Mariah Carey: E=MC2

Mariah's back. She's emancipated (again) and wants the world to know it. Yesterday she released E=MC² , which has been dubbed "one of the most anticipated albums of the year" by music critics across the board.

Funny, just a few years back those same critics were slamming Mariah and toasting the end of her career thanks to a less than stellar attempt in "Glitter" then "Charmbracelet" and who can forget, that bout of crazy on TRL. (Hey Britney, Mariah did it first and she did it better...)

During that little downward spiral we were introduced to "Mimi," which is the more hip hop infused pop star who insists on having guest rappers appear on every track, whereas the original Mariah is the power ballad singer we all loved in the '90's.

According to early interviews, E=MC² stands for "Emancipation of Mimi Squared" or as I like to call it "Emancipation of Mimi Again." Perhaps that's a bit harsh, but really, every song on E=MC² sounds like a continuation from the previous album, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's just that, it's predictable Mariah.

You have your typical layered vocals and harmonies, catchy melodies, the lyrics (oh, we'll get to some, don't worry!), and of course, the Mimi ad libs. It's sort of like coming home on a rainy day to your favorite comfy sweatshirt. It's safe, it's warm, and you know exactly what to expect every time you put it on. And I mean that in the most positive way.

The album kicks off with "Migrate" your standard "let's go to the club, get hollered at by guys, then leave" track with a thumping beat produced by Nate "Danja" Hills. I don't mean that in a negative way because I totally dig its subtle vibe. Before you know it, you'll rock the Rodeo "shimmy" to it. Promise. It's so good that I can even overlook Mimi's quality (insert sarcasm ) lyrics. (See I'm on my way home/Cause my jeans/yeah they fit/But it might benefit/Me to throw something on/To feature my hips/Accentuate my t*ts/ And steal the show). One question, how doesn't anything you wear accentuate those things? Worst part of the song -- T-PAIN! If you're going to "rap" try going with the flow of the song - he's like speedy gonzales trying to run through molasses. It just doesn't work.

But you quickly forget about T-Pain's haste once the next track, "Touch My Body," starts up. It's managed to burn up radio and Billboard charts alike with it's slow, finger-snapping beat. It's the quintesstianl Mimi track that we've all grown to love, but I give her extra props for working "Youtube" into the chorus. Brilliant!

Skip a few tracks "Cruise Control" and "I Stay in Love" (aka "We Belong Together part 99") to get to "Side Effects." Yes, it's another mid-tempo track with a stuttered beat and a guest appearance from a rapper, but what really sets it apart from the rest of the album isthe lyrics. A candid Mimi opens up about her past relationship with an oppressive and abusive, perhaps even physically abusive, man and the lingering effects it's had on her. Though she's never outright said it, a look at the lyrics would point the finger at Tommy Motola. (I was a girl, you was a man/I was too young to understand/I was naive, I just believed/Everything that you told me/Said you were strong, protecting me/Then I found out that you were weak/Keeping me there under your thumb...Wakin' up scared some nights/Still dreamin' 'bout the violent times").

Another stand out for me is "Thanx for Nothin'." I can't help it, but I love me some Jermaine Dupri (except the stuff he gives Janet!!). It's that typical JD slow, bounce track, that you just can't help but groove to when Mimi starts off with her "oh oh OH OH ohs." All that aside, it's a track that speaks to anyone that's ever had their heart broken. It talks about that moment when the relationship is over and you realize that you didn't really know the person like you thought you did. It's like an electric shock, jolting you, but then coming to the conclusion that you're better off without them as it was just a game. "Thanx for Nothin' " is like a more commercial, urban version of Fiona Apple's "Oh Well." Think about it...Plus, Mimi hits some amazing vocal highs that contrast with the song's slow, rough driving beat, but manages to make it work.

E=MC² closes out with a beautiful track "I Wish You Well," where she breaks away from Mimi and gets back to Mariah, the singer. It's not about posing, it's not about primping, it's about conveying emotion and she does it beautifully. It's another song about wishing an ex-lover well even after a bitter break-up. The song feature stellar vocals backed by just a piano (amazing!) and stinging lyrics which includes citing bible verses (So you sought an enemy /I'm not your enemy/He lives in you/you know it's true/Like times before to mock ignorantly/But the Lord said love, love your enemy so just/Take heed to the Word it's time). Talk about deep. Yes, this is the same lady who early sang about "accentuating her t*ts." Maybe my friend Mike's Mariah love is wearing off on, but really it's nice to see different layers to Mariah or Mimi or whatever the heck she wants to call herself.

Overall, E=MC² is a solid effort. It's not ground-breaking, it's not innovative, but really, what is today? It's worthy of a purchase for sure, but something tells me she won't have to worry about album sales with appearances on Oprah and American Idol this week alone. Welcome back Mimi, but I still wish Mariah would stick around longer.