Pinnacle Music

Mariah Carey - Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel

Review by K. Qualls 

Album Review:

The one thing that I have always enjoyed about Mariah’s music are the lyrics. Unfortunately, as the title implies imperfection, the words and noise being portrayed as music don’t quite fit together. If you were fortunate enough to buy the actual CD (yes folks still do that), take a peak at the lyric book and you will understand what I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong, the album is not a total throwaway, but at this stage in the game, Mariah Carey Cannon doesn’t need gimmicks, auto-tuners, studio tricks or the “hottest” producer to sell music because really…two chords and a beat do not a song make.

Track Review:

First, there are waaayyyy too many songs (14). Although there are a few good cuts where the track brings MC’s style up-to-date, there are still too many tracks that are cookie cutter tracks taken straight from the crap that is played on the radio.

Likeable (5):

“H.A.T.E.U.”, “Inseparable”, “It’s A Wrap”, “The Impossible”

“Betcha Gon’ Know” - MC channels her inner Mary J…though I’m a little mad about the weed smoking sound effects

On the Fence (4):

“More than Just Friends” – a little over indulgent with the brand name dropping

“Angels Cry” – this feels lame and a bit corny, but it kinda works thanks to the ending

“Languishing” – a reprise of song from the Rainbow album

“I Want to Know What Love Is” – no feeling whatsoever…good pick remake wise, but this could have done better...hopefully she will redeem herself during live performances

Hated It (5):

“Obsessed” – it’s about Eminem…isn’t that enough?

“Candy Bling” – forgettable

“Standing O” – MC’s version of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” with annoying “O’s”

“Ribbon” - I foresee a remix w/Lil’ Wayne for this song

“Up Out My Face” – not sure the point of this song, it’s really above her specifically the bad grammar…the Reprise of this song with the marching band proves my point. Although a Mystical rap would really help this song…wait is he in jail?

Final Thoughts:

So…if the label wants to save her album (cause it only debuted at number 3), either release “It’s a Wrap”, “Betcha Gon’ Know” or remix “Inseparable” with a male counter verse/duet and folks just might take notice. If not, then this album will forever be known as the CD with the song about Eminem….and no one wants to be remembered for that…nuff said.

Mariah - Memoirs -  Rating: 5/10