Album Reviews

Album Reviews: E=MC² by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey shoots and scores with E=MC2.

The high octave siren has endured her share of ups and downs over the course of her best-selling career. How can we forget her "breakdown" and the mess that was Glitter? We haven't forgotten, but we certainly can forgive, thanks to E=MC2, which combines bootylicious, hip hop-lite romps and her signature soaring, introspective and prom-worthy ballads. Through it all, Mariah sports her stilettos and micro minis and hits those honeyed high notes over and over with renewed confidence that is a byproduct of the success of her last platter, 2005's smash hit, The Emancipation of Mimi.

Mariah serves up the disco'ish "I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time" and "I'm That Chick," with their sweet beats that remind us of her earlier smashes like "Crush" and "Emotions." On "I Stay In Love," an edgy-by-Mariah-standards ballad, she flashes her ghetto fabulous membership card, using the slang "whichew." She follows the song with the "I Wish You Well," a by the numbers, heart-on-the-sleeve sensitive number similar to those she has built her empire upon. Album closer "Touch My Body" makes pop culture references to things like YouTube, illustrating Mariah's ability to evolve and move into the future.

It wouldn't be a tried 'n true pop R&B album without a few hip-hop guest stars, and the ubiquitous T-Pain makes a cameo, spicing up the clubby jam "Migrate" with his reggae laced lyrical science. Young Jeezy shows up on the sexified "Side Effects."

Beyonce may be groomed to claim Mariah's throne eventually, but E=MC2 is evidence that the divine Miss Carey ain't giving up anytime soon. Expect to hear E=MC2 blaring in the clothing stores like Wet Seal and Forever 21 in your local mall ad nauseum this summer.

—Amy Sciarretto
04.15.08