- News & Reviews FeedMariah Carey - E=MC2
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E=mc2 is filled with Mariah's accustomed blend of hip-hop & R&B soul. With T-Pain, Young Jeezy and, of course, Jermaine Dupri all make cameo appearances on the album, the disc continues with a blend similar to Emancipation. Perhaps the most experimental track is the Damian Marley-assisted "Cruise Control." This is where Mariah takes a modest stab at infusing some island rhythms into her signature R&B sound. Before Mr. Marley could supply his double-digit set of bars, Mariah sings - "can't nobody tell me nothin' when he comes into view...cause he's the flyest ting when he be cruisin' on me avenue...when tha door open, de gals pon de block...they be hopin' to rob tha clock, me say no man."
This is just one of the many examples in which Mariah seems to forget the fact that she's no longer in her 20s. Her previous effort, The Emancipation of Mimi, offered a well-balanced experience of mixing old school and new school elements. Unfortunately, while E=mc2 has the same feel as Emancipation, it simply doesn't have the songs, lowering the standard of quality with generic cuts like "Migrate" (featuring T-Pain), "I'm That Chick" and the lead single "Touch My Body." Consequently, the woman who has influenced so many modern female artists here sounds like a follower, issuing a sound that borders on disposable.
"I Stay In Love" is by far the best composition on E=mc2. Acclaimed-songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox captures the true essence of a loving bond while Mariah sings about not being able to free herself from a failing relationship. Other sing-along favorites include "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time," "Love Story" and "Bye Bye" (latter of which is a reincarnation of Mariah's no. 1 hit "One Sweet Day" featuring Boyz II Men).
Thanks to the very resilient Mariah Carey for providing music lovers worldwide with numerous classic love tunes for over 15 years. The Emancipation of Mimi solidified her relevancy and resolve. E=mc2 was supposed to take her superstardom to the next level. However, it's more of the same formula and it lacks inspiration. Mariah has proven that she deserves her status as a modern-day diva (angelic voice, courage, easy on the eyes). Let's just not forget about how important the music really is.
By Akim Bryant
Comments
Lovely
R A H B I - May 8th, 2008
I'm lovin Mariah right now. Her albums is hott!! It's young, it's fresh, it's the sound of r&b/pop music today. With 18 chart toppers to her name, Mariah Carey has now surpassed the 17 no.1 hit singles record held by the legend Elvis Presley. “Touch My Body” presently holds the No. 1 spot on the BillBoard Hot 100 chart as well as on the trade magazine download chart. Whatever she's doin is workin'.
Hell, she could Touch My Body anyday.
RAHBI(WWW.RAHBIMUSIC.COM)
E=MC2 Review
viciuzurban - May 9th, 2008
BOUT TIME! i was wondering when this review was going to drop. despite the collective strength and length at which other writers have gone to in light of other reviews on this site, this mariah review, unfortunately, falls short of that standard. i was wondering whether you struggle to delineate between what she was doing and what you were expecting from her. Or whether you were too critical of her at thi stage in her life. In that sense, let me drop my review. Please provide critical feedback. Despite the randomness and disappointing nature of her most recent nuptials to Canon, E=MC2 still remains a polished and cohesive showcase of club-orientated tracks admist the ballads trimmed to perfection with great production, layering, less filler, less and better connected colloborations than her most previous effort in my opinion.
Its immediate upon first listening that MC sounds great; the LP is chock full of high quality, rich harmony driven, mainstream radio tracks. So what exactly does E=MC2 mean? You can read pretty much read into anything nowadays, but it reinforces the creative musical genius and tour de force that she is, and history will remember. This woman can do NO WRONG!
With urban poignancy, E=MC2 combines more than over a decades industry experience and smarts to formulaic precision, appealing both to the mainstream, hip hop and religious cohorts. Sure you can argue that she’s repackaged and reformuliased what was Mimi till your blue in the face but it’s very hard not to compare this album with its predecessor. But then again, she’s always knew how to exploit what works and use it to her advantage and with this review I’ll try to attempt to dispel some of those comparisons. This is an in-depth review because basically the ones I have read and commented on only skim the surface and miss a few points of observation. And I’ll try to justify my reasoning’s both on that point. Production wise, how many artists do you know of that can utilize 10 producers (and herself) and still craft a fairly cohesive album wise? She just didn’t throw a bunch of producers together into the melting pot for no reason. There’s a level of intelligence, imagination and experience that comes into play here. On the album cover, MC is simply know as “Mariah” in big ass purple font, wearing next to nothing but some type of mess fur who knows what animal - is this her emancipation?. Clearly, 2008 is huge and the stakes are high, with this her 11th album, with a cohort of releases following this year: Usher, Ne-Yo, Van Hunt, Robin Thicke, Ashanti and Madonna, just to name a few.
Despite the title of the album, if you really get down to the nitty gritty, there still exists a deep hurt and longing within Mariah which manifest in songs such as I Stay In Love, Side Effects and I Wish You Well. These are not only merely scathing attacks but go to mention that she still is human after all and feels and breathes like anyone else. On the outside the façade is one of a confident and maybe overly played out diva persona, but deep down inside her music reveals the truth behind the laughs and the stilettos . Herein lies the growth for me.
I shun at people who suggest she do something out of the extraordinary to enhance her appeal, dance or pick up an instrument. Her voice is her instrument none like no other and she relies on this and her song writing heavily both in terms of artistic and market growth . You cannot deny that and her ability both to effortlessly flow from register to register, breathy to full stretch. Ballads and uptempo RnB have been her bread and butter for years and yet still she remains relevant despite her many years in the industry, apparent failures, innuendos. I mean that’s her niche, and she would be alienating a lot fans if she went too radical because it would not be compatible with her personality. Plus they are always comparing herself to what others are doing but really what they are doing is comparing her to what she used to be back way then singing “Visions of Love” et. al. But she is no longer the same person she was before back then. She is no longer that shy, recluse artist that wasn’t sure of herself and her looks. From adult contemporary to pop to Rnb/Hip Hop is a gradual progression, both reflective of the evolving nature of music and market forces and fans in general.
And in my opinon, E=MC2 is better than The Emancipation of Mimi. It edges out Mimi in the likeability stakes- she finds the right mix of fun mid-tempo cuts, alongside the club bangers and seasoned ballads, sure its not the masterpiece that we all hoped for but its still is a very solid album. Don’t sleep.
Migrate ft. T-Pain – is a shamelessly gritty Danja-assisted driven track with T-Pain on stand-by, showcasing what’s hot right now in music. With a tight smacking drum and bass and tearing synth leads, Mariah is in full effect mode, destined to “steal the show”, on this street banger full of attitude that packs a punch. MC’s swagger, adlibs, whistling runs, mini-orgasms and vocal tricks are ferocious. Killer verse:
But it might benefit
Me to throw something on,
To feature my hips,
Accentuate my tits
And steal the show.
Right mix of lyricism and production. File this one under future club smash!
Touch My Body – this candid and spacey referential joint has a subtle charisma about it that grabs you when you least expect it, which I kinda get why she went with this one as first single. With laid back piano lines, simple and sexy riffs, MC gives off the fantasy every grown man and kid wishes for – “Everybody likes to touch my body...cmon give me what i deserve” - kinda funny how dude in the video never touched her body – get it TOUCH HER BODY hhaha. Low on technicality but high on humour and looseness. We all know she is a freak in the sheets with the lines “YouTube” and “secret rendezvous” but as always she’s not willing to put out with that one. I don’t think she has to worry about YouTube, I’d be more worried about XTube if I was her. Either way she will “hunt you down”.
Cruise Control ft. Damien Marley – MC nudges into the trippy reggae territory with this type of joint, complemented with bouncy staccato beats, Jamaican tropics, accordion stabs and immaculate production. Mimi finds herself caught up in accelerated fatal dis-traction, playing a cat and mouse game with an unlikely admirer that has caught her eye. From the review, he’s the ‘flyest ting when he cruising on the avenue…bottle broken tink i’m jokin’. Rules, caution and “Driver’s Education 101” are all thrown out the window, as MC in caddy, on probation, casually collides with a trail-blazing Marley deejaying consciousness- 2008 WATCH IT! Not to be taken seriously, this jam bumps hard, don’t be afraid to hear this one blazing off in your nearest neighbourhood. Mi tink dis will get yuh notice in di bashment no yam no dey
I Stay in Love – is a haunting mellow-dramatic gem of a track channelling “Butterfly”, “Without You” and “Lead The Way” although her vocals are not as dynamic as that, however still, it is a track that will strike a chord with you, serving as a platform that will have you reeling for those who you loved but are not in love with anymore. Soft mid-tempo piano-led melody offering trademark B. Cox artillery - the delicate piano strokes act as teardrops, against the back drop of MC’s vocal cries. The intimacy of the track is its sticking point with the artist’s heartfelt testimony, although slightly predictable – Dying inside cos I cant stand it/make up or breakup/Cant take this madness - it cuts so deep/it hurts down to my soul/my friends tell me/i aint the same no more - that goes on to showcase the pain of love, building and meandering to a climax that will leave chills on the back of your neck. Although it may sooth the soul, this polished track will open a few wounds more than it will heal them. And maybe have you throwing a few things around.
Side Effects ft. Young Jeezy – this aptly title song is one of the album’s standout cuts, compacted with defiant vengeance, distorted vocals and a catchy hook. Scott Storch handles production duties with a blatant amplified beat and distressed synths and violins, although nothing new I haven’t heard from him - ‘I fake a smile and deal with the side effects’. As one reviewer mentioned, the choiced vocal treatment is very much emo, a flow on effect from the previous track. Her lyrics are tight and processed, roughness, whispers of “side effects” in the chorus line, .
I’m That Chick – There’s something about this cut, it’s pure steppy minimal feel, sparse loungey sophistication and steady drum pattern which makes it catchy as hell. Disco is the new hip hop and this song’s biggest attraction is its budding bass line groove and silky smooth vocal delivery. It’d be interesting to see what video direction she takes with this one, I know for one I already see a few things that come into mind. MC really does that levity.
Love Story – is a feel-good relationship piece about the troubles and longings surrounding young love and young infatuation. JD – Cause this isn’t just another love story/Together we’ll make history – the use of young girls for the opening and closing adds to the extra pubescent dimension of the track. It’s strange she even made this type of track its kinda elementary. Standard JD fare but still worth a listen.
I’ll Be Loving LongTime – is fun, funky DJ Troop-produced joint, much in the same vein as “Fantasy” and “DreamLover” - more about this later
Last Kiss & Thanx 4 Nothin – both tracks recall ‘Breakdown’, similar drum patterns, vocal stylings: Last Kiss is pretty much a standard pedestrian track, don’t really care much for it; Thanx 4 Nothin on the other hand fares a little better with trademark gusto and MC quoting those famous lines: Yall know what this is…So So Def, with JD in toe – “I aint even gotta say it”. Added to the mix are clean acoustic guitars much like Usher’s “Burn” and 4×4 snares, which allows MC to ride through the tribulations of a relationship gone past it’s used by date. From the opening lines, Dupri states: This is dedicated to all the ladies out there that are tired of getting played. The exchange between MC and Dupri is particularly lighthearted, however, despite the tongue in cheekiness of the aforementioned track, this cut has some serious undertones for anyone who stays clinging onto a - I can’t even know what to say/I’ve been hurt I’ve been played/And I’m so shamed/I can’t even cry it’s that deep – everyday, everynight I stay by the phone, never gone just in case you /it seems like all i do/is think about our pseudo romance/ while you’re somewhere burnin’ diesel/in the streets havin’ laughs– Why pseudo? Pseudo in that sense that something is not genuine, only gained for amusement or counterfeit secondary purposes. Anyone that has had a pseudo-boyfriend or girlfriend or pseudo-relationships, whether it was a romance or marriages will definitely relate to the frustration and inconsistencies associated with this type of dating.
O.O.C – not one of my favourite tracks, but surprisingly it grows on you like much of the album. This track has a Middle Eastern arabic vibe running throughout it, cha cha beats and worldwide throwaway appeal with MC - So sorry, what ever happened to empathy/ I know you motherf– feel like we/ When you’re messin’ with the one/ True lover that makes you O.O.C. - So scusami, te quiero mucho papi/ Je ne sais pas mais c’est la vie/ When you’re messin’ with the one/ True lover that makes you O.O.C.
For The Record – B. Cox produced, light percussive orchestration has Mariah setting out straight what the record was, calling out a lover for letting go, name-checking a tracklist of past songs – win some you lose some/and others you hold in your heart. The track has enough light and shade to keep you interested. Track recalls the intensity and dreaminess of “Till The End of Time” off Emotions.
Bye Bye – Album’s second single. Simple Stargate production duties, simple three chord progressions throughout, kinda follows the same formula with Don’t Forget About Us, also penned by Johnta Austin who also co-wrote this cut, which isn’t a bad thing because what really sets it off is Mariah’s confessional kick about the loss of her late father, Alfred Roy, who had distanced himself from her and her mother to look after her older sister, however not too long before they could reconcile their differences. The track deals with the concrete love that exists between a father and a daughter and the pain or guilt that comes with losing someone who you wished u had more time to spend with – ‘as a child there were those times/i didn’t get it but you kept me alive…u never let me know it/you never let me show it/because you loved me…i never knew i could hurt like this/and everyday life rolls on like this/i wish i could talk to you or awhile/i miss you but try not to cry/as time goes by - you never got to see me back at number one…its hard to accept the fact that you’re gone forever’. Now kids who have had separated parents will understand the emotional strain attached to this. But likewise others will identify with this message too. The lyrics are simple but that’s the magic of it, its not covert or meant for interpretation. You don’t need to overcomplicate a song to bring true meaning to it. This anthem is meant to be interactive (note the last verse), believe me there won’t be no shortage of tears and candles flickering in the distance at any of her future concerts. “MY PEOPLES’’ refers to anyone who has gone through any sense of physical loss, more so her fans in general but its can appeal to anyone universally – she makes it evident and loud and clear what she is referring to here – ‘THIS IS FOR MY PEOPLE WHO JUST LOST SOMEBODY – lift your hand to the sky, cos we will never say goodbye, everyday i wish, i wish i wish as time goes by, and its true that you reached a better place, still i give the world to see your face, and be right here next to you, the hardest thing, to do is say bye bye.. so c’mon somebody sing it with me, raise your hands up to the sky. I know of many people who have lost their grandmothers and cousins recently so this song will resonate with them and its all relative timing in that sense Mariah.
I Wish You Well – For those of you wondering where the poet laureate track is, then this is it. It’s reassuring to know that despite all the weed and instances of getting high, that she still possesses the mental capacity to churn out and pen a solid lyrical whip of a song. and i admit its kinda hot. Some interesting lines of mention:
So you sought an enemy
(I’m not your enemy. He lives in you, you know it’s true)
Like times before to mock ignorantly
(But the Lord said love, love your enemy so just…
Take heed to the Word it’s time
Check Proverbs 19:29
Don’t cry
But I have had God’s help to this very day
And so I stand here and testify
To small and great alike
So the more you curse me
The more you’re blessing me
The Word said it
Love your enemies
Do good to those who curse you
Pray for those who mistreat you
Psalms 129:2
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth
But they have not gained victory over me
(In Jesus’ name)
**BONUS TRACKS**
Heat – (Prod. By Will.I.Am) – is a weird track, a little messy for me, she mumbles her way throughout this –
You think I won’t come out these heels
And make it clear
I ain’t the one
You think I won’t fuck up my hair
And take it there
I ain’t the one
Keep your hands up off my boo
Ain’t no telling what I’ll do
What makes you think you fly enough to
Take my man
I ain’t the one
Sho ain’t the one
Sho ain’t the one
4real4real ft. Da Brat – this B.Cox horn-laden throwaway sounds like it could have made the tracklist to Mimi, feauring a guest-spot from the M.I.A (okay so her career is over) Da Brat. Check this out -
Really I wanna reach out and just touch you
If you could only realize how much I like to
Come knock knockin’ at your door
Give ol’ girl the heave ho
And give a demonstration of what it’s like
When it’s 4real4real
100 percent 4real
Hotter than cable TV
Like something out of your dreams
It’s 4real4real
Million percent the deal
So I’ll just keep doin’ me
And eventually you’ll see
I’m 4real4real
Good, but....
danr523 - May 16th, 2008
While I did enjoy several of the new tracks on e=mc2, i have to say i really enjoyed Emancipation of Mimi much better...there was a much better balance of the ballads and uptempo songs...while there are some good ballads on the new cd, none of them can be compared to joyride, be mine again or even fly like a bird...her new cd is too much of a down tempo cd for me and i really can't enjoy it at work for fear i may nod off...but i must say i'm that chick and love u long time are stand outs for me!! all in all while it is enjoyable, i feel the previous cd is superior!!
