Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse
by Mariah Carey
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: May 27, 2014
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 447 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 228 out of 447
  2. Mixed: 93 out of 447
  3. Negative: 126 out of 447
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  1. HonestMuusic
    Nov 4, 2022
    5
    After being promoted to the JLo spot on American Idol Mariah arrives with an album that sounds 3 years too late, its dated even by 2014's R&B standards, she even attempts a dance record "Meteorite" which is quite frankly one of the worst songs she's recorded. The singles and a couple other gems "Thirsty" and "Dedicated" are more E=MC2 and should have been where the album went rather thenAfter being promoted to the JLo spot on American Idol Mariah arrives with an album that sounds 3 years too late, its dated even by 2014's R&B standards, she even attempts a dance record "Meteorite" which is quite frankly one of the worst songs she's recorded. The singles and a couple other gems "Thirsty" and "Dedicated" are more E=MC2 and should have been where the album went rather then more boring ballads.… Expand
  2. pullmeclxser
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    This album is just not it.. It's her worst, some songs like 'The Art of Letting Go' kinda saved it but the album is still bad. Poor production and generic.
  3. RichieeMoon
    Jun 27, 2014
    4
    Really?
    Her worst album, she don't sing like before, you can hear horribles belts, i think there are only a few songs that fit in Mariah quality... Cry, #Beautiful, You don't know what to do... Poop!
  4. anonymouslim
    Feb 4, 2015
    4
    She has lost the star power and the star quality she once had, nowadays only but a few songs fit her voice. Her belts aren't stunning anymore and her whistle notes sound hoarse, maybe because of age? Also her voice lost power and she often strays from the correct pitch/note.
  5. TrstNo1
    May 27, 2014
    5
    Reading the professional reviews, I thought I'd be blown away. The first thing that should've warned me that I wouldn't be blown away was the first track being "Cry". I don't understand why this is the lead track. Going through the album, there are too many ballads. Now if they were ballads like "We Belong Together" I wouldn't mind them but they're nowhere near that caliber. Not everythingReading the professional reviews, I thought I'd be blown away. The first thing that should've warned me that I wouldn't be blown away was the first track being "Cry". I don't understand why this is the lead track. Going through the album, there are too many ballads. Now if they were ballads like "We Belong Together" I wouldn't mind them but they're nowhere near that caliber. Not everything was bad about the album. "Thirsty" is a standout as great as the smash lead single "#Beautiful". The vocals & uptempo of "You Don't Know What To Do" are EXACTLY the songs we need more of here! "Meteorite" is another standout that there needs to be more of. The George Michael cover of "One More Try" is a great ballad & choice to make. Other than those songs, I don't see anymore of them making it to my iPod. This is a huge step UP from Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel but we have heard better from the Elusive Chanteuse.… Expand
  6. Izanglez
    Oct 31, 2020
    5
    After listening to Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, The Emancipation of Mimi and Charmbracelet, there's only one word that describes this album: underwhelming. She brings the most boring aspects of her career all into one; this project. This album does not feel timeless as her others do. She still managed to show some exceptional good quality songs and her lyricism still can't be questionable.
  7. PEDROMFR
    Feb 19, 2021
    5
    Unfortunately, Mariah seems to had just surrender herself to this R&B songs, that could be great, but they're simply not. They aren't the worst either, but they lack longetivity which is a shame since this is one of her most (if not the most) detailed - sonically - albums, not to mention the beautiful ending explaining the album title. Nevertheless, it's impossible to ignore that, sinceUnfortunately, Mariah seems to had just surrender herself to this R&B songs, that could be great, but they're simply not. They aren't the worst either, but they lack longetivity which is a shame since this is one of her most (if not the most) detailed - sonically - albums, not to mention the beautiful ending explaining the album title. Nevertheless, it's impossible to ignore that, since Charmbracelet she been giving us the same songs.… Expand
  8. sehacerato79
    Nov 7, 2022
    4
    A poor collection of trite and redundant songs that sound a step below Mariah's caliber and about 4 years too late.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2014
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 7, 2014
    60
    She’s just a comfortable [singer], and that’s a good thing for her. She doesn’t need to be, nor should she ever be elusive. This album proves that in spades.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    Jun 16, 2014
    77
    The album sounds exactly, defiantly like Mariah, acknowledging her place in the pop ecosystem both implicitly and explicitly without chomping at the bit.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    Jun 9, 2014
    50
    Even for all its collaborations, bringing in Mary J Blige and R Kelly, the desperate skirting around for identity leaves this album feeling underwhelming.
    Read full review
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