This is not a drill… Mariah Carey is officially back in the recording studio! There’s been curiosity and speculation as to the status of new music. While this doesn’t answer the question of when, it’s clear that new music is happening! Hopefully, this means a new Mariah Carey album is on the way soon.
May marks 4 years since Mariah released Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. As of right now, this is the LONGEST period between Mariah albums. While it’s been a while, it’s not as if Mariah has been musically absent either. In 2017 alone, she released 3 new songs and hopped French Montana’s ubiquitous “Unforgettable”. However, as we prepare to enter a new Mariah era, it makes me think about what I’m looking for musically from a new album.
1. Tea.
As we all now know, Mariah needs her tea. But, we need ours too. Over the last 4 years, she’s ended one marriage, cancelled a fiance, run through a controversial manager, changed record labels, and gone through some performances that just won’t die. So, we need some tea on these situations. Now, Mariah isn’t exactly the type to lay it all out bluntly, some veiled shade will have to do.
2. Album Cuts
The reason I am a Mariah fan first and foremost is the music. I love the songs that aren’t in the forefront, the album cuts that hold such significance to her, and in turn, us. Mariah is always a sure thing when it comes to brilliant album cuts. Look at “Faded”, “Camouflage”, and “Meteorite” from Me. I Am Mariah. Or, dig deeper with “Looking In”, “Subtle Invitation”, “Circles” or “Outside”. These are the moments! We need more.
3. Diva Duets
I’m asking for too much, and I know it. But I need it. It’s time for Mariah & Janet to get together, or Beyonce, or a true Mary J. Blige duet. I’m not looking for Mariah to ride the new wave: I want her to harmonize with someone of her caliber in the R&B world (because that’s what she’d want).
4. That Songwriting
I credit Mariah Carey with upping my vocabulary game. Her pen is an abundant resource of unique words (I’ve know the meaning of “incessantly” since I was 9). She has a singular ability to weave these diverse words into her lyrical tapestry, naturally.
Until we get a new Mariah Carey album, I’ll be playing Me. I Am Mariah on repeat. It still slays and quite frankly, deserves more love.