Here For It All is powerhouse singer Mariah Carey's 16th album, but her first new material in seven years. Coming from an artist synonymous with the holiday season, these new tracks are a welcome addition - and it's not even Halloween yet.
One thing that hasn't changed over time for Carey, who's now 56 (!) is her top instrument. Her voice remains powerful and dynamic, and she shows her range again here. It really reminds you that Carey was a trailblazing diva who helped pave the way for scores of pop and soul artists.
Some of the material is what you'd expect. Opener "Mi" is classic Mimi, delivering '90s-sounding soul over a laidback beat with Carey's pipes doing all the talking. "Don't get it confused, 'cause it ain't about you," she declares.
She offers up a handful of well-placed collaborations, including with Anderson. Paak on "Play This Song", which reimagines her sound with organic grit and less polish. The song infuses more of the rhythm and blues into soul, and the duet works well.
On "Type Dangerous", the arrangement is more modern and sounds like it's pulling from younger artists - ironically, probably those who Carey influenced in the first place. The song is an ode to Carey's "types" of flings. The lyrics have their cute moments.
"Motorcycle man had a year for me. Liked to rush through the tunnel at a breakneck speed. Computer boy was a boy toy. He was fun for a while 'til I caught him on the web hacking other girls files," she lists off.
Jamaican dancehall artist Shenseea and Oakland's Kehlani join the party on "Sugar Sweet", more of a traditional '90s pop track with a dose of soul. These throwbacks make for the better moments of the album; when she can be herself. One unique characteristic of this record is that Carey released it on her own label, which presumably allowed her to do whatever she pleased.
Carey keeps up the shine on "In Your Feelings", with cinematic balladry that allows her to really climbs the vocal ladder. She's still got it. The pace then slows for "Nothing Is Impossible", a string-laden ballad dedicated to empowerment and bouncing back. Slow-burning tracks like "Confetti & Champagne" and "My Love" hit the mark with well-delivered soulful and passionate vocals.
There's a gospel tune near the end, featuring Detroit gospel pioneers The Clark Sisters. "Jesus I Do" is a harmony-driven tune that could be placed sometime between the late '70s and early '90s, and the introspection continues to the album-closing title track, about staying true through the good times and the bad ones.
"And baby, I'm here for it all. The glory, the shakes, and withdrawals. I'm here for the clouds in your eyes. A kiss where the sun never shines," she sings. "And baby I'm here for it all. Red carpets in Cannes and applause. Buggatis, whatever they're called."
Here For It All doesn't always work. But when it does, it reminds us of what captured our attention to a legendary talent in the first place.
(RIFF Magazine)
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