Music : Butterfly

Rating: - One of the main reasons I absolutely LOVE Mariah Carey!
This is probably the best Mariah Carey album ever released and I know that's completely opinionated but this review, of course, is going to reflect my opinion. The first single `Honey' is still one of the most infectious, sexy and downright brilliant R&B / Hip-Hop tracks every released. Every time I hear this track I can see her music video and that makes it all the more wonderful (I'm sorry but I still hold strong to my belief that not only is she one of the most talented BUT ALSO one of the most beautiful women in the industry). Tracks like `Breakdown' and `The Roof' give Mariah her upbeat hip-hop groove while songs like the irresistible `Babydoll' dripping wet with sexuality prove that Mariah is the maiden of titillating bedside manor.

Tracks like the title track `Butterfly' give us that soft side of Mariah, those ballads that made her famous in the first place, and as far as ballads go, by far her best EVER is `My All' which gets me going every time I hear it. With the Spanish guitars at her side Mariah has never been so incredibly desirable. With every track here Mariah proves that she alone deserves the title of queen of R&B, and even though after this release she had her share of minor slumps, her brilliant `Emancipation of Mimi' album has her once again at the top of her game as if she never left. Definitely, one of the best all around albums, not only by Mariah but ever.

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Rating: - good music
I have always belive that this is the best from ms. Carey.
I have the casset, and now the cd. best part is her voice, best song. I give my all.

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Rating: - Mariah soars with new sound
1. Honey (5/5)-Very fun dance, summer song. A typical Bad Boy production

2. Butterfly (4/5)-A very sad, depressing but hopeful song.The title song is about letting your lover part ways with you and having hope that he will return. Something like a kid who has a pet butterfly. See the metaphor? The sultry singer uses a very good pattern that where alll the songs have a hint of depression. I love that though hearing this song many times, it tends to grow old on you...

3. My All (4/5)-A more sexual Carey comes out in this song with that hint of sweet depression, longing, and desperation. If saying "I'd risk my life to feel your body next to mine" isn't those things then I don't know what is. I believe alot of people will connect with this song whether they have had a similar experience or not. The only ill part are the blank spots. She has a midsection where she kind of hums for 30 seconds. It's too bare.

4. The Roof (5/5)-Easily my favorite track on the record. It is basically My All Part 2 in terms of content but it is more upbeat and sexy. It samples the scorching "Shook Ones" song by Mobb Deep. This song is most interesting because it reads like a book. Carey paints such a beautiful picture of a mystery man, who gives off the impression of an ex, who is caught up in the rapture of "reliving the splendor" of the two of you. It's not sex so much as it is desire and an intimate kiss on a roof. Words cannot describe how amazingly sensuous this song is.

5. Fourth Of July (5/5)- I suppose in chronological order this song would go before Mariah had to let her "butterfly" fly. The setting Carey shows us in this song is gorgeous and makes you feel like you can see the roman candles soaring overhead as you are holding the hand of your signifigant other. The excessive use of past tense seems to show that Carey has some sort of patterned longing for someone.

6. Breakdown (5/5)-The clear hit on the album. So much that she made a spectacular video for it. Carey sings about how she wants to get over her ex but she simply can't. Everytime he comes around she has to put up a front as to not show she still wants him and then when she is alone she cries. It is truely a depressing song but amazing none-the-less. It features the popular 90's group Bone Thugs N Harmony who provide a positve outlook to the song saying that breaking up won't break them down today.

7. Baby Doll (5/5)-Ah now we get to see a different side to the singer; druggie-Mariah. This song is scary in a way if you ask me. She seems to want to have some kind of sexual encounter with a man who won't call her back and she clearly states that she is obsessing over him. So what do you do when someone doesn't return your sexual invite? Drink and smoke of course. She says in the second verse that she tries to drink him out of her head and later makes a reference to being high. It is a relaxing song though and has a great-sounding bridge. Oh and if your confused by the title she says "I want you to be my baby doll." Odd I know but that's Mariah.

8. Close My Eyes (3/5)-Finally a song that doesn't have to do with sex, heartache, or drugs. Carey talks about her childhood which she seems to make small reference to in her other albums. Unfortunatly she doesn't actually say what happened to her in her childhood, she justs says how she felt back then. Though this song seems somewhat out of place. I mean, clearly the theme is her recent divorce at the time to long time manager Tommy Mattola. Also in the terms of the writing it is somewhat subpar to Carey's standards. I was disappointed to hear "da da da da da" for much of the song. The song simply is skipable.

9. Whenever You Call (5/5)-I will admit it. This song always brings a tear to my eye as I have read that it does to many who listen to this song. Mariah in "Call" is basically saying that she will always be there whenever he is downhearted and needs someone to talk to. Yes it's a little cliche but heartwarming all together. The reason the song is so well done is that it builds in intensity from the verses, to the bridge, and the big finale. Mariah belts it at the end with everything she's got and it almost makes you want burst into tears. I don't care how tough you are. If you have ever been in love then this song will get to you.

10. Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise) (4/5)-Ok I must say this song is filler space. It is pretty much a disco-themed version of Butterfly without the lyrics. She just says "fly away" a lot. The nice part of this is Mariah brings in her famous backup singers to sing the almost choir-like "spread your wings and prepare to fly" as well as repeating "butterfly". It is a spiritual and uplifting song, much more so than it's original.

11. The Beautiful Ones (5/5)-Let me warn you ahead of time. If you are planning to listen to this song in it's entirety then try not to fall asleep. Not in a bad way. It's a great remake of Prince's song from Purple Rain but it is very slow-paced and almost seven minutes long. Though if you can keep awake you will recognize Dru Hill, pre-Sisco going solo and making that horid song, accompanying the diva. The two together are nothing short of amazing. Their voices work well. Though you will notice Mariah seems to work well with boy bands; Boys II Men, 98 Degrees, Westlife, to name a few. What I love about this song is how dark it is. It is beyond depressing and is almost gothic due to the obsessive lyrics of wondering why beautiful people always hurt her. I think many can relate. She and Sisco have many moments where they belt how much they want and need this certain someone. You need to be open-minded to truely understand and enjoy this song. Those who have never felt the obsessive feeling of needing to be in love with someone will see this song as wierd or odd.

12. Outside (5/5)-So we come to a close and when Mariah ends her albums she must end on a universal note. She likes to talk about a problem many have and this time around she talks about being on the outside of everyone else and not being able to fit in. She tells us we have to be who we really are and believe we are good enough because you will always on the outside. Yes, harsh I know but I think she doesn't sugar coat a problem that happen to thousands of teens. If you have this problem, this song will definetly connect with you. It is a beautiful ending to a spectacular album.

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Rating: - album of the decade? possibly
this is the best album to have come out in the 1990's, in addition to Michael Jackson's Dangerous, Janet's Velvet Rope, TLC's CrazySexyCool and Destiny's Child Writings on the Wall. Mariah experimented with r&b and hip hop on this album, an avenue she only previously touched with remixes of album cuts. But she does it in such a way that guest rappers aren't all over the place like she seems to do now. The music on this CD is smooth as honey and butter and the first two tracks honey and butterfly set off the tone for the rest of the album. Followed is the spanish guitar-tinged my all and then the hip hop with pianos track the roof. Afterwards is the smooth summer jam fourth of july and then breakdown feat. bone thugs and harmony and mariah singing in a fast style, which also paved the way for songs on her charm bracelet album and the famous hit we belong together from last year. Babydoll is also a sweet r&b number and then the ballads including whenever you call are so smooth and pretty, I love the piano melodies and hooks used in those. The butterfly reprise is so random but I wish it was the full remix instead. It may have not sold music box and daydream numbers, but as a whole the album is better than the last two put together. Also her music videos began to be a little more creative during the time this album was on the charts. Definitely get this today it has aged nicely and sounds nice in any decade.

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Rating: - Absolutely Stunning!!
For her fifth traditional, non-holiday studio album, Mariah Carey raises the bar and creates a beautiful R&B-laced album. But this album is much unlike most albums in this category. This is a true work of art, a beautiful concept album at its best!!

Everything about this album is perfect! From the lyrics to the music to the production to the sequencing, very, very little could ever be done to improve this record. It is hands-down Mariah's best work, and actually my favorite record of all time!

Following a difficult marriage and painful divorce, Mariah digs much deeper than ever before, uncovering personal layers of herself listeners never would have imagined. The album doesn't dwell on the bitterness of the divorce, but, rather, salvages the memories of the relationship. Songs like "My All," "The Roof," "Breakdown," and the title track reflect upon lost love, express the personal agony of ending a relationship, and recall bittersweet memories of past relationships.

Although some of the aftershocks of her break-up with Tommy Mattola are evident in 'Butterfly,' the record does not focus solely on the topic. The album also consists of catchy, ear-candy tunes ("Honey", "Babydoll"), well-crafted love ballads ("Fourth of July", "Whenever You Call"), and beautiful personal reflections on life (the closing number "Outside", and the exceptional "Close My Eyes").

The musicality of the album is top-notch. Each song is very distinct from the rest, leaving the listener with a different feel for each track. However, while diverse, the tracks work in unison to create a complete work of art.

Mariah also leaves behind a good bit of the pop dance and ballads of her earlier career and ventures into the R&B territory, a place she had been wanting to explore years prior to this release. The result is beyond satisfactory. A smooth, more dynamic artist is born, and success is written all over this move. The music of this album is pure ear candy. But that's definitely not the only reason this album remains so superb.

Lyrically, this album is astonishing. Some of the best song lyrics I've ever heard exist in the tracks of this album. If you are not a Mariah Carey fan, don't let this hinder you from checking out this gem. You may be surprised by what you hear. This album appeals to non-lambs as well.

This album is one of the most vulnerably personal and exquisitely crafted albums I've ever heard. The only thing else I can say about it is that I will forever be waiting for the day when Mariah creates another album as stunning as this one. Trust me, if I could give it infinity stars, I would!! It really is THAT awesome!

The songs...

1. "Honey" 10/10: An excellent choice for the first single! The beat, the lyrics, the music, and especially the video, are all hot! A smart, sexy summer single, and my second favorite Mariah #1 (the first being "Hero") and possibly her best upbeat song ever!

2. "Butterfly" 10/10: A gorgeous, bittersweet ballad co-written with her long-time collegue, Walter A. The lyrics and music are beautiful, and I love the background vocalists!

3. "My All" 9/10: A very nice, wistful ballad about lost love. I would have picked other songs on this CD to go to #1 before this one, particularly because I like their lyrics more, but it's great!

4. "The Roof" 10/10: One of my all-time favorite Mariah songs (and my second favorite video, right after "Honey). It's so catchy, with clever, nostalgic lyrics, and a hauntingly compelling tune. Awesome!!!

5. "Fourth of July" 9/10: A nice love ballad, sounding very much like a continuation of "Underneath the Stars" from 'Daydream.' I play it multiple times every July 4th! (lol)

6. "Breakdown" 10/10: I love this song! It is very possibly Mariah's best hip-hop collaboration ever! Bone Thugs 'N Harmony add so much to this track! An excellent mid-tempo number with very clever lyrics about the painful aftermath of a break-up. It's ridiculous that this song was so overlooked when it was released!!

7. "Babydoll" 9/10: A cool, smooth, mid-tempo R&B ditty with excellent lyrics by Mariah & Missy Elliott. Works very well after "Breakdown."

8. "Close My Eyes" 12/10!!!!: I break the rules and give this song two more points because it is Mariah's best song ever, and probably my all-time favorite song! A very personal, reflective ballad with THE BEST LYRICS EVER!!! Mariah doesn't overdo it here, singing quite soft and beautifully, a side of her I wish I could hear more often. OUTSTANDING!!!!! Words cannot express how much I love this song!!!

9. "Whenever You Call" 10/10: A beautiful love song! Classic Mariah. It will bring tears to your eyes. I want it played in my wedding!

10. "Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)" 9/10: A lot like 1995's "Daydream Interlude," this dance version of "Butterfly" brings back the lyrics from the original's chorus and effectively bridges the gap between "Call" and "The Beautiful Ones." Works very well.

11. "The Beautiful Ones" 10/10: A stunning cover of Prince's original hit with guest vocalist Dru Hill. One of Mariah's best covers!! Some people may complain about the song being 7 minutes long, but I love it that way!! The longer it plays, the better it gets. Wonderful!

12. "Outside" 10/10: A very passionate (and heartbreaking!) soul ballad about never feeling like you belong. Mariah digs very deep into herself for these lyrics, and many listeners will be able to relate. Her vocals are awesome, and the lyrics are superb and somewhat reminiscant of "Looking In" from 'Daydream.' An excellent closing number!!