Carey Gets Personal in Her Latest Release

It’s easy to bash Mariah Carey. The smug self-satisfaction that she conveys in her recordsand videos is neither endearing nor particularly justified given the vapidness of much of her music.

Released in the wake of her marital estrangement from Sony Music Entertainment mogul Tommy Mottola, this album is easily the most personal, confessional-sounding record she’s ever done. In particular, the title track is an anthem-like declaration of freedom--what else?--that seems directed at her husband as much as her fans.

And you can’t accuse Carey of not being in sync musically. Puff Daddy and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony put in appearances, while “My All” is a sultry, Toni Braxton-styled power ballad, and the uber-sexy “Babydoll” is pure Aaliyah.

Given her usual independent stance, it’s unusual--but not off-putting--to see Carey as such a follower of fashion.

Carey gets most adventurous on a gorgeous, soulful version of Prince’s “The Beautiful Ones.” The lyrics are even more intimate and telling in her hands. If this track is representative of what we can expect from her, Carey-bashing just might become a thing of the past.

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