Mariah Carey: E=MC²

My most anticipated album of the year, Mariah Carey's "E=MC²" was released on April 15, 2008 and I'm glad to say that I wasn't dissappointed. When I first heard the first single "Touch My Body" (Mariah's 18th #1 song) I wasn't sure that I would enjoy the album. After hearing the album and seeing how carefree and happy Mariah seems to be, I must say that Ms. Mimi has done it again.

Second single "Bye Bye" is a tearjerker; however, there are a lot of stronger tracks on the album. Most notably is "Migrate" featuring T-Pain. With lyrics such as "From the car into the club, we migrate, from the bar to V.I.P., we migrate, from the party to the after party, migrate, after party to hotel, migrate" Mariah has crafted what should be the summer anthem of 08.

Mariah experiments quite a bit on this album, while at the same time sticking true to her roots. The Jermaine Dupri produced songs don't knock as hard as they did on Mariah's last album but "Love Story, "Thanx 4 Nothin", and "Last Kiss" are all growers and have become some guilty pleasures of mine. The B. Cox joints bring it home, though. In fact, either "I Stay In Love" or "For The Record" must be released as a single during this era.

The reggae-themed "Cruise Control" featuring Damien Marley is pure bliss, and although its one of my least favorite songs, I can't deny how good Mariah sounds singing in French, Spanish, and Italian on "O.O.C." That's out of control, for those not in the know. "Side Effects" featuring Young Jeezy (why, I'll never know...) brings a tear to even my eyes with its sincerity about one of Mariah's past relationships.

All in all, the album's pretty good. The DJ Troop produced "I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time" is my personal favorite. You should cop the album just to Mariah sing "long as I know you've got me...I'll be lovin' you long time." Because, I'm sure she will.

Tracklist
1. Migrate
2. Touch My Body
3. Cruise Control
4. I Stay In Love
5. Side Effects
6. I'm That Chick
7. Love Story
8. I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time
9. Last Kiss
10. Thanx 4 Nothin'
11. O.O.C.
12. For The Record
13. Bye Bye
14. I Wish You Well
15. 4 Real 4 Real (Bonus)
16. Heat (Bonus)



Top 3 Tracks
I Stay In Love ~ I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time ~ For The Record
Bonus: Migrate

Day26: Day 26

Day26's debut album, the self-title "Day 26" was released on March 25, 2008. Although I was skeptical at first, the guys from the fourth season of Making the Band proved that talent can overcome all obstacles. First single "Got Me Going" went Top 30 on the R&B charts, but I am expecting much more from the up-coming singles.

Up-tempo's "In My Bed" and "I'm The Reason" prove that Day 26 can be versatile; however, they truly shine on the ballads and mid-tempo cuts. Honestly, I don't know where to begin. "Are We In This Together" and "Since You Been Gone", both produced by B. Cox, are truly heartfealt ballads. Sensual songs such as the seductive "Come In", the lovely "Co-Star", and the inticing "Come With Me" are absolutely orgasmic.

One downside of the album is that the songs seem to blend together. In fact, it's hard for even me to list any truly standout cuts because they are all "decent" R&B songs. Eitherway, all five of the members of Day26 can sing and they prove their vocal abilities on "If It Wasn't For You" a truly inspirational tune that was my most anticipated songs on the album.

Tracklist
1. I'm The Reason
2. Got Me Going
3. In my Bed
4. Silly Love
5. Come With me
6. Co-Star
7. Come In
8. Are We In This Together
9. What It Feels Like
10. Since You Been Gone
11. If It Wasn't For You
12. Don't Fight The Feeling
13. Aint Going
14. Exclusive (Bonus)
15. Just Should've Told You (Bonus)



Top 3 Songs Are We In This Together ~ Co-Star ~ Come In (My Doors Open)

Danity Kane: Welcome To The Dollhouse

Danity Kane's second album "Welcome To The Dollhouse", released on March 18, 2008 demonstrates that the ladies of Making The Band 3 have matured and are ready to take the music world by storm. First single "Damaged" is a high-energy dance number and has given the group their second Top 10 hit.
Second single "Bad Girl" featuring Missy Elliot and album track "Strip Stease" craftily display Danity Kane's naughty side. However, "Lights Out", co-written by group member Dawn Richards, is the true standout cut on the album. When an artist can spell out their name and still sound hot (D.A.N.I.T.Y.K.A.N.E) you've got a winner as far as I am concerned.
Although the album has its misteps, look no further than the emotion-less "Key To My Heart", ballads such as "Poetry" and "Is Anybody Listening" making up for it. Another standout cut, "Ecstasy" absolutely must be a single at some point. Overall, the album is a definite step up from their debut album. Oh, and did I mention that the harmonies on "Sucka For Love" gives me chills? Tracklist

1. Intro

2. Bad Girl

3. Damaged

4. Pretty Boy

5. Strip Tease

6. Sucka For Love

7. Secret Place (Interlude)

8. Ecstacy

9. 2 of You

10. Lights Out

11. Picture This (Interlude)

12. Poetry

13. Key To My Heart

14. Flashback (Interlude)

15. Is Anybody Listening

16. Aint Going

Top 3 Songs

Lights Out ~ Ecstacy ~ Poetry