Here Is The Latest Cover Of Vibe Magazine, This Issue Features Apparent Newly-wed - Mariah Carey.
Mariah always looks effortlessly flawless, I really can't remember seeing a bad shot of her in the last decade! While some may criticise Mariah for being a 'Barbie Doll', I can't imagine her not being that way, it's the reason people love her, may her diva image live long & prosper.
Showing posts with label Mariah Carey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mariah Carey. Show all posts
07 May 2008
Mariah Carey Covers Vibe Magazine
06 May 2008
"Mariah Carey - Bye Bye" (Video)
Here Is The Official Video For Mariah Carey's New Single - Bye Bye.
The video features 'suspect lover' Nick Cannon, if rumours are to be believed, the couple recently tied the knot without anyone knowing. Or, if you not an idiot, it's just a publicity stunt to sell records... (I hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass!)
I really like Bye Bye far more than when I originally heard it, obviously a personal track, it's just a shame that Mariah didn't smash her vocals all the way through. I get a little bored of her opening up on the bridge.
The video itself is something a little different from Mariah, it's a little less glitzy & a just a little deeper. I really respect the fact that she spliced in pictures of people who are special to her, rather than just shots of Tupac & Aaliyah flying around the place.
23 April 2008
"Mariah Carey ft. Jay Z - Bye Bye" (Remix)
Here Is The Official Remix To Mariah Carey's New Single - Bye Bye. It features long time friend & previous collaborator - Jay Z.
It seems to me, that Mariah's people are trying to bring this track to the clubs, with a new verse from Jay & an adapted, banging beat. It feels unnecessary, as this song was never meant for a club audience, it's an R&B ballad, so I don't really see the need.
LISTEN - Mariah Carey ft. Jay Z - Bye Bye (Remix)
19 April 2008
"R. Kelly - Touch My Body" (Remix)
"It's The Remix Killer" - Not My Words, But The Words Of R. Kelly On His Remix Of Mariah Carey's - Touch My Body... & Yes, You've Certainly Killed This One Off Kells!
OK, so it's not that bad, R. Kelly serves up some real nice harmonies, his vocal ability has never been questioned by myself. However the track just feels like a bad joint from The-Dream, or something that T-Pain couldn't be bothered to do.
Kell's seems to be determined to drum up some excitement around his new project, tentatively titled - 12 Play Fourth Quarter. I am more excited to see the outcome of his up-coming trial than I am about another egotistical, mediocre album.
LISTEN - R. Kelly - Touch My Body (Remix)
18 April 2008
Mariah Carey Get's Booed
Spotted At - Concrete Loop
Everyone's Favourite Diva - Mariah Carey, Got Booed By Her Fans At Her Own CD Signing.
Mariah appeared at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, to sign copies of her new album - E=MC2 (which is getting mixed reviews). The only problem her fans had is the fact that Mimi was 2 hours late!
Firstly, I admit I'd be a little p*ssed if I had waited 2 hours for someone, however, these people are meant to be her Fans? Damn, I would hate to see what would have happened if they were her enemies? Mariah is an international superstar, she's going to get a little delayed sometimes.
(Edit - I have been informed that the Boos were actually orchestrated by the press, but I have no confirmation either way, so make up your own minds)
On a side note, you can click here to read my review of E=MC2
13 April 2008
"Mariah Carey - E=MC2" (Album Review)
It's Been Almost 3 Years To The Day That The Biggest Female Recording Artist Of All Time - Mariah Carey, Released Her Career Defining Album - The Emancipation Of Mimi. Now She Returns With The Highly Anticipated New Record - E=MC2.
Will 'E=MC2' Really Be 'The Emancipation' To The Power Of 2?
Find Out In My Review.
Track Listing
Migrate ft. T-Pain- Touch My Body
- Cruise Control ft. Damien marley
- I Stay In Love
- Side Effects ft. Young Jeezy
- I'm That Chick
- Love Story
- I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time
- Last Kiss
- Thanx 4 Nothin'
- O.O.C.
- For The Record
- Bye Bye
- I Wish You Well
- Heat
Introduction
The first point to make about E=MC2 is the fact that the title confirms that the aim of the album is to be (In Mariah's own word) - "The Emancipation Of Mimi To The Power Of 2". Basically a continuation of her last, record breaking, critically acclaimed album.
Usually, I would not compare an artist's album to their last record, however, with this title & aim, I think it is only right it is compared & contrasted. Bare in mind that The Emancipation, IMO, is a modern classic in R&B.
The first thing that hit me about E=MC2 was a few ridiculously titled tracks, it has always been a pet hate of mine for track titles to incorporate modern culture, titles like - Thanx 4 Nothin' & I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time do not give me the impression that they are going to be timeless classics.
Production seems promising, with primed tracks from the likes of Danjahandz, Swizzie & long time friend & collaborator Jermaine Dupri. Then again, Mariah has never needed top notch beats to top the charts.
The Music
From the offset, it is apparent that E=MC2 is the Hip-Hop version of The Emancipation, the first track hits you like a slap from Mariah herself. Migrate offers an instant flavour of club orientated, sexy beats from the mind of Timbaland's number #2 - Danja. This track is my jam, Mariah's sultry, slightly autotuned, vocals glide effortlessly over the energetic, 'Get Up & Dance' production. She even got T-Pain to sing a whole chorus!
In a nut shell, this pretty much sums up the feel of the record, huge pop records like the current single - Touch My Body & the summer jam - Cruise Control, provide an easy listen & an unburdening sound that is pure Mariah. (It's worth noting that Mimi doing a Jamaican accent next to Damien Marley is totally unnecessary)
After my first few listens, I still remained unimpressed by Mariah's efforts, I thought E=MC2 lacked the emotional depth & heartfelt soul that The Emancipation offered. While Mariah delves deep into her past for the mid-tempo Side Effects, "If I Started, I'd Keep Crying For The Rest Of My Life" relating to her some what abusive past relationships. It just doesn't feel as deep as some of her previous efforts.
Mariah remains strong throughout the core of the album, it's unfortunate that for the most part her vocals are never stretched to the death defying heights of previous outings. While tracks such as I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time & I'm That Chick offer some friendly, sing-a-long lyrics, they offer no real challenge to the famed 'Whistle Scale' voice that we know & love.
It's not until a few repetitions that I started to appreciate some of the tracks of E=MC2. From the highly tuned I Stay In Love to the somewhat semi-autobiographical Love Story, with lyrics such as "This Aint Gonna End Up Like That Casablanca Movie" - relating to the record company owned by former partner Tommy Mottola. This album is deeper than I first gave credit for.
I think the reason The Emancipation was such a great album was due to it's mix of high energy 'Hip-Pop' records & brilliantly sung soul ballads. While E=MC2 reaches these heights with it's club based records, it falls a little short on the slow jam level, there is just something missing. That indescribable Mariah Magic that can bring tingles to the spine is less prominent in this record.
Certain tracks, that I expected to burst with flavour & energy just seemed a little absent, there are some exceptions to the rule, the emotional Bye Bye, in which Mariah says goodbye to recently deceased members of her family. Also - I Wish You Well, while being stunningly performed, does feel like a carbon copy of Fly Like A Bird, my personal favourite Mimi track, it even includes another spoken word performance from Clarence Keaton, Carey's pastor.
Analysis
Overall, E=MC2 offers a modern, perfectly polished, well sung, brilliantly produced record that combines Carey's astonishing vocals with her obvious love of Hip-Hop. In parts, the record offers raw emotion, in others, it is a party record that will be big on radio & in the clubs.
The downfall of this record is it's predecessor, where The Emancipation offered an amazing new sound for Mariah, E=MC2 just feels like it's full of tracks that didn't quite make the cut for her last album. It almost feels like a step backward for Mimi, if she plans on retaining her newly found R&B crown, she needs to try something new. With new albums from the likes of Beyonce moving towards the European/Dance market, Mariah needs to step up her game, she can't afford to be a one trick pony.
Verdict
I recently heard Mariah say - "If The Emancipation Was The Main course, Then E=MC2 Is the Dessert" - this is the perfect way to sum up the record, E=MC2 is a sweet treat, but I was already full from Mimi's last album. You wouldn't want to replace the main course with dessert now would you?
******** - 8/10
12 April 2008
"Mariah Carey ft. Da Brat - 4 Real 4 Real"
4 Real 4 Real Is Another Bonus Track That Has Been Lifted From The Japanese Release Of Mariah Carey's Huge New Album - E=MC2.
The track features Da Brat & is easily strong enough to have made the cut for the world release, I'm not sure why it was dropped, E=MC2 isn't exactly full to capacity with 14 tracks. The track also continues the theme of stupid song titles from Mariah, it something that really annoys me. lol.
The track itself is really solid, it's catchy hook flows well with the basic production & Da Brat is a real addition to the outfit. While listening to E=MC2 I thought that it needed a female MC thrown in somewhere, so it's a shame 4 Real 4 Real didn't make the standard release.
LISTEN - Mariah Carey ft. Da Brat - 4 Real 4 Real
10 April 2008
"Mariah Carey - Heat"
Here Is A New Mariah Carey Track, Lifted From The Japanese Release Of E=MC2.
Heat is a nursery rhyme themed, mid-tempo track, I can see why it didn't make general release, it's not all that. Although I did like the "Mariahhhhh" bit at the start of the record, that was jokes.
I have been checking out the general release of E=MC2 all week, & I will be venting my thought in a review tomorrow, so make sure you keep it locked to Urban Review if you are planning on buying Mariah's new record.
LISTEN - Mariah Carey - Heat
05 April 2008
Mariah Carey Host's The Friday Night Project
Last Night Saw The Airing Of One Of The UK's Top Entertainment Shows - The Friday Night Project.
Each week, host's Justin Lee Collins & Alan Carr are joined by a celebrity co host, this week they somehow managed to bag the gorgeous Mariah Carey. I was surprised at just how well she took to the presenting role, she was open & genuinely entertaining, she even poked fun at her own 'Diva Image'.
Mariah is very charismatic & a real crowd pleaser, people seemed really in awe of her, they hung on her every word. Plus, it was great watching her squirm at Alan's very British comedy style.
Mariah lip synced the verses on Touch My Body & the chorus was dubbed with the backing track, I don't know why she chose to do this, her vocals should have been able to cope with such an unburdening track. Still, when you have such an amazing talent, there really is no need to show off 24 hours a day.
04 April 2008
Preview: Mariah Carey - E=MC2
I Have Never Been A Fan Of 'Snippets' Of Songs, However, When It Is A Whole Album & It's This Big, I Think It's Worth A Mention.
Amazon.com are allowing people to Preview every track on Mariah Carey's new album - E=MC2. Every track sound promising in different ways, I'm still loving Migrate, & Cruise Control sounds pretty hot as well.
You can check the preview out here.
02 April 2008
"Mariah Carey ft. T-Pain - Migrate"
After Debuting This Track A While Back, On Saturday Night Live, Here Is the Radio Rip Of Mariah Carey's Club Banger - Migrate.
Featuring the 'autotuned' voice of T-Pain, this Danja produced cut is HUGE, after my initial scepticism at hearing it live, I now see it for what it is. This is club & radio ready & only builds my anticipation to hear E=MC2 in full.
I totally see why Migrate was originally chosen as the first single, the only thing I don't understand is why it was dropped for Touch My Body; this track blows it out of the water in my opinion.
LISTEN - Mariah Carey ft. T-Pain - Migrate (Radio Rip)
27 March 2008
"Mariah Carey - That Chick" (Live)
Everyone's Favourite Diva - Mariah Carey - Performed A Brand New Track At The MTV Premier Party For The Hills Season 3.
First impressions of the That Chick are not doing it for me, the lyrics seem pretty standard & even Mariah's vocals weren't up to much (although still better than most other artists out there). Still, it was only my first listen, so I won't pass judgement on it just yet.
I am amazed that Mariah's album tracks are not leaking all over the net, Island/Universal have really done their thing & kept the record under wraps. Still, I wish something new would surface, I am really hyped about the whole project.
26 March 2008
New Mariah Carey Promo Shot
Here Is A New Promotional Shot Of Mariah Carey - In Preparation Of Her Next Round Of World Domination With Her New Album - E=MC2.
Yes, it's highly 'Photo-Shopped' & she is looking a little like a certain Miss Knowles, but damn it's a good look. Not long now until the album release, I personally can't wait for April 13th to roll around.
20 March 2008
"Mariah Carey - E=MC2" (Album Cover)
Finally, Here Is The OFFICIAL Album Cover For Mariah Carey's New Album - E=MC2.
After many different covers emerging, & myself posting them, it's good to finally be able to give an opinion on the finished article. I like the cover to a point, it's the usual I suppose, I have heard someone say she looks like an ostrich (lol) another person saying "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It". I'm inclined to agree with the latter.
I'm really hyped about the album, although anything we have heard so far has been pretty mainstream, most of the best musical tracks from The Emancipation Of Mimi were never released anyway, so I think we are in for another treat.
18 March 2008
"Mariah Carey ft. T-Pain - Migrate" (Live On Saturday Night Live)
The World's Favourite Diva - Mariah Carey - Was The Feature Of Last Weeks Edition Of Saturday Night Live.
This served as the perfect opportunity to show off her possible second single from her new album, the club jam - Migrate. Once rumoured to be the first choice début single, the track is a collaboration with serial hit maker - T-Pain.
Migrate sounds really solid, it's up-tempo beat & catchy lyrics are complimented well with the token rap from T-Pain. My only criticism is the fact that once again, Mariah didn't get the opportunity to show off her unique vocal range, I expect there will be plenty of time for that with her album tracks.
The performance itself was great, Mariah looks like a pure bred diva with her figure looking sexier than ever. Plus, I love the hat that T-Pain was rocking, he is the king of cool.
27 February 2008
"Mariah Carey - Touch My Body" (Video)
Here Is The Highly Anticipated New Video From Miss Mariah Carey, For Her Soon To Be Smash Hit - Touch My Body.
While the song didn't really get me going at first, now I think it is quite a jam, although it's purpose built for the radio, it is working it's charms on me, not a favourite, but still pretty hot. It seems set to take the charts by storm & will most likely provide another number #1 single for Mariah.
The video is a brilliant compliment to the song, like the track, it is light-hearted & fun, Mariah is obviously having fun with this track. I just hope that future releases from her album, E=MC2 provide a little more musical ability, otherwise she will not match the astonishing achievement that was The Emancipation Of Mimi.
Another thing I noticed about the Touch My Body video, as will most of the Male audience, Mariah looks amazingly sexy, she just seems to look better & better in every video.
13 February 2008
Mariah Carey On Set - "Touch My Body"
Source - Thatgrapejuice
Here Is A Pretty Random Shot Of Mariah Carey Shooting The Video For Touch My Body.
The track looks as though it is going to be HUGE, although I was not feeling it at first, it's starting to grow on me, but I still think that it's not quite there vocally or lyrically.
Mariah is pictured here with director Brett Ratner & actor Jack McBrayer, Carey looks great as always. I can't wait to see the video, it might get me to like the track a little more.
12 February 2008
"Mariah Carey - Touch My Body"
FINALLY! The Debut Single From Mariah Carey's New Album - E=MC2 - Has Emerged.
Touch My Body is both written & produced by Tricky Stewart & The-Dream, & considering I have been anticipating this for so long, I am a little underwhelmed. To quote the Simpsons - it's all a bit 'Meh' - don't get me wrong, it's catchy, hot, & has that Mariah feel to it, but it just sounds a bit like an album track.
Where was my club-banger? I was expecting someone to be shouting 'Mariah's Back', some hot JD beats & some signature Mariah vocals. For me, Touch My Body hasn't quite delivered the way I was expecting it to, it's very good, but I suppose I was looking for perfection?
LISTEN - Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
30 January 2008
Mariah Carey Update
Superstar Diva Mariah Carey Has Once Again Changed Her Mind About The Debut Single From Her New Album; That Chick.
There were originally rumors that the first track to be lifted from her new record would be Mirage, which seemed like a good choice as it featured serial hit-maker; T-Pain. Then Def-Jam seemed to drop this idea & go for the title track, but have scrapped that in favor of a song called; Touch My Body.
I can totally see why Def-Jam are nervous about getting it right, the first question that will be asked when the album drops will be - 'Is it as good as her last album' - which was near perfection IMO. I never thought I would be excited about getting my hands on the next Mariah album, but I honestly am.
23 January 2008
Mariah On The Beach
Source - That Grape Juice
With Mariah Carey's Hugely Anticipated New Album; That Chick, Due For Release On April 1st, It Seems She Has Started The Publicity Runs Already.
Here she is after being snapped in the Caribbean, my first thought was 'Damn She Looks Good', this woman is 37 years old, she looks like she's in her 20s! I just laugh at the whole look of the shot, as if it all happened by accident: 'Oops My Top Just Fell Off, Oh No There's A Photographer'. Ha!
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