uHollywood

When “It’s Like That” first hit the airwaves back in 2005 it was with much trepidation and anticipation that whispers of a comeback began to ripple through the music community. A long time fan of Mariah Carey I was hoping she would be able to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and reclaim her reign as diva supreme. When the album was released I was listening to it that night and was so excited and the album immediately went into heavy rotation in my car, my MP3 player and I was singing her praises. So almost three years later I am here reflecting on The Emancipation of Mimi. The fact is its still a very good album. It’s the kind of album that you love to listen to because every song is catchy and has something different to offer. Carey’s voice will probably never be the same but she’s also found a way to compensate for what she’s lost. Plus, even Mariah with her voice diminished still has considerably more talent than many of the other acts out there.

Mariah has been working on merging her fantastic pipes with a more urban sound and with the help of Jermaine Dupri she finally got it completely, 100% right. The above mentioned track with it’s clap track, Dupri ad libbing and Mariah coming straight at you with a bonafied diva celebration anthem was a start. Then she came released “We Belong Together”. When this hit the radio this is when her comeback was official. It’s classic Mariah for a new generation and her vocals are fantastic on this one. The piano tinkles longingly, the beat thumps with yearning and her vocals are sincere but not bombastic. “Shake It Off” continue the success with her infectious kiss off as she tells her man because he is slacking and she needs someone to appreciate her. The music has that radio friendly bounce with Jermaine Dupri giving some of his trademark vocal tics on top. It’s a hit for a reason.

The fact is there is no bad song on this album which is quite a feat. The ballads are very well done and she manages to find moving melodies and make the slightly breathier voice of Todaywork for her. “Mine Again” has a just a pinch of Prince going on as she coos “I remember when you used to be mine……way back when.” She belts it out and proves she still has aTiny something against the warmth of a poignant vibraphone and a hopeful horn section. “Fly Like A Bird” is an inspirational anthem you can take to church or you can take to heart. “I Wish You Knew” is designed as if it were a live track and it’s captivating with a warm vibraphone once again, a relaxed piano and a vocal that easily fits into the slightly jazzy vibe of the song. She sings her heart out on this one.

There are some awesome relaxed summery songs on the album such as the dreamy, whimsical “Your Girl”. Flirty and fun the song can lift your mood with its breezy feel. If you loved “Dreamlover” and “Underneath The Stars” this song will be a hit for you. “Stay The Night” is probably one of the best vocals of the album as she expresses her indecision about whether she should stay with an old flame for the evening but knows she is playing with fire. I love this song.

Overall, from start to finish Mariah Carey delivered one of the best albums of her career. This is probably the only album in her catalog that is consistently good every single track. That’s saying a lot because she’s put out a lot of good albums. (Glitter being the only glaring exception). This is definitely a must have from 2005.