Includes One UK Only Bonus Track "Sprung". Mariah Carey's Tenth Studio Album, is the Long-awaited Follow-up to 2002's "Charmbracelet". The Album Finds Carey's Broad Range of Musical Talents on Full Display, as Every One of... more » Its 14 Songs Bears her Signature as Writer and Co-producer. Carey Continues to Work with Today's Top R&B and Hip-hop Producers, Such as the Neptunes, who Lend their Signature Production Style to Two Tracks: "to the Floor" (Featuring Nelly) and "Say Somethin'" (Featuring Snoop Dogg ). The Album's Other Featured Guest is Twista, who Shows Up on "One and Only." The First Single, "it's Like That," is One of Four Songs Co-produced by Mariah and Jermaine Dupri, Along with "Get Your Number," "Shake it Off," and "we Belong Together."« less
Includes One UK Only Bonus Track "Sprung". Mariah Carey's Tenth Studio Album, is the Long-awaited Follow-up to 2002's "Charmbracelet". The Album Finds Carey's Broad Range of Musical Talents on Full Display, as Every One of Its 14 Songs Bears her Signature as Writer and Co-producer. Carey Continues to Work with Today's Top R&B and Hip-hop Producers, Such as the Neptunes, who Lend their Signature Production Style to Two Tracks: "to the Floor" (Featuring Nelly) and "Say Somethin'" (Featuring Snoop Dogg ). The Album's Other Featured Guest is Twista, who Shows Up on "One and Only." The First Single, "it's Like That," is One of Four Songs Co-produced by Mariah and Jermaine Dupri, Along with "Get Your Number," "Shake it Off," and "we Belong Together."
CD Reviews
Greatest Comeback Story of Our Time
Rudy Palma | NJ | 05/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A solid collection of soulful ballads, heady r&b and addictive pop, Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi" is by far the most viable release of her career. Her first to hit the summit of the Billboard albums chart since 1997's powerful "Butterfly," each of its fourteen tracks is an undisputed home run, marking new territory for the songbird while keeping true to what she has made her name with.
With the autobiographical "It's Like That" finally losing airplay power, the confessional "We Belong Together" has already usurped its place. However, the potential hits are limitless. Fine examples are "Stay the Night," which will have fans swooning at her pristine vocals, and the Neptunes-produced "Say Somethin'," which floats serenely, save for smart machine gun-style drumming that buoys the melody.
The singer/songwriter also articulates extreme insecurity with the likes of "I Wish You Knew" and "Circles," the latter of which would frighten American Idol contenders:
"Saturday I saw you/Holding hands with someone new/Somehow I kept my composure/Just like everything was cool/But inside I kept repeating/Don't you let them see you cry/So I casually turned my head/As the tears rolled down my eyes."
The bittersweet "Mine Again" finds Carey yearning to rekindle an old flame:
"I just can't accept the possibility/We weren't made for each other's arms/I know you're my destiny."
The ultimate highlight of the album, however, comes with the closing "Fly Like a Bird," an outstanding testament to the artist's faith in God which can be heard on gospel radio:
"Fly like a bird/Take to the sky/I need you now Lord/Carry me high/Don't let the world break me tonight/I need the strength of You by my side/Sometimes this life can be so cold/I pray You'll come and carry me home."
Further highlights include "To the Floor," a sizzling collaboration with Nelly, a humorous jibe at an ex with "Shake It Off," and the fun-loving "Your Girl," where the songstress confirms herself the only who could sing about putting "those naughty thoughts into your mind" and come off sounding absolutely adorable.
"Sprung," the bonus international track featured in this edition, is also an awesome selection with an infectious melody that sticks to the brain like glue, articulating perfectly what it is to be completely infatuated.
"You got everything I need, just/Want you to want me, you Just can't imagine boy/I'm on tangent/'Cause I'm sprung over you/There ain't nothin' I can do."
With "The Emancipation of Mimi," Carey has the hottest album of her storied career on her hands. For the greatest comeback story of our time, look no further."
A question...
Apolus | 04/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Can somebody tell me if this is the Japanese Edition? Because I can see "Sprung" but no "Secret love"..."
She's Back, (and in a good way...)
Elizabeth Taylor | 04/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Her best album in years. Well, since Butterfly.
The music is surprisingly subtle and warm and free of vocal acrobatics, which is a good thing, since we're all tired of her old formula. She finally realized that less is more. Bless her.
The album contains a lot of uptempo tracks, and good ones at that. Carey has recorded several memorable collaborations with rappers over the years, but here she succumbs definitively to the power of amazing beats. Say Something and Stay the Night are priceless, as well as the lead single It's Like That. But watch out for We Belong Together because it'll explode!
Over-all, it's a very satisfying album, worth purchasing and it's like da da da da da dat y'all!!!"
Mariah's Back. And must be feeling so much better!!!
Elizabeth Taylor | 04/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OMG, this is one of my favorite cds ever!!! Mariah carey has made a comeback! I missed her.
I totally think that u should buy this CD if u liked Mariah Carey befor. This is not one of those liar reviews, I swear this CD is NOT a piece of junk!
The top 5 Songs
1.Its like that
2.We belong together
3.Shake it off (i think she should have this as a single, it would top charts everywhere)
4. Say something (f/ Snoop Dogg)
5.One and Only (f/ Twista)
But the whole CD is pure enjoyment!! U all would love it if u were a fan of her befor, and all u haters...well u dont kno good music!!!!!"
THIS IS THE CD TO HAVE
Anthony L. Burgos | USA | 04/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Mariah fan since she came out and i have to say this is the best we seen from miss MC. The cd is a upbeat r&b cd that will make you say "Beyonce who?". She also has some ballads that will still blow you away. "We belong together" is such a great ballad. Vocally and lyrically. I also recommend the track JoyRide(number 13). This is such a great ballad. It was done by a 16 year old boy. How amazing. Then there is "Fly Like A bird" which goes back to church. The lord is praised in this amazing track full of high notes and a choir to die for. Over all the cd is amazing. It fits every mood you have. Happy, sad, and club going. So pick it up if you dont have it already cause Mariah is back and on fire baby."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1