Search - Mariah Carey :: Ballads

Simply, Not All Mariah

Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 11/09/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This past year, Mariah has tried to show that she is still on top of her comeback game with her album E=MC2. Sadly, the album did lack a lot of heart and soul with the real way her voice can still drive men wild. Nevertheless, back when she was with Sony Music in the 90's, she absolutely exploded heart and soul with not only great music, but a drive that was everywhere. She not had the hits, but the spirit was definitely right. While she did move on graciously, many still wonder if that period will ever completely come back. Now, a new overseas collection of her boldest ballads comes alive. But what should be a celebrated collection, seems to feel like it has missed the soul.



Mariah Carey's 2008 The Ballads overseas collection, seems to try to deliver Mariah's best in ballads, but overshadows more than what is met in the eye and the depths of Mariah's octave vocals. The single disc collection does include some of Mariah's strengths in standards including her big hits Hero, the elequent My All, The #1 hits Dreamlover and I'll Be There from MTV Unplugged, and her big duets with Boyz II Men on One Sweet Day and Endless Love with the late Luther Vandross. The collection only is limited through her era with Sony, and does overlook a lot of great songs Mariah did that were certified staples that is sure to make you say you can let go. The album sadly missed a lot of her great hits like Love Takes Time, Can't Let Go, Fantasy, and her surprising Oscar-winning duet with Whitney Houston on When You Believe from The Prince Of Egypt. Instead, the album gives die hard Mariah Carey fans a few of her lackluster lesser-known tracks including How Much and a less than heartfelt cover of Phil Collins Against All Odds.



All in all, Mariah Carey's The Ballads does bring in a few surprises, but is not really worth the money to say you can't let go. There were so many greats overshadowed, and not enough to say this import is worth buying from Mariah's music, and says you are bringing on the heartbreak. Instead, I really recommend buying the Mariah Carey Greatest Hits double-album from 2001 instead, or if you really want to buy a import hits collection, I'd suggest Whitney Houston's Ultimate Collection overseas import.



Album Cover: B



Songs: C 1/2-



Price: D+



Remastering: B-



Overall: C-"