Sunday, October 4, 2009

Understanding the Memoirs of Mimi




The legend that has sung the songs cherished by millions over the years is back with a new sound and perspective on life. Now married to Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey seems more relaxed and ready to go after her last commercially disappointing effort “E=MC2.” On a recent appearance on BET’s 106 and Park Carey stated, “I have too many tracks for the album so that’s my dilemma, my cross to bear.” Now the wait for Mariah Carey’s twelfth studio album entitled “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” that was initially pushed back an entire month is over.

Carey is making sure this album is a success for her fans. The usual cd booklet that accompanies the album is actually a magazine like spread with photos of the diva, known for singing big ballads, over the years. There is also a box set that comes with the deluxe edition which has Carey’s autograph and MP3 download of the album along with the actual disc.

The first hit that turned into yet another top ten single for Carey, “Obsessed”, showed us another side of Carey’s ever growing repertoire. She even put a little auto-tune stank on the track for her fans. Not to worry if this song was not a favorite, it is the only one on the album like it. There is little to no auto-tune throughout the rest of the disc. Still this was just a glimpse of what was to come on this ever-changing record.

The album itself is a mesmerizing mix of beautiful vocals, angelic melodies and 808 beats that all bring the memoirs together. Carey still draws from prior experiences of heartache to write her records but now uses her friend’s stories of pain within relationships on her records since she is in a happy place. These stories have morphed into songs like H.A.T.E. U which stands for "Having A Typical Emotional Upset" and Angels Cry. These are the most emotional songs on the album and also fall under the big ballad criteria for which Carey’s legend is known. In H.A.T.E. U Carey’s voice flows gently over the Dreams’ production as she sings “I can't wait to hate you, make you, pay like I do, still can't shake you off. I can't wait to break through, these emotional changes, seems like such a lost cause.” Add a couple of high notes and this song bring a tear.

This album is a musical journey that most will not want to get off because it is so well crafted. Upon the first listen it is obvious Carey carefully pieced together a record that is also assured of being a hit. Every type of song flows into one another from the upbeat tracks to the mid tempos.

This album is the perfect reminder of why Carey’s career is so illustrious in the first place. This album shows how versatile of a singer/songwriter she is and lets her fans know she is still one of the best after almost twenty years of hits. The women in the industry that want to be around for a while need to take notes from Carey because she proves hard work, talent and most of all originality equals staying power.

1 comment:

  1. Great review. I know you love music & I know you love to write! Keep going. I'm a fan. -Aïdah

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