face (The Reprise)
I'll tell you one thing right now, don't get me wrong. I love you Mariah, but this was a waste of 54 or so seconds of my life. Totally out of place, and not needed at all. I heard that it might be an ode to Nick Cannon, but seriously, I do not need to hear this sh*t on my ipod when I'm chillin to ballads, and awesome r&b jams, and bumpin club hits. I did not download the song at all. To me it doesn't exist lol. I didn't put it on my ipod, I didn't even want to include it on this review, but I thought to be fair, I had to give my two cents on it. Please forgive me, lambs, and Mariah, but I just don't get it lol. End of story!
11 - More Than Just Friends
This is another one of those creeper songs. I didn't like it particularly the first time I heard it, but the chorus is really redeeming. It's really chill and relaxed, and someone has likened it to Biggie's "One More Chance", but I only hear that in the chorus, and that's my favourite part of the song. I find it a little like Obsessed with the stuccato piano in the verse background, and the "Oh oh okay"'s, so it fits the album flow, but as I said, I didn't like it at the beginning. It's growing on me, and it seems to be a good up-tempo song, but it's a little bit better than filler. Not my favourite, but not at the bottom of the heap. It doesn't stand out enough for me to love it, but the chorus is really good, so I find myself listening to it just for the chorus.. and of course her referrence to McDonald's fries.. "Steady feenin for you like them fries at McDonalds".. lol Ain't that the truth. If you've ever been in love, isn't that the best way to say it? ;) What a compliment haha.
12 - The Impossible
I knew that this song was gonna have that old school r&b vibe, when I heard people likening it to Blackstreet, whom I happen to love, and I was excited.
It satisfies that slowjam itch we all have - to have Mariah sing like that again.
To have anyone, actually, sing that way again. There's something deeply satisfying about a good slowjam, and with Mariah singing it, it's almost too much.
The hard beat, the soft melody, the love-filled lyrics, the satiny vocals, the "let's get it ON" vibe to it. Mariah is gonna tell you all the ways she loves you, and she doesn't stop. She loves you as much as she loves "free money", and "kool-aid", and "Duncan Hines yellow cake" Damn, she must love this someone a whole LOT! The best part for me is all the "shoop doop doo doo"'s in the background, that bring me back to Blackstreet. It brings me back to my teenage years, and it's just a really chillax song, and then it samples heavily Jodeci's "Forever My Lady", which is a good thing. "Layin in the bed pumpin Jodeci".. she calls out to them in a classy way, and pays tribute nicely. This is the kind of song that is just an instant classic. Nothing wrong with it in my books.
13 - The Impossible (The Reprise)
Just a continuation of the vibe, and beat of the original song, with a little more laid back feeling. A little more to add to the original song, and it's really nice.
14 - Angel (The Prelude)
What can I say about this one? Beautiful, and short. lol I think that it should have just been tacked onto the beginning of Angels Cry, instead of being a prelude, but it runs nicely into the song.
15 - Angels Cry
I heard the live version of this first, and I instantly liked it. Straight up ballad tour-de-force. Typical, classic Mariah. Amazingly subtle vocals, and the lyrics are really well written and just right for the song. Retrospective, and sad, yet it gives you a feeling of hope with the melody and vibe of the song. Personally, I connect to the song, and find it one of her most beautiful ballads. It's honest, and not trying to come at you like it's the most awesomest love song ever. It's just a really solid song, and when it goes into the end, that's when all the power comes, as if she's been reserved for the song, and has to let it all out at the end. It comes across as heartfelt and real, and when the music kinda disappears at the end a bit, and there's this undertone of bass, before the power note, it just stops your heart, and gives you goosebumps. A perfect ballad, and perfect for this album. My favourite part of the lyrics are the first verse. They were perfectly written and pack an emotional punch, as if you were really there feeling everything she was going through at the moment. It's beautifully written. And the chorus is unique with images that aren't normally used in music: "And lightning don't strike
The same place twice" is beautiful imagry, and fits the theme of a storm really nicely. Such a good song. Very close to my favourite song on the album. If HateU and Ribbon were'nt on this album, this would be my favourite song. I hope that it's released as a single!
16 - Languishing
Beautiful, and deep, and really really honest. I was expecting more of a song, but it says right there that it's an interlude unfortunately. I really wish that it was a full song, but sometimes in writing songs, all of the emotions have been put down onto paper, and there's nothing more to talk about, and it's complete as it is. I feel that's what's happened with this. All is said that needs saying. It doesn't need anymore that way, but it's so beautiful that we WANT more. I was also expecting this song to be a gospel ballad, somewhat like "Fly Like A Bird", "My Saving Grace", and "I Wish You Well", which have been on the last few Mariah albums, but was suprised when it wasn't one of those. It is a nice change, just for a simple and honest song/interlude. I like the lyrics, and the flow of the song, and the piano is absolutely beautiful, and when she goes up an octave in the last few lines of the song, it absolutely fulfills a musical promise that had been progressing since the beginning - towards something big at the end. It is very very nicely orchestrated.
17 - I Want To Know What Love Is
I already knew this song, through Foreigner, and liking their version, and Mariah's version was a nice rendition of such a classic. It's so subdued at the beginning, and it's such a sweet, and sad cover, until the end when the power comes out. The only thing I don't like, is that it's too damn short, you just want her to BELT it out at the end for like 5 minutes, like the real song. It leaves you wanting so much more every time, even though you know the end is coming. It's very beautiful, and I think that it pays a really nice homage to the original. Its musical arrangement is almost exactly the same, and it doesn't disorient you at all, but then again, all of Mariah's covers have been really similar to the originals. Which I like. Cuz you don't wanna mess with a classic haha.
I think it's a beautiful way to end the album. Leaving us wanting more. With a new Mariah album so soon after the last one, I feel that us Mariah fans are very spoiled. We get exceptional Mariah material almost every year, and I feel very lucky to be a Mariah fan. This is a beautiful album all together, and though I could very much do without a few songs, I have felt that way about a few other albums too, so it's not such a dramatic thing for me. The point is, is that we have many single worthy songs on this album, and Mariah-mania is sure to come in the next couple months. She should be proud of this album, and I know that the fans are going to love it, and hopefully the mainstream loves it as much as we do. Mariah is very generous, and always gives us her best. She may be declaring herself as imperfect on this album, but we accept her no matter what.
She is showing us a little more of her true self in every record these days, and it endears us to her all the more. Thanks Mariah, for giving us your all. Again!!
M