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“Charmbracelet” is very different from any other album by Mariah Carey. It is a big improvement since the “Glitter” fiasco, that’s for sure, but is that enough to get back that credibility and respect she once had?
Firstly, the uptempos never fail to get you moving. “Charmbracelet” has fewer appearances by rappers than “Glitter” did, instead it shows off the hip-hop tinged R&B sound that Mariah made popular and does it like no other. For instance, “Boy (I Need You)”, covering Cam’ron’s 2002 hit and featuring the rapper himself, is a great song for when you’re in the clubs. “Irresitible” is a song perfectly described by the title itself, try resisting it!
There are, of course, some obligatory ballads too. Mariah uses her whispery voice in many of them, mixing it with the powerful sound of her full voice. “Through The Rain”, the Top 10 comeback single, is just remarkable. So is “Yours”, but her rendition of “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak”, originally recorded by Def Leppard, is the true star here. “My Saving Grace”, being a mix of gospel, R&B and pop, delivers plenty of emotion too.
Mariah Carey is back as we loved her in 1996 and before, using her voice again, although the soft, whispery sound is still there. “Charmbracelet” by far exceeded my expectations, which were extremely high in the first place.
Rating: 5 Stars
