Search - Mariah Carey :: Emotions

Emotional Mariah Full of Soul and Fun (3.5 stars)

Antonio Robert | Slovakia, Europe | 10/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 2007+ fans of Mariah Carey should definitely check out her sophomore effort, the focused and flawlessly produced "Emotions" that came along in 1991. Commercially it did not match up to the eponymous debut with its four number-one songs, but it was not as scattered -- rather constructed with firm conviction and going for the best in Mariah. Already emphasizing Carey's trademark ballads, mostly produced by the inimitable Walter Afanasieff (notable highlight is "Can't Let Go"), it had its fair share of old school disco crossed with modern dancefloor in four tracks helmed by Clivilles and Cole (Sadly, David Cole later died of AIDS). Of these, "Emotions" and "Make It Happen" made it high to the charts, but "To Be Around You" was maybe the greatest fun ever had by Mariah on record. The great Carole King ("Tapestry") exactly filled Mariah's needs with the co-written "If It's Over". Although commercially more successful, "Music Box" of 1993 only repeated the formula coined by "Emotions". Often showcasing the high notes she was also famed for, Mariah Carey nevertheless has much more here to show. This album offers some of the top vocal performances ever recorded ("Emotions" is probably the most difficult number one song ever sung) and is not to grow old soon."

At the beginning of her career, but one of her best works, e

M. Moore | 06/29/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mariah's second effort, filled with songs similar to her beautiful debut, is underrated in my honest opinion. Most dismiss this album as short and bland, but I feel it's the exact opposite. Though this is similar to her first album, I see nothing wrong with that. In fact, it completely worked and I loved it. This is definitely one of my favorite albums of Mariah, up there with Butterfly and Daydream.



1. Emotions - This is the title track, and rightfully so. Definitely one of my favorites off the album, if not *the* favorite. Though people adore Mariah's ballads, which of course I do as well, her mid tempos and up beats such as this one really get me going and feeling the emotions that the song is supposed to convey. That's just what happens whenever I listen to 'Emotions'. The lyrics are sinfully happy and make you just want to dance and scream out that you're in love, well at least I feel like doing that. The beat is just right and when I listen to it in this year, 2009, a.k.a. the year of synths and electro beats that try to outdo each other and forget about what music is about, it feels refreshing to hear a TRUE pop beat and song. 10/10



2. And You Don't Remember - The second song on the CD, time for a ballad lol. But while some may argue Mariah's ballads seem to become tedious and blend together amongst the others, I feel that And You Don't Remember stands out. Usually ballads don't get into my head that much, but with Mariah it seems hers do. Plus I can relate to this song in a way, which is always a huge plus. 9.5/10



3. Can't Let Go - I love the style of this song. In true Mariah style, she sings with an airy quality and soothes my ears in a way. Definitely a terrific stand out song on the CD, and one I play over and over again. 9.5/10



4. Make It Happen - Eh, I'm kind of iffy on this one. While the subject matter is happy and uplifting, it's a bit too long to keep my interests and feels a bit out of place in a sea of love songs. Even with that, I can still listen to it sometimes and have it not feel so boring, but that's only when I'm in the mood to hear a song such as this. Obviously it's the type of song where you either like it or you don't, but it depends on how I'm feeling at the time. In my opinion, it's album filler but still better than most filler on other artist's albums. 7.5/10



5. If It's Over - By now, after the shift downward in the quality of the songs, going from fantastic, to amazing, to great, to okay, I felt prepared to get another filler song, as that's usually what happens when the songs start to reach the middle of an album. This song, If It's Over, turns out to be a ballad - something I'm not surprised with in the least. After first listen, I forgot what the song was even about, and it bored me, but by now I like it, but definitely not as much as the first three tracks and certain others on the album. Another filler, but better than Make It Happen. 8/10



6. You're So Cold - Now this song was interesting. From the start of the song, I was expecting yet another slow ballad in Mariah's signature style, and another snooze filler, but was very shocked and surprised by the turn into a sleek midtempo. With her whisper singing and powerful notes, I was happy by the end of the song and no longer bored; once again interested in the album. Way better than the past two tracks, but still not better than the first three. But perfect placement to reenergize me. 8.5/10



7. So Blessed - Finally. A song that I felt was NOT a filler in any way. Even with So Blessed being another loving ballad, I absolutely loved it as I do most Mariah ballads, and enjoyed the chorus very much. This song was for sure a highlight of the album, and made me sing along even though I can't hit the notes Mariah can. Put it on repeat for a couple of times and loved it more than the first time I played it, and now I never get sick of it or feel it's dated. Nice touch to the album. 10/10



8. To Be Around You - This song is okay at times, but can also be great when I'm really into it. This one is mid tempo towards up tempo, and though that's always a good thing to see Mariah singing and doing, the song kind of disappoints in the same manner that certain uptempos on Mariah's debut did. I could tell it was filler from the first line, it reeked of it. But some will enjoy it, but I always forget about it because it's smashed inbetween some of the best songs in her career to date. 7.5/10



9. Till the End of Time - There isn't enough praise I can give for this song! It's absolutely incredible, one of the best ballads she's ever done, as well as one of her best songs, and amongst the best songs ever. Truly an incredible ballad, full of engaging longing and desire, a beautiful love song. If I were getting married right now, I'd most definitely choose this song for the wedding. Even with it being long, it never gets tiring and is brilliant right up until the song finally ends. It also shocases Mariah's master vocals, something that I truly wish Mariah of 2009 would use at this time. 10000/10



10. The Wind - This is the ending song off the album, and I can truly say she saved one of the best songs for last. Jazz is something that would definitely work for Mariah's voice, and this song proved that. Using an old instrumental, Mariah worked the song and wrote the poignant and depressing (but in a good way) lyrics herself, and blew me away. With my first listen, I didn't "get" the song because I did not listen to the lyrics, but after the second listen I was almost in tears and wanting to replay it many times so I could listen closely to the melody more. That's when you know you have a true work of art of music, when a person listens for the beautiful instrumental, melody, and vocals, and are emotionally affected. Definitely not a song to skip, and the perfect ending song to tug at the heartstrings with ease. 10/10



All in all, this album being made around the beginning of career is filled with both masterful songs, and dull ones which she has since learned from but still pop up from time to time. Even with only 10 songs, each one has it's different 'personality' if you will, and will captivate you from start to finish. Some dislike this album while others adore it, and I am in the latter catagory. If Amazon allowed a star with a half, I'd give this album 4.5 stars, but since it is not given, I will use 4/5 stars for this CD. A nice followup to Mariah's debut."