jbrd's Full Review: Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel [Digipak] by Mariah ...
I grew up listening to Mariah Carey. From her days of "Fantasy" to now, I've been hooked on "MC". The woman is no stranger to anyone. She is a household name and it seems that Mariah Carey is fully back. She had her breakdown several years ago and I know I don't need to go into details. It's been a struggle for her, but when Mariah released "Emancipation of Mimi" in 2005, it was definitely a cause for celebration. It sold extremely well, enough to re-release it under a "PlatinumEdition". Two years later, E=MC2 was released. Again, this album sold well, with an impressive single, "Touch My Body". Also, this is also when Mariah officially became a wife to Nick Cannon and their romance is still going strong. Now, Mariah has released an "intimate and very personal diary" that she has called Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel.
What I am about to say is something people might question. Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is one of Mariah's best albums. Produced by The Dream, C. "Tricky" Stewart, and finally Mariah, MOAIA is probably the best produced album from Mariah. Personally, it's one of the few Mariah albums I can listen to from beginning to end and not manage to press the skip button(if it wasn't for the damn interludes and one song).
"I was like, why are you so obsessed with me" starts the album off. The beginning from Obsessed. Maxed out with horns blazing over as a "dark" piano tune strings it along as Mariah struts her vocals over a guy who is obsessed over her. Do I hear Eminem getting mad? At first, I couldn't picture this becoming a hit and also, I just didn't like it. But after several listenings, it's catchy, personal and it can become you. I'm obsessed! You succeeded Mariah! The first ballad to come along, H.A.T.E.U.has some emotional lyrics- "I still can't shake you off...I can't wait to break you down...I can't wait to hate you." It has that R&B vibe going with the innocence from a sweet piano tune. Also, after each bass drop, it sounds like a baby briefly crying...as if the bass represents someone hitting it. A nice and personal ballad. Another ballad nicely titled, Candy Bling. It is a simple tune with finger snaps. It starts off with Mariah singing in the background as the chorus hits, it becomes an insanely catchy tune that you just can't get out of your head. "My sweet baby, sweet thing, like candy.."
Ribbon is an interesting track. It could be "Side Effects part two" from her album, E=MC2. It has that dark vibe going with the horns, muffled bass, and Mariah's vulnerable vocals. Inseparable has awesome production. When you listen to it, be sure put the bass up high. This is another ballad of the Queen of R&B(I love that! Thanks to another reviewer) and her vocals isn't shy from mesmerizing.
The best track off the record has to be Standing O. As soon as I heard the opening lines, "Boy, you remind me of a love that seemed so sublime, your kisses told me oh so many lies", I knew it was going to be my favorite. The song reminds me of Rihanna's "Rehab" song...might as well as mix it with "Take A Bow" from both Rihanna and Leona Lewis. I LOVE Mariah's vocals on this; very emotional and vulnerable yet strong. I can't see not one person not falling in love with a track like this. What makes it more appealing is Mariah's line- " Between the three, Mariah has the best song. Mariah, take a bow and we'll give you a round of applause. Definitely should be the third single.
The only song I don't care too much on this record is It's A Wrap. It has a bluesy, bar-like vibe going for it. The vocals sound a little tired on this track. Maybe it's because it's the way they are suppose to, but I don't like it. It's very bland and not catchy at all. Another song that kind of falls in that same line, but not quite near as bad. Up Out My Face is a demanding song from MC who I can't help but feel like she's dissing Eminem again. "I know you ain't hittin it, I kow you ain't a rapper so you better stop spittin it."
The album comes back to close really well with four great endings to this album. More Than Just Friends is a laid-back R&B track with flavor. The type of vocals Mariah throws on this track is unbelievable. Undeniably catchy vocals by Mariah--Bravo! The Impossible is purely about her husband Nick where he "rescued her love". The track is really sweet ballad where Mariah stops for four minutes to take the listener why she is so happy in her life now. Angels Cry is one of the best ballads(I think) on here. Mariah's vocals are utterly vulnerable here and it works so well for this track's production. I love it! I Want To Know What Love Is is a cover from The Foreigners and is her second single from this record.
Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is a step forward compared to the genius Emancipation Of Mimi. Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is definitely a better upgrade compared to E=MC2. Memoirs Of An Angel is simply one of Mariah's better albums. It's produced really well, it has clever and creative lyrics, and Mariah sounds like she enjoyed singing on the record. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.
Track Listing: 1. Betcha Gon' Know(the Prologue) 2. Obsessed 3. H.A.T.E.U. 4. Candy Bling 5. Ribbon 6. Inseparable 7. Standing O 8. It's A Wrap 9. Up Out My Face 10. Up Out My Face(the Reprise) 11. More Than Just Friends 12. The Impossible 13. The Impossible(the Reprise) 14. Angel(The Prelude) 15. Angels Cry 16. Languishing(The Interlude) 17. I Want To Know What Love Is
For your Info: Mariah has dedicated this album to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson--R.I.P.
Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel is packaged in a beautiful 3-panel softpack. A must-have for all Mariah fans, it will include: The CD A 2nd Enhanced CD ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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