ALBUM REVIEW: Mariah Carey – #1 to Infinity

With 18 number 1 hits in the the US and a new track called Infinity this is Mariah Carey’s 3rd compilation album. Its a blast from the past, bringing back many childhood memories of dressing up and lip syncing. It also happens to be released in conjunction with her debut as a resident performer at Caesars Palace.

The album starts out with “Vision of Love”, not her strongest track as it sounds like she’s just trying to build up to her other #1 hits. She still proves she is queen of hitting the  high notes with her strong vocals still. Love takes time, Someday, I don’t want to cry not her most memorable hits follow suite.

“I’ll Be There” is her sweetest song, featuring that soft vocal gospel sound she can be known for.  Some of her best work though is “Dreamlover” from Music Box with a pop, R&B sound as its fun and catchy. “Hero” also from Music Box is an epitome heartfelt 90’s ballad

The compilation also features her best collaborations like “Fantasy ft. Ol’ Dirty Bastard.”  Boyz II Men in  another 90’s ballad that spent 16 weeks at #1 in the US when released. The song invokes emotions of longing and sadness with their beautiful harmonization. “Heartbreaker” was just as exciting to hear again with Jay Z about a cheating lover she always returns to.

“Thank God I Found You”, another one of her power ballads is also another brilliant collaboration with Joe and 98 Degrees. The song lyrically recounts a powerful love relationship in which the protagonist tells her lover “thank God I found you.”

The title track “Infinity” has a modern hip hop/pop vibe to it, but is not her best work. I  guess that makes me a sucker for the classics or maybe I’m getting old. Nonetheless it was amazing reminiscing about an artist who had such huge success when I was growing up. Now I know how my parents feel.

Tracklist:
“Vision of Love” (1990)
“Love Takes Time” (1990)
“Someday” (MTV Unplugged version) (1991)
“I Don’t Wanna Cry” (1991)
“Emotions” (1991)
“I’ll Be There” (featuring Trey Lorenz) (1992)
“Dreamlover” (1993)
“Hero” (1993)
“Fantasy” (Bad Boy Fantasy featuring O.D.B.) (1995)
“One Sweet Day” (featuring Boyz II Men) (1995-1996)
“Always Be My Baby” (1996)
“Honey” (1997)
“My All” (1998)
“Heartbreaker” (featuring Jay-Z) (1999)
“Thank God I Found You” (featuring Joe & 98 Degrees) (2000)
“We Belong Together” (2005)
“Don’t Forget About Us” (2005)
“Touch My Body” (2008)
“Infinity”

Watch Mariah Carey’s video for “Infinity” below!

Sony Music Entertainment Canada released May 18, 2015