Mariah Carey - Butterfly

 Same old, same old!
Nothing new here!

More big hair, gratuitous midriff exposure, and a sex doll pout!

Somebody get me a kidney dish! April 17, 2008

 A Giant Step Backwards
After watching American Idol tonight, and watching and hearing Mariah's newest release - a truly moving number - I'm ready to get back in her corner. It's been awhile.

As a huge Mariah Carey fan, I had always bought all of her albums, But this album, Butterfly, turned me off so much it took a long time to overome it. The opening song, Honey, was so bad, and the video so suggestive and vulgar,
that I was turned off for years, and haven't bought a Mariah album since.

I know that wasn't fair - though not unlike the downturn another favorite, Olivia Newton-John took for several albums. But she has matured in recent years, and is again one of my favorites. So maybe the Mariah I missed is back. I still cannot recommend this album - I believe it is by far one of her worst.

But Mariah is still an incredible talent, and "Bye Bye" is so good, I may give "Butterfly another chance!!! April 17, 2008

 Mariah's Best Album
This album is Mariah's best album lyrically and musically. She truly comes around as an artist in this album and is a must have for any fan! April 15, 2008

 This butterfly soars high above the rest...
Can I say first off that I am so happy to see Mariah Carey back on top. I have been a fan of Mariah since I was like ten years old and my undying devotion to her continues even today. Despite a few missteps (`Glitter' for one) she has bounced back even though at times it looked as though the Mariah I once loved was no more. Now she looks better than ever, sounds impeccable and is without doubt the recording artist that many should still aspire to become. Her success is undeniable and her presence is felt strongly in everything she touches.

Now that I got that out of the way let's talk about `Butterfly', one of my favorite albums she's ever released. This album was released when I was thirteen (ha, I feel so young right now) and I remember listening to the album over and over for months. A lot of him initial love for this album has to do with that infectious first single `Honey' and that jaw dropping music video, but that track aside `Butterfly' is a phenomenally complete album that delivers everywhere.

I'll start by singling out Mariah's hip-hop influenced R&B tracks. `Honey' is obviously a highlight and one that quickly comes to mind, but there are a few tracks here that surpass that impeccable single. `The Roof' immediately gets under your skin. The beat is infectious and just makes you want to move. This is pure R&B brilliance that never gets old and serves as one of the best tracks on the album (check out the remix with Mobb Deep; also fantastic). Another masterful track is `Breakdown' featuring Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone of Bone Thug's in Harmony fame. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The beat is beautiful to listen to and Mariah and the `Thugs' have great chemistry together.

Mariah also offers some silky smooth tracks designed to get that mood set (you know what mood I'm talking about). `Fourth of July' attempts this, but isn't as successful as the intoxicating `Babydoll'. `...July' is not a bad track but it's not that memorable a track. `Babydoll' on the other hand is utterly unforgettable. Dripping wet with blatant sensuality, `Babydoll' never fails to get me in that zone. Mariah is truly irresistible.

Ugh, now I have to listen to this song; hold on a minute...

Okay, I'm back now. What's the one thing that automatically comes to your mind when you hear the name `Mariah Carey'? Power ballads! Well, one of the many things that come to your mind, but Mariah is undoubtedly known for her wide range of uplifting and inspiring power ballads, and `Butterfly' is not without. Take the title track for instance. `Butterfly' is a beautiful addition to the album, a truly personal song that brings me close to tears (I can't really stand the reprise, in fact I loathe it, but whatever). Mariah teams up with Bryan McKnight (another definitive voice in the R&B world) on the beautiful `Whenever You Call'. The song is so soul touching, powerful and moving. The two of them beautifully compliment one another. Mariah also teams up with Dru Hill on the Prince cover `The Beautiful Ones', and while I much prefer McKnight to Hill I must say that Dru matches Mariah masterfully and delivers a truly mesmerizing rendition of this classic song. `Close My Eyes' takes Mariah back to her roots and she delivers, beautifully. `Outside' is a great way to close the album. It's not the strongest track here but it's beautifully done to say the least.

And I know it looks like I missed one, but I haven't; I'm just saving the best for last.

By the best I am obviously talking about `My All', one of the best ballads ever recorded, not just by Mariah but by any recording artist. The Spanish guitars beautifully compliment Mariah's vocals, which reach magnificent heights on this mesmerizing track. If ever there was a song to capture pure brilliance, unfailing greatness and uncanny talent then this is that song. Just listen to those octaves as the song closes; orgasmic. If you can think of any recording artist who can match Mariah's voice I beg of you to share. Yes Whitney is wonderful, but even she is no Mariah (that'll cost me some `helpful' votes).

So, in closing, I must reiterate my sheer gladness in Mariah's triumphant return to the world of music. Memories of her glory days will always ring in my mind, `Butterfly' being one of those glorious albums she released, and I hope to see much more in her future. This album is truly one of the many reasons I adore this girl; err, um, woman. If you are new to Mariah (who is `new' to Mariah?) then this is the album you must purchase to introduce yourself to this magnificent artist. If you are a longstanding fan of this amazing talent then obviously you can mirror my admiration for `Butterfly', quite possibly her most impressive album to date. March 21, 2008

 Mariah's Best Album!!!
This her best album ever peroid.It's an all around classic r&b & pop album!!

1.Honey 9/10 Meet the new M.C.

2.ButterFly 8/10 It's a good ballad but i don't quite understand it

3.My All 10/10 This is a very beautiful & powerful song one of my all time favs

4.The Roof 10/10 A very underrated Mimi song it was a head of it's time

5.Fourth Of July 9/10 Classic Mariah

6.Breakdown 10/10 The Second best song on the album

7.BabyDoll 6/10 I luv it i hate it

8.Close My Eyes 8/10 Marah goes old school

9.WhenEver You Call 9/10 Another beautiful song but the version featuring Brain Mcknght is ten times better

10.Fly Away 1/10 this is only a reprise of ButterFly

11.The Beautiful Ones 10/10 Mariah & Dru Hill kills this song and i mean that in a good way

12.Outside 5/10 It's kinda weak March 4, 2008

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