Mariah Carey's most recent album seems to have popped up with relatively little fanfare for the publicity-loving diva. Granted she makes up for any lack of exposure by appearing scantily clad and in triplicate on the cover, it's a far cry from the hoo-ha that accompanied the release of her great comeback record The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005.
Unfortunately, as with the follow-up E=MC?, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel rides on the coattails of that success. It's an album full of pseudo hip hop and the too-clever lyrics Carey's been writing since Daydream.
But these flaws alone do not a bad album make. The first problem is Carey has unique talent: she has one of the widest vocal ranges ever, and it's almost like she's given up on her incredible voice. But the bigger deal is that it's all the same - nothing stands out. First single Obsessed, a rumoured dig at rapper Eminem, might stick in your head, but only after several listens. The Impossible is a sweet dedication to hubby Nick Cannon. And Up out My Face (The Reprise) is a funky, school marching band snippet of streetwise genius.
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