Once again among the best R&B and pop music representatives

What else does an artist need music for if not for self-expression? We learn from the songs of the most varied genres’ performers what they think, feel, what they dream of, what they regret about, what they strive for and what they are pleased to remember. Of course sometimes a musician’s personality is not connected to one’s creations that directly but the absolute majority of songwriters does have at least one autobiographic song. This is especially true with women – their creative work often has a personal character, and Mariah Carey is not an exception in this respect. Today it is no more up-to-date remembering that in the past there were first ups, then downs in her creative work – the pop-divas two last albums have demonstrated well that Mariah is once again among the best R&B and pop music representatives. Thus her twelfth album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel does not only continue the series of Mariah Carey’s successful works but also proves to the most personal in her discography – here you will find quite a number of stories from the singer’s past and learn about the events that have influenced on her life.

Each of the tracks on Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel touches upon a certain theme

Most of the songs on Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel are written by Mariah herself, Christopher ‘Tricky’ Stewart and Terius ‘The-Dream’ Nash, and all of them have resulted different, as Carey has planned. Each of the tracks touches upon a certain theme, among which there are, naturally, relationships, the theme of a powerful woman, a bit of humor and a bit of introspection. Stylistically it is a quality collection in the best of R&B traditions with a good portion of lyrical ballads. The albums opens with a romantic composition Betcha Gon' Know (The Prologue), on which Mariah’s vocals sounds wonderfully intimate and sensual, while the first single Obsessed is a traditional club hit. The audience has already appreciated it as it deserves – it has got on the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100, which coasts a lot – Mariah’s songs have not been that success since 1998’s My All. The minor-key composition H.A.T.E.U. has proved one of the most beautiful on the album, whereas the sensual number Ribbon can boasr a contagious sample. A more rhythmic track Standing O and melodious It's A Wrap have turned out to be great grounds for demonstration of Carey’s still impressive vocals. Two compositions on the album consist of two parts – the stylish Up Out My Face and the sensual The Impossible, and the record’s main theme is reflected on one of the highlights Angels Cry with a memorable tune and the lyrics which are very personal for Mariah. Another shining number is the cover of Foreigner’s song I Want To Know What Love Is, it is the second single and a splendid soulful ballad.

Joyful in spite of anything

Listening to Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel and looking at its cover on which Mariah is presented three times at once one can realize: despite that the things have not been always perfect in her life, this woman knows that it is better to live happily than to be depressed. Carey’s three different images are meant to reflect her different moods, but there is hardly one among them that associates with negative emotions – and this is probably the best way to be. Even if we hear different stories on Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, among which there are some sad and thoughtful moments the singer still remains joyful not forgetting about being feminine and sensual – these qualities prevail throughout the entire new record. It goes without saying that she still has a perfect control over her voice, expressing the necessary emotions on all the tracks, and due to the great production successful arrangements only underline the vocals’ good points. Judging by all, we will not have to wait long till the splendid diva’s next creation and it will certainly prove the same many-faceted, rich and stylish as Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, pretending to the year’s best R&B album and the best in Mariah Carey’s discography.

Alexandra Zachernovskaya
05.10.2009