Mariah Carey – Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse

Virgin

***

FOLLOWING months of predictable delay, pop diva Mariah Carey offers up her 14th album, which she describes as “a reflection on some of the peaks and valleys that made me who I am today”.

Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse, featuring 14 tracks written by the singer, is her first new original material in nearly five years (since 2009’s Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, discounting 2010’s festive record).

Long-time Carey fans will find enough here to satisfy their sweet spots from the opening poignant ballad Cry, which harks back to old-school Carey with its stripped-back piano accompaniment and honest lyrics, to lead single #Beautiful and Supernatural, featuring the cutest guest vocals from ‘Dembabies’ aka her three-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan (Roc and Roe).

Those who prefer ‘dance Carey’ can take their pick from Thirsty, Dedicated featuring Nas, You Don’t Know What To Do with Wale and Money with Fabulous. Critics may claim the album’s title is full of self-importance, but after two decades in the industry, let’s face it - there is no one quite like Mariah Carey.