Album Review: Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel by Mariah Carey

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On what some are calling Mariah Carey's most "mature" effort to date, the diva spurts out lines like, "Even if we were two lego blocks, the entirety of the Harvard University graduating class of 2010 couldn't put us back together again." Apparently the new definition of mature involves acting as female equivalent of R. Kelly (at least in the lyrical sense). Though we can probably expect Mimi's epic hip-hopera within the next year, let's just hope she doesn't pee on Nick Cannon.

A wise pop culture commentator once compared today's consumption of entertainment to snack packs–immediately delicious but utterly disposable. Thanks to collaborators Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel comes dangerously close to this phenomenon. However, when you strip this set of its ridiculous metaphors and glossy production, there lies an element of decent songwriting and a remnant of the Mariah we lost post-Glitter.

In fact, "It's A Wrap" sounds like it could have been recorded prior to or during the Butterfly era. The track begins with a sparse piano line, paired with a high note that pays homage Carey's idol Minnie Riperton. This is all followed by an addictive chorus and one of her strongest vocal performances in recent years.

While it's arguable that both singles "Obsessed" and "I Want To Know What Love Is" work well within the album's context, it's shameful that far superior tracks were neglected in the project's promotional trail (see "Up Out My Face" and "Angels Cry" respectively). Don't be deceived by Mariah's poor handling–these memoirs are a little more perfect than they'd like to admit to.

– Dewitt

7 thoughts on “Album Review: Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel by Mariah Carey

  1. People try to compare Mariah to other divas, but she’s a complete original. Younger artists try to copy her, but they don’t come close to the subtle nuances and layers that she provides.
    Mariah does not copy anyone. She is very unique and different from Whitney, Beyonce, Celine, Janet and Madonna.
    This album is like nothing else out there and I am so glad to add it to my collection. 🙂

  2. It’s such a good album that it’s #6 on iTunes and her second single has dropped out of the top 100. She’s seen better days. RIP.

  3. It a word, it’s crap.
    But then again, I have never been a fan of hers. I just can’t stomach her voice, her songs or her diva persona.
    However, with that being said, she is wowing critics with her role in the upcoming drama “Precious”. Once Helen Mirren dropped out of the role, he sought Mariah (how he made that leap I’ll never know) – but one stipulation the director had was to “leave the diva act at home”. He warned her that if she even showed up with “one strip of makeup”, he would have her replaced.
    And it seemed to work. So far the movie starring M’onique is getting a lot of attention for all involved, including Mariah Scary..um Carey.
    😉

  4. More Ay-yi-yi Crybaby! Hmpf!!! as if that tart couldn’t gotten anywhere without putting out. If she’d only stick to her vocal range and quit trying to make every bitch (dog) howl, she might have a legitimate reason to be recorded. Would she have made it, if her career depended on American Idol? Don’t think so. Put her on the shelf!!!

  5. More Ay-yi-yi Crybaby! Hmpf!!! as if that tart couldn’t gotten anywhere without putting out. If she’d only stick to her vocal range and quit trying to make every bitch (dog) howl, she might have a legitimate reason to be recorded. Would she have made it, if her career depended on American Idol? Don’t think so. Put her on the shelf!!!

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