By Gregg Keniston

If you asked me pre-Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, or E=MC2, if I was a fan of Mariah Carey, I’d say you were crazy. For some reason, I was out of the loop of Carey’s talent beyond her Christmas classic. And I’d thought the media had portrayed her as over-the-top, and overly self-indulgent. Well, I was half right. Over time her high-class, too-good-for-you persona was part of what made Carey a star in her own right. When you have a certain ability to turn your identity into a business, why wouldn’t you?!

The appreciation for Mariah came slowly. With hits like “Hero,” and “Touch My Body,” sparking my interest in 2007/2008. I began to take another look into the pop princess. Up until the TikTok revolution, booming during the pandemic, I still hadn’t thought enough to listen to classics like, “Always Be My Baby,” and “We Belong Together.” But, over the last few years, I enjoy much of Carey’s discography. Her latest album also offers a giant recovery of skill, talent and amazement from her more recent releases of Caution and Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse. Her new release, Here For It All; restores her masterclass voice and beauty with each track.

“Mi” – The intro track grabs you from beat one. A pop, soul blend that has plays off of Mariah Carey’s confidence quite well. It embodies a no-nonsense, play by her own rules or, “GTFO” mentality. The lyrics, the arrangement, and the being the first off the record is a genius marketing move. It is easily my favorite track of the entire album.

“Play This Song (feat. Anderson .Paak)” – While the mood drastically shifts in this track to a more serious tone. Frustration and longing are the main theme as the two battle back and forth of how, on one hand they long to get back together, but, believe it may never come to fruition. The two artists play very well off of each other and in tandem. The song feels misplaced as the album overall has a bright, rejuvenation feel within.

“Type Dangerous” – The song became the lead single off the album and it was the perfect arrangement to do so. A little flirty, a little fun, and that pop of confidence; offered the perfect trifecta to captivate the listener. Cruising down the road or jamming out in your bedroom in that 90s/early 2000’s feel, is exactly how the song projects itself. It’s fun, funky beat, is a throwback to simple feel-good hip-hop.

“Sugar Sweet” (feat. Kehlani) with Shenseea – It’s a fun bridge between the rest of the album. Though the lyrics are simple and could easily act as a filler track for that reason. However, when you invite a modern R&B vocalist like Kehlani, you always raise the volume. Additionally, adding the reggae flavor of Shenseea and her recent splashes of talent into the music world, makes for a jam-packed track of simplistic listening.

“In Your Feelings” – To love this song, you have to allow yourself to literally feel it. The music is fun to get lost in. While the lyrics may be slightly distracting, they are a great play on, not getting too comfortable in the moment. Mariah is declaring it won’t remain permanent. Still, she’s longing to lose the estrangement.

“Nothing Is Impossible” – The song to spin the album on its head. It is a nosedive into Mariah’s diary. Furthermore, it is that rebirth feel mentioned earlier. Offering a sense of hope and light from a challenging time or relationship; the trying times won’t halt her from achieving her ultimate best and becoming the best version of herself she could be. The track is a beautiful painting and worthy of a spot next to the likes of, “Fantasy,” and her early masterpiece, “Vision of Love.”

“Confetti & Champagne” – Revival, newness, and celebration plays forth through track seven. A fun, party calls for Mariah to go out with the old and in with the new (fitting for the new year that is just about to come upon us.) And while the lyrics may come off as slightly abrupt and aloof, she embraces the future with great excitement and readiness. The song offers a call to best to celebrate what newness can lie ahead in the eve of glitter and celebration with the dawn of a new day.

“I Won’t Allow It” – Offers a funk-vibe of fun and dance, it’s a break from the more serious prior tracks. Throwing hands up in the air, the song gives a sense of self-preservation and remodeled self-assurance. Though it throws shade, it’s still offers the listener to develop and earworm in its upbeat tempo and call and response techniques.

“My Love” – An ode, and a complete 180 to her last two tracks, “My Love” romanticizes her current situation and also gives a slight nod to how she loves. It is a pretty, relaxing number that almost acts as a peaceful lullaby. Why is this important? Because Mariah’s voice, when written and used right, sounds like a comforting cloud combined with an operatic, glass-shattering talent. From the monotones to the whistle note, Carey still owns a large percentage of that artistry and musical kingdom.

“Jesus I Do” (feat. The Clark Sisters) – Though I’ve never pictured Mariah Carey as a gospel singer, it obviously suites her vocals well. An uplifting ballad of proclamation and assurance in Christ, is a wonderful way to round out Here For It All. It truly rings clear for the title of the album, that Carey and her listeners are “here for it all;” the good, the uncertain, and everything in between. Life and music work in tandem, as we all should want to experience, appreciate, and go through together.

“Here For It All” – A true finale song in every aspect. The song offers an assurance to appreciate all points of life, lows and highs alike. All the while, praising the Most High is key to a fruitful and enjoyable lifetime. The track is a blissful recount and assurance of Carey’s timeline and a true appreciation of where she and her listeners are set on going, when moving forward.

Overall, Here For It All is a gleaming, bright and modern piece of artwork that outshines a lot of modern pop fluff. A little bit of flashback hip-hop and 90s style, combined with dance and feel-good beats that flow throughout your body; ensure that the album is worthy of 2025 and a top contender of the next 5-10 year music haul. Mimi has done it yet again and claimed her rightful place of a pop diva.

Key Tracks:

“Mi,” “Nothing Is Impossible,” and “Here For It All.”