Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel

Posted by : foongpc | Wednesday, November 4, 2009 | Published in

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No, I am not an angel. And no, I am not writing memoirs about my life.

If you don't know already, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is the name of superstar singer Mariah Carey's latest album.

As you have most probably guessed by now, I have bought her album and listened to it for many rounds already. So want to know what I think of it?

OK, so here's my take on Mariah's newest album. Well, that is, if you don't mind reading a review written by one of her huge fans! Just keep in mind that I'm a little biased, but I will try my best to give a fair review. Haha!

I will review every single track on the album and rate it from 1 to 5 stars, where the ratings go like this.

1 star - the song sucks!
2 stars - not really good, but passable.
3 stars - quite good, but won't make it to No.1 on the charts.
4 stars - great song - love it!
5 stars - Wow! A potential chart topper!

And I have included a 30 seconds sample of each tracks for your listening pleasure. However, be warned! This album is unlike Mariah's past albums and there is no single track that I like on my first listen! Yes, incredible that I would say this, being a huge fan of her, but it's true.

Most of the songs in this album require repeated listening because they will sort of 'grow' on you.

On my first listen, I find them a bit monotonous, bland and even boring! The songs all sound pretty much alike! Suffice to say I was disappointed.

On my second listen, the slow songs started to depress me a little. I needed more energy, more vibes!

But on my third listen, the charm started to work its magic. I suddenly found I love almost all the songs very much and once I started listening intently to the lyrics, I was hooked! Few albums ever had this kind of effect on me, and I am glad this one did!

So do not judge these songs too quickly by merely listening to these 30 seconds tracks.


Memoirs of an imperfect Angel

1. Betcha Gon' Know (The Prologue)

This song is about catching your lover cheating on you and the hurt and vengeance that ensues. It is beautifully sung, with much emotion and breathtaking intensity. I love Mariah's voice on the chorus part! Absolutely a delight to listen to. In fact, I would even say this is a very classy, slow jam!

It is interesting that this song mentioned a little bit about Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters and how Mariah will "laugh right in your face" if you cheat on her.

This song definitely sets the tone for the rest of the album!

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

2. Obsessed

Before the song starts, Mariah said these words "I was like, why are you so obsessed with me?"

Now we would never be sure if she was referring to notorious rapper Eminem, as she kept denying it. Don't know anything about the Mariah vs Eminem feud? Read here.

But of course, both Mariah and Eminem took full advantage of this opportunity using social media and all the publicity generated to elevate their songs to the top of the charts!

In any case, I love this song! It's very radio friendly, with a catchy hook and chorus that can be sung to anyone whom you think is delusional or crazy. Haha!

And I just love the witty lyrics! Man, I think Mariah is getting better and better at writing sharp, put-you-down lyrics! Consider this...

"You a mom and pop, I'm a corporation.
I'm the press conference, you a conversation."

If those words are aimed at Eminem, I would say, OUCH! Of course, Eminem responded with another song but I will leave that for another post : )

By the way, this song made it to the top of the charts on Malaysia's Fly FM. Yeah! You can continue to vote for this song on Mix FM and Fly FM.

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

3. H.A.T.E.U

This song, which is a tribute to Minnie Riperton, is about a lover's lament (not necessarily Mariah) over the untimely end of her romance. Although the title seems to say "I hate you!" but in actual fact it stands for 'Having A Typical Emotional Upset'.

It's a beautiful heartbreak ballad filled with lush harmonies. Mariah seems to be singing a recurring melody in the upper registers not unlike in the style of Minnie Riperton. Ironically, this song is called "Hate U" while Riperton's famous song is titled "Loving U".

Not only that, Riperton's album is called "Perfect Angel". And this album is titled "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel". No coincidence there - I believe Mariah is a fan of Minnie Riperton!

I actually did not like this song on the first listen, but it seems to 'grow' on me. Surprisingly, most Mariah's fans love this song a lot!

My Ratings : 3.5 stars

4. Candy Bling

This song is all about reminiscing past love, mainly teenage love. Reminds me of the song "Underneath The Stars" from her Daydream album.

Not exactly my favourite, although again I didn't like it on my first listen, but it gradually grew on me. I guess maybe Mariah used too much whispery vocals throughout the song and it wasn't until towards the end that she let her voice go. Now that's the best part of the entire song!

My Ratings : 3 stars

5. Ribbon

I can't tell you how much I love this song! It just gets better and better with each listen! Currently, it's my most favourite song on the album although that might change later on.

I like the syncopated rhythm when she sings "Wrapped up, packed up, ribbon with a bow on it." I love how she adds in those counter melodies - she's just so damn talented!

Definitely a very radio friendly song with all the right hooks and a potential chart topper if released as a single.

My Ratings : 5 stars

6. Inseparable

Another song which took me some time to like. It uses a small sample from Cyndi Lauper's song "Time After Time".

I like Mariah's voice when she sings the second verse "Got photos of us on my refrigerator...". Nice song, but unlikely to be a chart topper.

My Ratings : 3 stars

7. Standing O

This is a stand out, foot thumping anthem with a tinge of raggae. Mariah is lashing out at her ex-lover and sarcastically salutes him by giving him a standing ovation.

I like this song on my second listen, probably due to its very infectious and addictive chorus. As usual, Mariah is brilliant in her counter melodies - just listen how she adds in those melodies while the infectious chorus is going on.

Oh, one interesting part in the lyrics is where she sings "As you embrace her in your arms, give her 'my all', give her more than you gave me." Incidentally, "My All" is a hit song from Mariah's Butterfly album, and also one of my favourite songs of hers! I guess only a fan like me will be able to spot this! Haha!

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

8. It's A Wrap

This one also took me some time to appreciate. But once I like it, there is no turning back! On this song, Mariah sounds refreshingly raw with no soft whispery vocals. Instead she showcases her strong vocals throughout which is a delight to listen to.

I even dare say this song may join Mariah's classics like "Vision Of Love" and "Always Be My Baby". What makes this song a good listen is Carey's multi-tracked voices that seem to flow around her lead vocal and all with minimal instrumentation - just perfect!

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

9. Up Out My Face

This is another song where Mariah lashes out at her ex-lover although she is also doing it in a most humorous way! It's actually humourous bordering on craziness! Don't believe me? Here's the ridiculously funny line from the song...

"If we were two Lego blocks, even the Harvard University Graduating Class of 2010 couldn't put us back together again!"

It must be a mouthful singing that, but Mariah sang it effortlessly!

I wonder if she's dissing Eminem again when she sings "You ain't a rapper, so you need to stop spitting it..." Haha!

I absolutely love this thumping club jam of a song. It's definitely hip-hop Mariah with an attitude! And minus the rappers, which I am glad as she does not need rappers to spice up this song! A potential chart topper IMHO.

My Ratings : 5 stars

10. Up Out My Face (The Reprise)

I could not believe my ears when I hear this track! It's the reprise of the previous song but using the big sounding marching brass band! How creative and clever! Totally unexpected and delightful at the same time!

It's tracks like this that makes me think that Mariah is a comedian or a joker!

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

11. More Than Just Friends

In this song, Mariah drops big brand names like our very own Jimmy Choo! Wow! This is not the first time Mariah mention famous brand names - she did it in the song "Shake It Off", from her Emancipation Of Mimi album, touching on Louis Vuitton.

This song is kind of fun and hilarious to me. Even Mariah pokes fun of herself and does not take herself too seriously when she sings this!

"I wanna be all on your lips like gelato,
Permanently paint me in your picture like Piccasso,
Love me down till I hit the top of my soprano. "

I like that they rhyme. Haha! This song seems to get better with each listening and now I'm thoroughly enjoying it!

My Ratings : 4.5 stars

12. The Impossible

According to Mariah, this song is dedicated to her husband Nick Cannon. There's a small sample from the R&B group Jodeci's song, "Forever My Lady" used here.

I did not really like this song on my first listen. I thought it sounded boring and monotonous. After some time, I like it more but it is still not a huge favourite of mine. Mariah seems to like this song though. Maybe because it is dedicated to her husband?

However, I like how she ends the song with "I almost given up, the impossible!" Nice touch!

My Ratings : 3 stars

13. The Impossible (The Reprise)

I don't quite like this filler, she should have cut this track out!

My Ratings : 2 stars

14. Angel (The Prelude)

I also don't quite like this prelude as it's mostly Mariah using her whistle voice ending up like some kind of otherworldly (or maybe angelic?) shrill. In my opinion, deleting this and the previous track will make the album shorter and tighter.

My Ratings : 2 stars

15. Angels Cry

This one should immediately appeal to those who like her ballads. But, surprisingly I found it to be just OK. Certainly not as good as her older ballads eg. "Butterfly", "My All", "Lead The Way".

And she is wrong about lightning not striking the same place twice as mentioned in the lyrics! We all know that lightning does indeed strike the same place twice!

Still, it is not too bad and the lyrics is actually quite meaningful. And I like it when she hold onto the long note at the end!

My Ratings : 3 stars

16. Languishing (The Interlude)

This song reminds me of the song "Looking In" from her Daydream album and "Rainbow Interlude" from her Rainbow album.

A nice and enjoyable song which blends very seamlessly into the next track "I Want To Know What Love Is".

My Ratings : 4 stars

17. I Want To Know What Love Is

Already released as a single but didn't do too well on the charts, this is a remake of the Foreigner's hit of the same name. When I first listened to this, I was not very impressed with it. Maybe wrong choice of song? Ooh, I am talking like one of those judges from American Idol now. Haha!

But after listening a few times, I am beginning to like it more. Especially when the gospel choir joins in and Mariah sings in her signature glass shattering high vocals, which I love!

By the way, if you are a fan, help this song reach No. 1 on Mix FM by voting here. Thanks!

My Ratings : 3.5 stars

Tracks 18 - 21 are remixes of the song "Obsessed", so I shall not review on those.

Overall, this album has a very cohesive structure. The songs are all interconnected through the lyrics as if each song is treated like an entry in a diary. As such, this album will not be able to produce really good hit singles. To me, that's a risk Mariah has to face for now the trend is on single sales and not so much on album sales.

I don't think this album will do that well commercially, but perhaps Mariah has reached the stage in her career where she does not really bother too much about sales or getting her songs to No.1 on the charts anymore!

Mariah also played it low key this time without resorting to over the top vocal acrobatics. But she did it with lots of class and style, elevating the sensual slow jams to an art form here. I really think she deserves a Grammy for this effort!

To fans who like her inspirational ballads, they may be disappointed with this album, but for me, it's a great and exceptional album, one which deserves to be in my collection and which I shall be listening to for many weeks to come.

So here's my ratings for this album and all her previous albums that I have in my collection!

Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (2009) - 4 stars
E = MC2 (2008) - 4.5 stars
The Emancipation Of Mimi (2005) - 4.5 stars
Charmbracelet (2002) - 3 stars
Glitter (2001) - 3.5 stars
Rainbow (1999) - 4 stars
No.1s (1998) - 5 stars
Butterfly (1997) - 4.5 stars
Daydream (1995) - 5 stars
Merry Christmas (1994) - 4.5 stars
Music Box (1993) - 4.5 stars

FIRST COMMENTER

(68) Comments

  1. CheaHSan said...

    Eh Xingping got lost now be an Angel?

    November 4, 2009 at 9:22 AM
  2. CheaHSan said...

    Thanks tried the worst 2 stars first, echo #14 is eeeeoooo. Shall listen to the rest. Great songs!

    November 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
  3. Sherry Go Sharing said...

    nice detail ratings :D

    November 4, 2009 at 9:45 AM
  4. ladyviral said...

    waaa late again! I had a feeling you will blog today! >_<

    November 4, 2009 at 9:48 AM
  5. ladyviral said...

    I think it is because of your expectations... you have heard all her past songs that you were expecting something of the funk side or something... she is aging, her opinion will change so will her flair for her songs. Maybe that is why you didn't enjoy it :).

    I am not much of a Mariah Carey fan, but if you ask me... I am not a fan of anyone hahaha! I listen to whatever songs that is good to my ears. :P

    November 4, 2009 at 9:58 AM
  6. HappySurfer said...

    That's quite a review, Foong. Yep! You are a huge fan..

    November 4, 2009 at 10:04 AM
  7. Willie a.k.a Reptoz said...

    Haha...love doesn't develop quickly, that's why you were not impressed by the songs at your first and second time listening to them.

    November 4, 2009 at 10:30 AM
  8. ChrisAu said...

    Not a Mariah Carey fan...enjoy yourself!!

    November 4, 2009 at 10:31 AM
  9. Nick Phillips (15/03/1967 - 04/11/2022) said...

    I use to like Mariah when she first came on the music scene but not anymore these days ...

    November 4, 2009 at 11:07 AM
  10. Oman said...

    great review. i think i'll buy this. mariah should thank you.

    November 4, 2009 at 11:13 AM
  11. jam said...

    A comprehensive review from one of the biggest fans of Mariah Carey! Well done, Foong! But I do not listen to Mariah Carey's songs.

    November 4, 2009 at 11:28 AM
  12. [SK] said...

    yeah, my favourite album of MC's is still the "No 1's".. :p

    November 4, 2009 at 12:28 PM
  13. manglish said...

    hmmm not really a big fan of MC only like certain songs from the past...but for this album, i think obsessed is quite good :)

    November 4, 2009 at 12:53 PM
  14. Tekkaus said...

    This goes to show that you are really a Mariah Carey freak! haha :D You are so addicted to her. No doubt about it.

    November 4, 2009 at 1:34 PM
  15. Tekkaus said...

    I have heard Obsessed and I thing it is really good. You are obsessed to her just like the song. :p Do you have fantasy about her Foong? Naughty you. LOL :D

    November 4, 2009 at 1:35 PM
  16. Tekkaus said...

    You gave Ribbon and Out Up My Face perfect score. Then it must be really good right? I think I wanna get the album too. :)

    November 4, 2009 at 1:36 PM
  17. Ken Wooi said...

    wow you rate all the songs in the album! lol.. really really super big fan eh.. =P

    kenwooi.com

    November 4, 2009 at 1:40 PM
  18. Reanaclaire said...

    Foongpc: fook chor lei, u r really a great fan of hers..... the only song i like in Mariah carey is " I believe" and that also she duet-ed with Withney Houston...
    Nope, me not a fan of hers too but Olivia Newton John.. YES! LOL..

    November 4, 2009 at 6:37 PM
  19. Food 'n' Wheels said...

    wow..first of all, I langsung not aware she came out with a new album or old or watever.. hahaha..

    but seeing u so a fan of hers reminds me of the days when i used to like listening to her.

    it will be so much interesting if this post is memoirs about foong! :P

    November 4, 2009 at 8:39 PM
  20. CheaHSan said...

    My pick - #2, #8, #10, #15, & #17. It's always the case either you love the song the moment we bend an ear on it or some you need to listen over a couple of times. You are 101% not "Obsessed" but "P:O:S:S:E:S:S:E:D" :p

    November 4, 2009 at 10:19 PM
  21. vialentino said...

    wah...good rating...agree with u

    November 4, 2009 at 11:36 PM
  22. foongpc said...

    cheahs@n, are you stalking me? Looks like you are quite good at being FC here nowadays. Haha!

    Lost In Xingping part 3 will be in the next post unless I have got something more urgent to blog about! hehe

    November 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM
  23. foongpc said...

    sherry, thanks! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM
  24. foongpc said...

    ladyviral, you have a feelin'? I gotta feelin' you will visit my blog. Haha!

    Who says I didn't enjoy it? I didn't enjoy it on the first round but on subsequent rounds, I love the album! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:02 AM
  25. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, haha! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:02 AM
  26. foongpc said...

    willie, but haven't you heard of love at first sight? : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:03 AM
  27. foongpc said...

    chrisau, not a fan? Well, I'm enjoying myself : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
  28. foongpc said...

    nick phillips, yeah I hear that a lot! But I'm a true fan so I'm adapting to her change of style : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:05 AM
  29. foongpc said...

    lawstude, yeah go get the album! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:05 AM
  30. foongpc said...

    jam, thanks! It's OK if you don't listen to her songs : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:06 AM
  31. foongpc said...

    SK, still No.1s? I like that album but I've gone beyond that now : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:07 AM
  32. foongpc said...

    manglish, yeah I love Obsessed! And I'm obsessed! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:07 AM
  33. foongpc said...

    tekkaus, no I don't have any fantasy about her! I just like her voice and her songs, that's all!

    Yeah, I love both Ribbon and Out Up My Face a lot! Although different people will like different songs from the album! Go get the album! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:09 AM
  34. foongpc said...

    kenwooi, yes I am a super huge fan and I've been a fan since listening to her Daydream album back in 1995. Her Daydream album is fantastic because I like ALL the songs in that album! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:12 AM
  35. foongpc said...

    reanaclaire, Olivia Newton John? Yes, she's good too but a bit outdated for me. Haha! Love Mariah's duet with Whitney! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:13 AM
  36. foongpc said...

    william, you like to listen to Mariah last time? Well, time has changed and her style has changed too.

    Memoirs about me? Haha! Nobody will care unless I am a famous celebrity! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:16 AM
  37. foongpc said...

    cheahs@n, good picks there! Possessed? Yikes! Reminds me of The Exorcist! No way! I prefer to be obsessed! LOL!

    November 5, 2009 at 12:18 AM
  38. foongpc said...

    vialentino, thanks! : )

    November 5, 2009 at 12:18 AM
  39. CheaHSan said...

    Remember I checked with the wind water and used the luópán [compass] plus my fingers to calculate the timing? Haha It was just merely a coincidence, will it be a third time in a row? Paiseh lah!

    November 5, 2009 at 12:20 AM
  40. LifeRamblings said...

    i prefer most of her old tunes.

    November 5, 2009 at 6:52 AM
  41. manglish said...

    i heard that whitney and MC had a fight in the studio while recording the song...they even pulled each other's hairs!!! =P

    nahhh.....just my imagination kakkaka

    November 5, 2009 at 9:12 AM
  42. khengsiong said...

    Can't listen to song in o***** -_-"

    November 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM
  43. Anonymous

    I prefer listening to her older albums. The songs were much nicer.

    November 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM
  44. Tes said...

    Same with Mei Teng, I like Mariah's older songs better.

    November 5, 2009 at 1:11 PM
  45. Tes said...

    I have to admit though, I admire her for looking the way she does at her age! Gorgeous!

    November 5, 2009 at 1:11 PM
  46. annant said...

    lol....sucha huge fan of mariah carey!
    not becos of her voluptuous fugure hor? :P

    November 5, 2009 at 3:23 PM
  47. iamthewitch said...

    WOW! Really impressive with such detailed reviews foong! Good job! I may just go and buy a CD myself! LOL

    November 5, 2009 at 3:57 PM
  48. bluedreamer27 said...

    wow thjis is a good and very comprehensive review
    than ks for sharin g this to us foongpc
    from this album, i like obsessed and her version of inseprable...
    an thanks for visiting me in my blog
    have a great day my friend and happy blogging

    BLUEDREAMER
    FEED YOUR MIND

    November 5, 2009 at 5:33 PM
  49. Faisal Admar said...

    i like obsessed :)

    they played "i don't know much, but i know i love you" sang by her. i'm not sure whether its new or old, but she sang it with her unique style which never upset me.

    obsessed anyhow, remind me of you. such a big fan :)

    November 5, 2009 at 7:08 PM
  50. Reanaclaire said...

    FoongPc, I have received your prize and blogged about it just a moment ago... Check it out and many thanks to u.. the tshirt is cool, man!

    November 5, 2009 at 8:31 PM
  51. Donna said...

    u like rock songs a lot huh?
    haha..
    i like sentimental one, so I like those rating low one.. =.="

    November 5, 2009 at 9:56 PM
  52. eiling lim said...

    wah you really did an entire CD review man! Claps... So far I'm obsessed with Obesessed.

    November 6, 2009 at 1:38 PM
  53. Ayie said...

    You are undeniably a Mariah Fan!

    i like more of her old songs +)

    November 7, 2009 at 7:49 AM
  54. foongpc said...

    cheahs@n, wah! So accurate! haha!

    November 13, 2009 at 10:34 PM
  55. foongpc said...

    life ramblings, I also like her old tunes! But I have accepted that she had to change with the times : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:37 PM
  56. foongpc said...

    manglish, oh which song? The only song I knew that Mariah dueted with Whitney is "When You Believe". As for them fighting, haha that's definitely not true. They are actually the best of friends! : )

    Just like some reports about Mariah and Beyonce fighting - that's also untrue cos Mariah and Beyonce are good friends! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:41 PM
  57. foongpc said...

    khengsiong, listen at home : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:42 PM
  58. foongpc said...

    mei teng, yeah I like her old songs a lot! But I have adapted to her new style : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:45 PM
  59. foongpc said...

    tes, yes a lot of people say that too! She looks gorgeous at her age - you are right! She'll look better if she slim down and work out! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:48 PM
  60. foongpc said...

    annant, I like her for her songs and her voice, not her figure OK! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:49 PM
  61. foongpc said...

    iamthewitch, yes go and buy the CD! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:49 PM
  62. foongpc said...

    bluedreamer27, I love Obsessed! Inseparable is nice too but not my top favourites! Happy blogging to you too : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:50 PM
  63. foongpc said...

    faisal admar, Obsessed reminds you of me? Really ah? Haha! I think someone else told me the same thing! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:52 PM
  64. foongpc said...

    reanaclaire, you are welcome! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:52 PM
  65. foongpc said...

    dolly, what rock songs? Mariah's songs are mostly all R&B or hip hop and sometimes pop. I do like rock songs though, and of course I like sentimental ones too. You see, I like all types of songs except heavy metal! : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:54 PM
  66. foongpc said...

    eiling lim, good to know you are obsessed with Obsessed. LOL!

    November 13, 2009 at 10:56 PM
  67. foongpc said...

    ayie, yes undeniably! Haha! A lot of people tell me they are no longer a fan of Mariah cos they only like her old songs. Well, I am a true fan so I adapted to her new style. I like her old as well as her newer songs : )

    November 13, 2009 at 10:58 PM
  68. HalfCrazy said...

    Most of the albums, to really dig them, you have to listen to them repeatedly. Because like you said, it grows on you! But then again, there are some songs that really works its magic instantly the first time you listen to it.

    Are you kidding, H.A.T.E.U. is like, one of the best songs on the album, along with Candy Bling! What's the matter with you, why didn't you like it? HAHA LOL!

    Emancipation of Mimi and her latest are probably my favorites as of now.

    December 29, 2009 at 4:18 PM