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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
The Emancipation Of Mimi
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 16 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 209 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Island
Release Date: 12 April 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Pop, R&B
Summary
The singer wrote many of the songs appearing on 'Mimi,' and even produced one cut, with the remainder of the production duties falling to Jermaine Dupri, the Neptunes and Kanye West. Also appearing are Nelly, Twista and Snoop Dogg.
Also By This Artist: Charmbracelet E=MC2 Glitter Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Vibe
Mariah gets back to her winning formula with Mimi. [May 2005, p.139]
Blender
Sets the gold standard for diva records in 2005. [May 2005, p.118]
The Guardian
Despite its grim title with its visions of messy self-absorption, The Emancipation of Mimi is - mostly - cool, focused and urban.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
Heavy on ballads and midtempo love songs, it always keeps at least one foot (more often both feet) planted firmly in comforting old-school diva soul. [15 Apr 2005, p.76]
The New York Times
On "The Emancipation of Mimi," she disciplines herself into coherence, using fewer tricks and sounding more believable. She also finds what lesser singers can take for granted: a certain lightness that eases her constant sense of control. [11 Apr 2005]
Read Full Review >Billboard
While her voice has lost some of its power through the years, "Mimi" deftly showcases her still-considerable pipes with strong lyrics and slick production.
Read Full Review >Slant Magazine
But whatever the songs lack, they make up for in restraint--brevity keeps you wanting more, which is really Mimi's virtue.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
Carey does not completely hearken back to her old days, but The Emancipation of Mimi does prove her staying power.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
It’s easily the strongest album that she’s made in this millennium, but suffers from the fact that her vocals have deteriorated.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
It might not be as hip as it thinks it is, nor is it as catchy as it should be, but it's smooth and listenable.
Read Full Review >Rolling Stone
There aren't any great songs among Mimi's club tunes and pop-chart-conscious tracks, and Carey is still suffering from a serious crisis of confidence.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times
Her sadly depleted voice is again propped up by multi-tracking, and the occasional dog-deafening shriek hardly proves she's recaptured her early acrobatic power. [10 Apr 2005]
New Musical Express
'Mimi' manages the unique trick of being self-indulgent without actually ever sounding much like Mariah. [16 Apr 2005, p.51]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 209 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Michael K. gave it a9:
One of carey's most brilliant works ever and definitely one of the best recordings on its genre of the 2000's. A very respectable one by an artist that returns to walk fast to the state of legend. This album is really the comeback and has influenced so many artist already.
Gonçalo S. gave it a10:
I love Emancipation of Mimi, it has everything that I love in a singer: passion, power, vocals and good lyrics. Mariah's best album.
Nav M gave it a10:
This album is sublime... the tracks are silky smooth, production is great, and her voice sounds heavenly. It's a classic R&B album that will remain a classic for ages.
Cory F. gave it an8:
This album really showcases Mariah as a hip-hop and R&B artist. The first single "It's Like That" is a heavy club drummin' song. "We Belong Together" has a smoother approach, and became her 16th #1 single. "Shake It Off" is sassy and upbeat. "Don't Forget About Us" sounds a bit like "We Belong Together" (musically), but became her 17th #1 single tying her with Elvis. Overall, this is a truly exceptional album that you wont go home and say, "I wish I would have spent my money elsewhere."
Ali A. gave it a10:
This album should have been called 'The Return Of Mimi'. its a brilliant album that has all the classic Mariah we have come to love. its got ballads with power house vocals ('Mine again', 'fly like a bird'), dance ('It's Like That') and more! this is really a return to form! and for the haters who say that she can't sing? ummm...she IS the HIGHEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST OF ALL TIME!!!!! and the world has recognized her for her voice and other talents (songwriting and producing)! Mariah rocks!
Kaiwen S gave it a0:
Really really bad album!!!
Alexander T gave it a10:
The album is great. it is one of those albums that you are able to listen to right through a number of times. special tracks include - your girl, we belong together, joyride and i wish you knew
