Mariah Carey's Second Single: Is It Good?

Let's be honest here: the buildup to Mariah Carey's new album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel has not been good.

First, there was the lead single "Obsessed", which was met with disappointment critically and commercially (although it has gained a second wind in the past week or two). Then, the album was pushed back from its original release date of August 25th to September 15th. Then, in retaliation for a song allegedly about him, Eminem released a diss track that embarrassed both of them (seriously Marshall, too much information there). Then, the album was pushed back, again. The change forced Mariah to cut numerous and, quite frankly, crucial promotional appearances, including the VMAs.

After all of the negative press, which cites everything from the Grammys to Whitney as reasons for her album troubles, some good news has come from Mariah's camp. There is a new single being released. It is a cover of 80s band Foreigner's smash hit "I Want To Know What Love Is". The song premiered on German and British radio stations today, and will see radio release in the States on September 8th.

Mariah's cover work has been quite varied. There have been massive hits ("Without You", "I'll Be There") and major missteps ("Bringin' On The Heartbreak"), so it was a surprise to hear that she was choosing one for a single, especially for the very important second single.

The power ballad has been given a pop makeover, as you would expect. It starts out very soft and quiet, with Mariah utilizing her whisper-high range. While that has garnered her some criticism in the past, it actually works with the arrangement and doesn't sound lazy. The song (in its radio edit) picks up the energy, as does Mariah's vocal power, leading into a surprisingly powerful climax. Complete with a gospel choir, a lively key change, and a full-voiced Mariah at the helm, it's her most uplifting performance since "Fly Like a Bird". Of course, no true Mariah ballad could exist without that trademark whistle, that sounds angelic in the final part.

The song's arrangement isn't particularly interesting, even with the climax, but that doesn't take away from anything this has to offer. What "I Want To Know What Love Is" offers is a glimpse of the Mariah the world fell in love with; the pop goddess with the golden pipes. This song is evidenced that while Mariah may be inexplicably infatuated with hip-hop, she is a master of true pop music.

Rating: 8/10