Mariah's Glitter song a plea for help?
Mariah Carey's soundtrack album Glitter won't be released until September 12, but you don't
have to wait that long to hear the album. It's available now, in jukebox format, on her Web
site. One song, "Twister", will prove an ironic message that fans, critics and armchair
psychiatrists should be analyzing all fall.
The song was purportedly written as a touching tribute to Tonjua Twist, Carey's stylist who
committed suicide. But in light of recent events, like the singer's nervous breakdown and
hospitalization, the lyrics have a poignant new meaning. In a whispered voice, Carey sings:
"She was kind of fragile
And she had a lot to grapple with
But basically she kept
It all inside.
Childlike and effervescent
With a well of pain
The depth of I could not imagine
If I tried.
Never thought that I
Would hear them say
Twister went and threw it all away.
She was kind of magical
Her laughter sent you casually
Floating through a moment
Of release.
Dear God, it's all so tragic
And I'll never have the chance
To feel the closure
That I ultimately need
No, I never dreamed
That there would come a time
Twister'd go and leave it all behind.
Lord I pray she's found some peace
And her soul's somewhere at ease.
Yeah I'm feeling kind of fragile
And I've got a lot to handle
But I guess this is my way
Of saying goodbye."
The rest of the Glitter album is much less inspired, sort of insipid, and not very exciting.
As previously noted, four of the songs are remakes or largely sampled from other material.
The the original songs are weakly disco-ish and warbly, making Carey sound like she's yodeling.
As usual, her considerable vocal talents are wasted when they could be dramatic.
On one number, "Reflections", the pianist in the background is doing a scary imitation of
Elton John, circa "Tumbleweed Connection". Carey, who has had innumerable problems with
plagiarism charges in the past, doesn't need trouble from Elton now that he's so out of pocket,
too.
(Fox 411)
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