Charmbracelet
by Mariah Carey
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Dec 3, 2002
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 353 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 145 out of 353
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 353
  3. Negative: 117 out of 353

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  1. HonestMuusic
    Nov 4, 2022
    5
    The few good tracks "(Boy) I Need You" "You Got Me" "Irresistible" "You Had Your Chance" are buried in an album that's poorly sequenced even more poorly produced and devoid of any real personality, its easy to see why Christina Aguilera's "Stripped" and JLo's "This Is Me... Then" outperformed this mixed bag of a record.
  2. Evyan2002
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    Mariah Carey's album charmbraclet is one of her best albums yet. Through the rain is the best song on the album and will always be one of my favorite songs ever. All the other songs are great too.
  3. laurenf
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    propa rite gd
  4. Spyro
    Apr 17, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is an underrated album, in my opinion: it contains a lot of good songs, like the lead single Through the Rain, The one, Bringin' on the Heartbreak, etc.... It also contains two songs that are sill my favorite Mariah' songs: My saving grace and I only Wanted. I think this album is one of her best album of her career.… Expand
  5. HeatSeeker
    Jul 30, 2012
    8
    Charmbracelet is an acquired taste that will probably only be loved by her closest fans, though there are flashes of brilliance for everyone to enjoy, from the final explosive chorus of "Through The Rain" to the rock-influenced drama of "Bringing On The Heartbreak". The album's biggest fallback is its insistence on undersinging, which is all the more infuriating coming from a woman knownCharmbracelet is an acquired taste that will probably only be loved by her closest fans, though there are flashes of brilliance for everyone to enjoy, from the final explosive chorus of "Through The Rain" to the rock-influenced drama of "Bringing On The Heartbreak". The album's biggest fallback is its insistence on undersinging, which is all the more infuriating coming from a woman known for her voice. Looking past that however, there melodies are solid, the lyrics are fresh, and the album works together well as a whole.… Expand
  6. MrRR123
    Jun 15, 2014
    9
    Mariah Carey's Charmbracelet album is a combination of adult contemporary, R&B and Hip Hop music, as well as the teen-pop love feeling. Carey diverses the correct music of the early 2000s as one of many early starters. Each composition contains all of Carey's chosen genres,except Sunflowers for Alfred Roy, are carefully planned out and has a catchy tune in all of them. Charmbracelet holdsMariah Carey's Charmbracelet album is a combination of adult contemporary, R&B and Hip Hop music, as well as the teen-pop love feeling. Carey diverses the correct music of the early 2000s as one of many early starters. Each composition contains all of Carey's chosen genres,except Sunflowers for Alfred Roy, are carefully planned out and has a catchy tune in all of them. Charmbracelet holds Mariah as a little 8 year old to a late adult couple. Starting from the Through The Rain, Yours, and Sunflowers for Alfred Roy, Carey depicts herself as an 8 year old little girl having these hurtful moments and truthful moments. The One, Boy, You Got Me, My Saving Grace, Clown, Iressitable, Lullaby, I Know What You Want as her being a teenager to a Pre-adult. The rest are her adult ways of love or breakup, with a serious message. Overall, Mariah's voice sounds weak and get annoying listening to her whispering the one negative thing I don't like on this album, Mariah should of gave time for this album before release. However, this album is the best way to start an early 2000s album.… Expand
  7. Adrianolamb
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    Álbum maravilhoso, incrível como ele é instrospectivo e pessoal... É viciante, nele temos batidas que só mesmo a Mariah consegue fazer, é totalmente coeso e inspirador...
  8. ryanloveslana
    May 10, 2015
    3
    Sadly, the only great tracks on the album are "Bringin' On The Hearbreak" and "Through the Rain". After her breakdown/erratic behavior, Glitter's performance, and the events on September 11, 2001, I feel that Mariah should of taken a longer break and recover musically. Her voice on this album just tells me that she lost it. I kind of regret listening to the album. If she wanted more sleepSadly, the only great tracks on the album are "Bringin' On The Hearbreak" and "Through the Rain". After her breakdown/erratic behavior, Glitter's performance, and the events on September 11, 2001, I feel that Mariah should of taken a longer break and recover musically. Her voice on this album just tells me that she lost it. I kind of regret listening to the album. If she wanted more sleep (as she said during her breakdown in 2001, she should've relaxed more instead of rushing to release a album the next year).… Collapse
  9. Martijn
    Nov 24, 2003
    4
    Inspite of some great tracks, it is not what we waited for. Too much r&b and rap, too little songs that touches the heart. Exceptionts are "Through the Rain", "Bringing on the Heartbreak", and maybe "Yours". The rest are cheap "want to be hot like J-Lo" mistakes. It's sad because she can be number one and in the past she proofed to be brilliant.... We will wait for a "Musicbox" and Inspite of some great tracks, it is not what we waited for. Too much r&b and rap, too little songs that touches the heart. Exceptionts are "Through the Rain", "Bringing on the Heartbreak", and maybe "Yours". The rest are cheap "want to be hot like J-Lo" mistakes. It's sad because she can be number one and in the past she proofed to be brilliant.... We will wait for a "Musicbox" and "Daydream"...… Expand
  10. Jason
    Dec 22, 2002
    1
    I threw the CD away the day I bought it
  11. NC
    Nov 21, 2005
    0
    Is this a joke?
  12. italoverdade
    Nov 10, 2015
    10
    After the confusion and boycott that Mariah had suffered nothing better than an apology to the public, this album was preparing for his return, the carpet that lined the floor for your back.
  13. GabrielVictor
    May 15, 2016
    5
    " Charmbracelet " possui uma essência simplória e genérica, e, infelizmente pouquíssimas faixas que realmente valem a pena, (C)
  14. Miguel1300
    Feb 16, 2019
    0
    the production is terrible and her voice sounds really damaged her, her vocals are terrible
  15. mxann
    Nov 16, 2018
    5
    This album is just plain tragic. Production is really bad. Mariah's worst by far. She's whispering throughout the album while featuring some rappers and that's it. Only good tracks: Yours, Subtle Invitation, Boy (I Need You).
  16. bangmanbm
    Dec 30, 2002
    0
    This album sucks
  17. mystikal..
    Jan 4, 2003
    10
    excellent
  18. NickG
    Apr 2, 2004
    9
    I thought it was failry solid, but it didn't have many bouncy tracks (with the exception of Irresistable) like her previous albums (from Glitter all the way back to Emotions). I like her fuller voice too. I felt Glitter was stronger. But I still love the album becuase of its diversity. Subtle Invitation and Bringin on the Heartbreak were great additions. As was the remix of Through I thought it was failry solid, but it didn't have many bouncy tracks (with the exception of Irresistable) like her previous albums (from Glitter all the way back to Emotions). I like her fuller voice too. I felt Glitter was stronger. But I still love the album becuase of its diversity. Subtle Invitation and Bringin on the Heartbreak were great additions. As was the remix of Through the Rain. … Expand
  19. BobH
    Dec 30, 2002
    0
    I never judge an album based on its cover, but trust me, the music here is as bad as Mariah's face, both ugly and washed out
  20. SeadB
    Jan 9, 2003
    10
    Actually this is an suprisingly good album!Probably Mariah's best! It's restrained and relaxed! Songs like Clown (about Eminem) and My Saving Grace blew me away!! It's full of hits but the tempo is pretty slow and it shows Mariah in a comfortable envirement!! Definetly recomending this one!!
  21. MISSLADY
    Feb 10, 2003
    10
    THIS CD WAS OBVIOUSLY ABOUT ACTUAL EXPERIENCES AND I LIKE THE WAY SHE KEPT IT REAL!
  22. KimberlyN
    May 20, 2003
    10
    The entire album is generally very likeable, "Charmbracelet" is just as great as "Butterfly" and "Daydream". Well done Mariah!!
  23. RafaelS
    Aug 24, 2004
    9
    As Mariah Carey was knows as the best-selling female artist in the 90s (and probably in history), she tries to come back with songs written in what was, her worst year (jul. 2001-jul.2002). And the results weren't bad. "Through The Rain" was a wise choice for a lead single, but the release of the single, months after its first radio appearence, was the worst decision ever in her As Mariah Carey was knows as the best-selling female artist in the 90s (and probably in history), she tries to come back with songs written in what was, her worst year (jul. 2001-jul.2002). And the results weren't bad. "Through The Rain" was a wise choice for a lead single, but the release of the single, months after its first radio appearence, was the worst decision ever in her career. But we can see a mature Mariah in this album, with songs about heartbreaks and hope (except for the "I want a man" songs, like Boy and Irresistble). "Bringin' On The Heartbreak was maybe her best cover song, and I really think nobody could change a rock song and turn it into the most emotional ballad ever, except for Mariah's talent. People need to take this bad impression they have onf Mariah and try to give her a chance. She's not the same oman she was in 1990, and she's definately NOT the woman she was in 2000-2001.… Expand
  24. peter
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    An excellent album of rertrospective and healing. powerful and emotional with a strong spiritual reasoanance
  25. JD
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    HAHA! Looks like she came back better than ever with TEOM. Honestly, the vocals are not up to par at all on this album, but they are still better than most vocals, they just aren't up to par for her status. Lyrically, this is one of the best albums you will ever listen to in your whole entire life, and that definetly makes up for the good-but-not-excellent vocals. THe production is HAHA! Looks like she came back better than ever with TEOM. Honestly, the vocals are not up to par at all on this album, but they are still better than most vocals, they just aren't up to par for her status. Lyrically, this is one of the best albums you will ever listen to in your whole entire life, and that definetly makes up for the good-but-not-excellent vocals. THe production is okay as well, there is a lot of talent on this CD. The standout track is the obliviously underrated 'Irresistable (Remix)' w/ West Side Connection. Buy this album if you like meaningful lyrics. However, do not buy this if you like soaring vocals throught a whole song. But take my comment and put it to good use: buy this, trust me.… Expand
  26. KenW
    Dec 23, 2002
    8
    Leave Mariah alone.
  27. TroyB
    Dec 27, 2002
    9
    Mariah has had to climb the climb the charts against the grain of brutal and mean critics. "Charmbracelet" has recieved unfair, unjust reviews. The album is Mariah's most varied, most personal, most charming album to date. Over an hour of heartfelt, earth shattering vocals from one of the greatest singers of all time. Well worth buying.
  28. sauvagetsteve
    Jan 18, 2003
    8
    It's not the best album of mariah carey but you have to listen it several times to like it. What does people want ? I think that bad critics about charmbracelet comes from people who likes jlo or others rnb pop stars and they don't support that mariah is the best, byyyyyyyyye !
  29. john
    Oct 21, 2003
    0
    This cd took away over 64 minutes of my life and I want it back.
  30. jeffe
    Jan 2, 2003
    10
    this album is the best album ever i lisen to mariah carey all my life and she is my all time favrite singer keep it up mariah dot give up you are the best female vocalis of all time
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2002
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
43

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. Billboard
    70
    While fans of her early-'90s material will find much to embrace here, those that rallied 'round the singer during her hip-hop days may feel lost and abandoned.
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  2. AllMusic
    40
    Her voice is damaged, and there's not a moment where it sounds strong or inviting. That alone would be disturbing, but since the songs are formless and the production bland -- another reason why the hip-hop announces itself, even though it's nowhere near as pronounced as it has been since Butterfly -- her tired voice becomes the only thing to concentrate on, and it's a sad, ugly thing, making an album that would merely have been her worst into something tragic.
    Read full review
  3. Launch.com
    50
    A step ahead of the J-Los of the world; a step behind what may prove to be a career pinnacle.
    Read full review
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