MARIAH CAREY
Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel
Universal Music

Malay Mail Rating: 2.5/5

A total disappointment. Mariah Carey should stick to what she does best - pop ballads. However, that seems too much to hope for in her 12th studio album Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel.

Perhaps the title is the only right choice Mariah made for her latest album, as it is far from perfect. The 17-track album sees Mariah teaming up with the all-star production duo T-Dream and ‘Tricky’ Stewart.

It’s frustrating to feel like nothing has changed or progressed from the first track to the final number.

It is an underwhelming experience to listen to the whole album as each song sounds so much alike, as if Mariah is reusing the same base for each song, with little adjustments here and there.

It is also sad to note that the lyrics also tell the same story of broken hearts and empty promises.

However, performance-wise, Mariah is back with her signature great vocals that we are already familiar with.

WE STILL LOVE YOU: Mariah Carey fans queuing up to get her latest album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel on the day of its release in Malaysia on Oct 5 at a Speedy Music outlet.

Memoirs showcases that her vocal ability isn’t lost and is in fact, capable of doing more. Her new vocal arrangements, range, textures, sound and trademark whistle register are all put into this album.

Nevertheless, listening to her voice in Memoirs reminds us of how Mariah has brought joy to so many people in the world. She really does have the voice of an angel.

Besides the much-debated Obsessed – the song was speculated to be aimed at rapper Eminem – a cover version of Foreigner’s I Want To Know What Love Is surprisingly saved Memoirs from doom.

Mariah proves again that she can turn an oldie into a diamond in the blink of an eye. Let’s just hope Mariah will improve her imperfections in her next album. — Nur Aqidah Azizi

VARIOUS ARTISTES

Malay Mail Rating: 3/5

WITH a name like You Raise Me Up, this compilation album is certain to attract fans of spiritual music.

Besides the fact that this two-CD album comes in an attractive package – it looks like a book! - it is filled with noteworthy artistes and music that makes it a good buy.

Among the well-known voices include Sarah Brightman, Russel Watson and the Vienna Choir Boys.

Of course, one tends to check out the better-known songs first before listening through the entire music list.

The album, which boasts spiritual covers of evergreens such as Moon River, Scarborough Fair and Tears in Heaven takes an unusual twist to these pop songs that are usually backed by musical instruments rather than vocals.

Nonetheless, it is a refreshing take on what powerful harmonic vocals can do to a song that is already good. The overall result is an interesting version, indeed.

Not to be left out would of course be the usual classics of spiritual music such as Pie Jesu by Angelis and Senza Catene (Unchained Melody) by Amici Forever, which would no doubt be the favourites of the album.

Overall, this album is perfect to be played on a lazy afternoon or a relaxing night. — Ng Suzhen

Malay Mail Rating: 4/5

This was a much-anticipated release as Pearl Jam’s last album was a self-titled effort three years ago.

The quintet came out with their ninth studio album entitled Backspacer. It was recorded between Feb 16 and April 30 this year and they had chosen to go back to working with producer Brendan O’Brien who had produced their fifth album in 1998 - Yield.

With this album, it was expected that the listeners’ ears would be injected by angst-ridden guitar riffs but weirdly, it turns out to be more of a pop and new wave album. It is like a mixture of Keith Urban, Nirvana, Our Lady Peace and Everclear.

What's happened to Pearl Jam?

Backspacer has 11 new tracks but only three are memorable – Gonna See My Friend, Johnny Guitar and Supersonic – due to their originality.

However, a big applause to the band’s effort in blending new sounds with the old and in how they torched it.
Although the band’s music has evolved, Vedder’s throaty vocals are still maintained, which makes Backspacer bearable to listen to, at most times. — Aizat Sharif

Malay Mail Rating: 3.5/5

AFTER four years in hiatus, Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia is back again with her fourth studio album, Come To Life, released on Oct 5.

The album contains 10 new songs with fresh combinations of pop-dance, electronica, pop and alternative pop. Natalie also collaborated with Coldplay members while several people, including ex-Roxy Music member, Brian Eno and Natalie’s ex-husband, Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, produced the album.

Although the first single, Wild About It made its debut on Aug 3 followed by Want on Sept 28, the track My God caught my ears. The song is very thrilling, offering listeners a glimpse of Natalie’s journey in life.

Another track, Lukas, has melodic acoustic guitar riffs.The song was supposed to be included in Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends album but it missed out due to uncertain circumstances. The number is like a “present” from the band to Natalie.

The album was recorded from 2007 to 2009 and debuted at number nine on the Top 10 Most Anticipated Albums Chart on online entertainment store Play4Me and music website Chaos.com.

Overall, the album is vivid, current and engaging to the listener. — Aizat Sharif

Malay Mail Rating: 3/5

Pixie Lott is the first British female solo artiste in recent years to top the UK charts - via her first single Mama Do - without being churned out from a reality show.

Her debut album, Turn It Up is surprisingly good, albeit an uneven listen. After the familiar Mama Do, Cry me Out is a gorgeous ballad but leaves one wondering that perhaps this song would fare better with another vocalist driving it – Joss Stone, maybe?

Despite possessing a range that is mature for her age, Lott fares better on tracks such as Turn It Up and Boys and Girls – catchy pop/dance concoctions that are not too out of place in today’s chart landscape (and a better fit for this 18-year-old).

Jack, further down the list is another memorable track, although reminiscent of a Sara Bareille’s number. Gravity, a heavily synthesized ballad grates on the ears while My Love is a track that can only be described as R&B-lite.

In fact one could say that the album suffers from a slight case of identity experimentation. Strains of Pink, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Amy Winehouse and more are peeking through.

Despite it all, Turn It Up is a fine introduction to an artiste who – after a few more albums and some time to figure out who she wants to be – will certainly be a force to be reckoned with. — Gabey Goh