MARIAH CAREY - "Emotions" (another review...)
Snugglupagus
THE ALTERNATIVE REVIEW
Mariah Carey - "Emotions" - Columbia CK 47980
Note: all ratings are based on a ten point scale. All reviews
all IMHO, of course.
I must apologize for any rambling, mechanical errors, typos, etc. in the
following review. I haven't been myself lately.... "BIG dogs, jumping
all over me...."
Flame away, but I probably won't read/reply, as I haven't had much
time for this album to sink in. I'll probably feel differently next
week.
snugglupagus
Overall Rating: 6
Repeat Playability: 3.5*
Track 1: "Emotions" (4:08)
Rating: 5
As the first single from Mariah's new album, I've had more time
to become accustomed to this song. Unfortunately, I still don't
like it. The opening chorus is promising, but the effect is
ruined in the first verse when she sings, "I feel good/I feel
nice". (?) C'mon Mariah, I could do better than that. Also,
I think that David Cole's keyboard "expertise" is exceptionally
weak throughout the song. It takes no imagination whatsoever to
place a keyboard in "Casio Chord" mode (or his equivalent) and
hammer out a simple melody such as this. As noted by several
others, Mariah's high-pitched "squeaks" at the end are nothing
but an annoying gimmick. She makes it virtually impossible to
listen to this song at high volumes. :-( One positive note: I
do like the choruses. (except for the squeaks, of course)
Track 2: "And You Don't Remember" (4:27)
Rating: 8.5
This is one of the few songs on the album that I really enjoy.
I appreciate the use of better instruments (such as the
Synclavier/Akai digital pianos) and the Macintosh programming.
In addition, the lyrics show real feelings (emotions?), unlike
the previous song.
Track 3: "Can't Let Go" (4:28)
Rating: 7
The only real problem I see with this song is that the lyrics
don't seem to fit with the melody very well. I can't explain
why, but it's almost as if Mariah and Mr. Afanasieff wrote
individually, apart from each other. I know that doesn't make
any sense, but that's the impression I got while listening to
this track.
Track 4: "Make It Happen" (5:08)
Rating: 3
Ick. This song is undoubtably the worst on the album. I can
only think of Deb's "Reverse Psychology" when I hear this
thing. The disco-like atmosphere is most definitely NOT "fresh
for the 90s". The overall feeling of this song is reminicient
of old "Saturday Night Live" performances from the late 70s.
The guitar solo is catchy but idiotically simple, even for dance
music.
Track 5: "If It's Over" (4:38)
Rating: 7
The overall spiritual feeling of this song is refreshing, even
for me. However, it reminds me a bit too much of George
Michael's "One More Try", as well as another song that I just
can't place - if I think of it, I'll post a follow-up. For
about the fifth time in the album, I find myself guessing
(correctly) at the lyrics BEFORE they are sung.
Track 6: "You're So Cold" (5:05)
Rating: 8.5
Contrary to popular opinion, I don't like the intro to this
song - too 20ish for me. However, Mariah makes a save and
turns it into one of my favorites from the album.
Unfortunately, David Cole continues his goddamn keyboard
plinking, dropping this song from a possible 9/9.5 down to my
8.5.
Track 7: "So Blessed" (4:14)
Rating: 8.5
I've always like the method of using descending chord structures
to create a specific mood, and this song is no exception.
Track 8: "To Be Around You" (4:37)
Rating: 3
THE JACKSON 5 LIVE!!! I take it all back. THIS is the worst on
the album. >:-P Oh God, here comes another comparison...
"Reverse Psychology" again.... (fade-out - party scene)
Track 9: "Till The End of Time" (5:35)
Rating: 9.5
The best song on the album. This is the only (IMHO) potential
grammy winner to be found this time. One note, however, the
fade into "The Wind" makes it difficult to record "TTEOT" on a
mix tape. Small problem, but a problem nonetheless. Again, I
found myself guessing at lyrics.
Track 10: "The Wind" (4:42)
Rating: 4
Michelle Pfeifer (sp?) writhing on a piano... Madonna
as Breathless Mahoney... need I say more?
Overall, I was disappointed with this album. Her debut was fresh,
exciting, and odor-free. Not so with this one. Columbia Records
obviously let her make more decisions this time out, and it shows.
While I am definitely not a gospel/soul fan, I do recognize that she has
moved positively in that direction. Unfortunately, because of this,
the Whitney comparisons are far from over. In fact, I think Mariah
hurt herself a bit with this album. I can only see two of these songs
hitting the #1 mark, as the rest are not "commercial" enough. Of
course, this is not to be considered "bad" (only one of Deb's recent
releases made it to the Hot 100) but I think the reign at #1 is over.
* Repeat Playability is where the ratio of good songs to bad songs comes
into play. Basically, this is the likelihood of me playing the CD after
the first week or two.
--
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William E. Jackson a.k.a. "Snugglupagus" D.G.I.F. #3260
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