Album of the Week: Mariah Carey's "E=MC2"

I completely misjudged this album.

When I first heard the previews on Amazon.com, I had written E=MC2 as a colossal disappointment following the blockbuster that was The Emancipation of Mimi. Then, I downloaded the leaked version of the album (I still plan on buying it from iTunes). Obviously, the previews were terribly misinterpreted, because this may be even better than its predecessor. In fact, it may be her best since 1995's career-defining Daydream.

Here is a track-by-track review:

Migrate - I gave the song a rather scathing review when she performed it live on SNL, but after hearing the recorded version, I've warmed up to it. It's still beneath her, but it will be undoubtedly be a club banger. 6.5/10

Cruise Control (feat. Damian Marley) - Another weak track, but her voice is surprisingly strong here. I wish she used that vocal power on Touch My Body. Also, her Jamaican accent is trash. 4/10

I Stay In Love - The first ballad of the album. It sounds a lot like Mimi's ballads, but it is a pretty good effort. There is nothing much to say about it. 7/10

Side Effects - A major highlight, although not a logical single choice. The deeply personal lyrics are amplified by the edgy background sounds. I have resented Mariah a bit for straying from the melodic songs of her early career, but this one is a major exception. 8.5/10

I'm That Chick - The song is very reminiscent of the 80s, which seems to fit the breathy vocals very well. It's definitely something that will be stuck in your head for days. The comparisons to marijuana are a bit suspect, though. 7/10

Love Story - A ballad that is just a bit boring. Once again, her voice sounds spectacular. There really isn't much to say about this album. 6/10

O.O.C - This is one of my favorite songs on the album. With a catchy-as-hell chorus and a fun beat behind it, it's just a really fun song. Think of Heartbreaker, but more interesting. 7/10

For The Record - You make recognize the song from Mariah's perfume commercial. The mix of melody and beats is fantastic on this song, and I hope she follows this route for future albums. 7.5/10

I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time - It's another fun song. Despite the "interesting" title, its not a sexual song, like TMB. Its not really the best song, but its good. 7/10

Thanx For Nothin' - I am everything on this song. Her voice is smooth without lacking the conviction needed for the lyrics. The guitar in the background is absolutely perfect for the song. I could live without Jermaine Dupri saying "Oh" repeatedly, but that's just a little thing. This one of the best songs on the album.  8.5/10

Bye Bye - Here is the album's "We Belong Together". It sounds almost exactly like her biggest solo hit, but that doesn't take away from the greatness of it. Once again, she delves into personal experience for the lyrics, delivering an affecting ballad that, as the next single, will likely be Mariah's 19th #1. 9/10

I Wish You Well - And here is the album's "Fly Like A Bird". However, unlike its predecessor, I don't really feel the powerful church emotion in this one. Her voice is at its best on this song, though. Actually, this is one of her best vocal performances since "One Sweet Day" in 1996. 7.5/10

Vocally, this is her strongest album in years, even surpassing The Emancipation of Mimi. It still follows the predecessor's formula of uptempo, R&B/Hip-Hop tracks, mixed with some beat-driven ballads, with a sprinkling of mid-tempo fun. Although the first single may not have been very strong, don't let it speak for the album. It's one of her best albums in a decade.

OVERALL: 8/10