Mariah Carey

Glitter

Best of 2001-2/Mariah's 2nd Best Album

Review Score:

(10/10)
While many tout "Glitter"'s soundtrack as a mess of Hip-Hop inspired songs, I however have a different point of view on it. "Glitter" is far from un-creative. While some of the tracks may very well be on the hip-hop side, she also goes back to her roots on several ballads, one of them produced by longtime friend and hitmaker Walter Alfansieff ("My All", "Dreamlover", "I'll Be There", etc.) Many had a field day the summer of 2001 of her proclaimed "physical and emotional breakdown" while in fact "Glitter" ended up to be almost her best album. "Butterfly" serves as her best but "Glitter" comes very close. In light of the 80's theme for the unfortunately flopped movie by the same title of the soundtrack, "Glitter" is full of fun and bouncy songs, as well as beautiful and inspiring ballads. There is something for everyone and will appeal to Mariah fans, both old and new.

"Loverboy (Remix featuring Ludacris, Shawna, Da Brat and Cameo)" ~ This video was panned by the critics and as part of her "MTV meltdown" while it is actually a fairly catchy tune. It does take some of the patterns of "Honey" and "Dreamlover" Ludacris and Shawna rap in the beginning, giving it a "What's Your Fantasy"-like feeling. Overall a fun and catchy dance tune. 5/5

"Lead The Way" ~ THIS is the Mariah that I love! Produced by longtime friend Walter Alfansieff, Mariah returns to her roots with a beautiful but short ballad. It should've been a single. At the end she hits a very long note which will put newcomers like Nivea to shame. A must listen. 5/5

"If We (featuring Ja Rule and Nate Dogg) ~ Many Mariah fans remember the unfortunate sabotoge from Sony Music CEO Tommy Matolla, who ordered J Lo to do a remix Of "I'm Real" with Ja Rule after he found out about "If We." While in fact, "If We" is much better musically and lyrically. It is also less repetitive and features more then one rapper. It would've had radio potential if J Lo's song wasn't already released. 4/5

"Didn't Mean To Turn You On" ~ A great 80's remake full of funk and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Most noteably working on all of Janet Jackson's songs). The hook and beats are addictive. If you saw the movie you'll most likely remember this song. 5/5

"Don't Stop (featuring Mystikal) ~ Well, this song is more like Mystikal featuring Mariah but still a great gittly little hip hop tune, probably dispised by her older fans who prefer her adult-contemporary material (which she was forced to do). Produced by DJ Clue and Kevin "Duro", "Don't Stop" was an unfortunate flop of a single and had a cool video with 3 shots of mariah, her and two of her back up singers. Her vocals are in tact and bonechilling towards the end. 5/5

"All My Life" ~ Another remake originally sung and written by Rick James. Taking on an 80's influenced and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, "All My Life" is very catchy and is one of the album's best songs. 5/5

"Reflections (Care Enough)" ~ is a great emotional ballad produced by Jimym Jam and Terry Lewis. Older Mariah fans will appreciate this beautiful song which was also a single. The video was supposed to be shot but during that time she was unfortunately signed in to a hospital to treat her exhaustion. It's too bad this ballad flopped. It tells a great story and sums up "glitter" fairly well. 5/5

"Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" ~ Yeah, so it's Hip-Hop... what's the big deal? There's no swearing in it, and it's great to dance to! Produced by DJ Clue and Kevin "Duro", this 80's remake features Busta Rhymes and a little rap from newcomer MC Fabolous in the beginning. Busta basically shouts in the background firing it up a notch. It kinda goes on long but it's a great song to put on for a party. 4/5

"Want You (featuring Eric Benet)" ~ Overall my second favorite song on the album. Seductive and saucy, "Want You" takes a little time getting used to. It features husband of Halle Barry/R&B singer Eric Benet who's vocals are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. It's also produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis giving it a groovy touch to it. Should've been the first single during summer 2001. 5/5

"Never Too Far " ~ While Enya's hit "only time" and Enrique Iglesias's hit "Hero" touched people during 9/11/01, the public managed to overlook this beautiful ballad which has a lot more meaning and is sung beautifully. Also produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, "Never Too Far" depicts the story of her boyfriend/DJ in the movie who passed away. her vocals have never been better and longtime Mariah fans will enjoy this ballad. 5/5

"Twister" ~ I hated this song at first, but Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's production is haunting. mariah's vocals are even more bone-chilling, as "twister" is the only personal song on the album (this is a soundtrack, remember) dedicated to her hairdresser Tonjya Twist, who committed suicide. Takes some time getting used to. 5/5

Overall, the soundtrack to "Glitter" is reccomended to anyone who's a fan of Mariah, whether it's longtime or more recent. I don't get why she was panned for this album, it's great and was one of her best works! Her self-titled debut and 2nd following albums were nothing compared to this. This is Mariah at her best and most creative state. It was also one of the best of 2001-2 and she was robbed a Grammy. It's a shame the press and public had a field day with her physical/emotional breakdown, because they managed to overlook a fun and inspiring soundtrack. Overall grade: A+

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