Queen of R&B, Mariah Carey, is finally back with her 12th studio album entitled Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel. Forget the Miss Diva that you once knew from her past antics, odd mannerisms and demands. This album takes on a more serious tone and it’s the closest thing for any fan curious about her. She describes that the album was named as such because it was very “personal and dedicated to her fans”.

Filled with many mid-tempo jams and sultry ballads, Mariah’s latest album is definitely an enjoyable listen from start to finish. It may seem that Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel doesn’t match up to her previous efforts such as Butterfly or The Emancipation of Mimi, but nevertheless, the 39-year-old manages to prove that she still has the special voice that made all of us fall in love with her.

Her first single from the album was “Obsessed”. The song speaks about a “boy” who is so “Obsessed” with her. The “boy” is then described as being “delusional” and “lyin’” about “sexin’” her up. Well, it’s clear for those who are fans that in this song, Mariah is taking a dig at Eminem, whom she once dated. This is more obviously seen in the music video, where the sensual lady dresses up as a rapper. The perceived “Eminem” then stalks her around town. The tongue-in-cheek effort by Mariah has indeed displayed her ability to maintain humour and produce a chart topping hit.

Kicking it back old school Mariah style is the cover “I Want to Know What Love Is”. This song was originally a power ballad sung by the Foreigners in 1984. Unlike the rest of the album, this number was mainly piano driven. Minimal digital snapping sounds were added at the to give the R&B feel that was pretty unnecessary. The song progresses and evolves into a chorale-supported anthem that showcases Mariah as still having what it takes to be a Diva. Her effort to stay true to the same style that matched her 1994 cover of Badfinger’s “Without You” will surely pay off. We expect this cover to eventually reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

One more notable song from the album is “Up Out My Face”. The chorus is as infectious as Rihanna’s “Umbrella”. The lyrics show off her tough front when it comes to dealing with failed relationships. “So look who’s crying now/ Boohoohoo/ Talking about your missing your/ Booooo”. She really is harsh. Besides snide lyrics, the chorus jumps straight in your face boy! “Up out my face boy! Up out my face!” Well, Mariah has surely shown that she is a force to be reckoned with.

All in all, the album is not something that would be stuck on your iPods for long. The similar drum beats throughout the songs make the album as droning as Gregorian monks. The only song that probably utilised the bass beats proper would be “Candy Bling”. It’s a song where Mariah reminisces a previous “perfect” relationship. That is probably the only noteworthy point to mention about that song.

The 17-track album eventually became terribly boring. Listening to all the songs in one sitting could probably tire you out quicker than watching “Ken Lee”* a dozen times.

Urbanwire gives Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel 3.5 out of 5.

Standout Tracks: H.A.T.E.U, Ribbon, Angels Cry, I Want to Know What Love Is and Obsessed.

Tracklist

1. Betcha Gon’ Know (The Prologue)

2. Obsessed

3. H.A.T.E.U

4. Candy Bling

5. Ribbon

6. Inseperable

7. Standing O

8. It’s a Wrap

9. Up Out My Face

10. Up Out My Face (The Reprise)

11.More Than Just Friends

12. The Impossible

13. The Impossible (The Reprise)

14. Angel (The Prelude)

15. Angels Cry

16. Languishing (The Interlude)

17. I Want to Know What Love Is