The Emancipation Of Mimi
by Mariah Carey
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2005
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 568 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 368 out of 568
  2. Mixed: 85 out of 568
  3. Negative: 115 out of 568

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  1. DannyM
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Mariahs returned to her roots and made her best album since her first emancipation, butterfly, definetely the best album released by a female artist this year, probably the best overall
  2. SiriK
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    I just love her and all her albums!!
  3. KeanL
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Simply Irresistible!
  4. ramp.i
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    great r&b album.. teom redefines the term R&b. great job mariah.
  5. DavidA
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best albums she released. All of the songs will grow on you on repeated listenings. Standouts are of course We Belong Together, One and Only, Joy Ride, So Lonely and Say Something!
  6. JayM
    Dec 25, 2006
    8
    Mariah indeed emancipated "Mimi" and we want to see more of her. A blend of soulful ballads such as "Mine Again" and "Stay the Night" into the biggest hit of the 2000's "We Belong Together" staying #1 for 14 weeks in the US, she shows that "The Voice" ain't goin' nowhere and that Mimi stands a great shot at tearing into the Beatles record of 20 #1 singles. "Don't Mariah indeed emancipated "Mimi" and we want to see more of her. A blend of soulful ballads such as "Mine Again" and "Stay the Night" into the biggest hit of the 2000's "We Belong Together" staying #1 for 14 weeks in the US, she shows that "The Voice" ain't goin' nowhere and that Mimi stands a great shot at tearing into the Beatles record of 20 #1 singles. "Don't Forget about Us" tied her with Elvis for 17 #1 singles, and "Emancipation" was the best selling album of 2005, she also hits with hip-hop dancing music such as "Get Your Number" and "Say Somethin'" with other artists among the likes of Jermaine Dupri, and Snoop Dogg. Finiishing with her arguable best song of all time "Fly Like a Bird" and as the song says hopefully "Carry me higher" and this album carried Mariah higher than ever… Expand
  7. CheyM
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    It was a really inspiring CD and all of the songs inspired me to do more things with my life
  8. mimio
    Jan 24, 2006
    9
    this is a good album. Mariah has a great voice. I think she could do a lot of different styles of music. now she does r&b, she does it very well. I love her. She and whitney are the best. I would love to hear jazz from her or another strong voice song so that i could give her a 10. But she is the best, i love the songs of mine again and circles and may many more... I hope that they stop this is a good album. Mariah has a great voice. I think she could do a lot of different styles of music. now she does r&b, she does it very well. I love her. She and whitney are the best. I would love to hear jazz from her or another strong voice song so that i could give her a 10. But she is the best, i love the songs of mine again and circles and may many more... I hope that they stop some day about the way she is dressed. She is beautiful, and she has a beautiful voice no one can take that away from her, god has given her that beautiful voice.… Expand
  9. MatthewA
    Feb 16, 2006
    10
    this cd is the best cd ever. no one can beat this cd it is still in the top 10 after about 45 weeks and that is a very long time. this cd has helped me grow inside because the song we belong together. that song helped me to grow and not to cry anymore because my baby and i broke up and i didnt no what to do but this song helped me and so did many other songs but this song is always going this cd is the best cd ever. no one can beat this cd it is still in the top 10 after about 45 weeks and that is a very long time. this cd has helped me grow inside because the song we belong together. that song helped me to grow and not to cry anymore because my baby and i broke up and i didnt no what to do but this song helped me and so did many other songs but this song is always going to be my number one song and this song helped me not to do anything stupid and just let out everything in tears. Thank you for this cd.… Expand
  10. peterp
    Apr 27, 2006
    7
    The individual songs are great. Incredible voice control and excellent singing. Mariah has great potential, only... EVERY SINGLE SONG SOUNDS THE SAME WAY! Because basically every song is about chasing a guy, you get the feeling that you're hearing the same song, with a slightly different beat. Also, has anyone else noticed that ever since Mimi hit that high note while singing the The individual songs are great. Incredible voice control and excellent singing. Mariah has great potential, only... EVERY SINGLE SONG SOUNDS THE SAME WAY! Because basically every song is about chasing a guy, you get the feeling that you're hearing the same song, with a slightly different beat. Also, has anyone else noticed that ever since Mimi hit that high note while singing the national anthem, she used it at the end of every song.… Expand
  11. AlbertoF
    Jun 17, 2006
    10
    I love this cd
  12. GonçaloS.
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    I love Emancipation of Mimi, it has everything that I love in a singer: passion, power, vocals and good lyrics. Mariah's best album.
  13. MichaelK.
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    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.
  14. AllanSe7ens
    Nov 4, 2005
    9
    THE EMANCIPATION OF MIMI out shined her previous efforts (Glitter, Charmbracelet and Rainbow). This album puts her back to the top. Standard tracks We Belong Together, Your Girl, Fly Like A Bird, Say Something and Stay The Night.
  15. LoriU
    Dec 25, 2005
    10
    First of all, we are experiencing history as we know it every day. Mariah is a true artist who geniunely knows how to write great ballads but not only that hip hop, r&b, whatever. Mariah said it herself that she's always wanted to do hip hop because she grew up with it and loves it. You know what, this album totally proves that she can raise the bar for so many artists out there. You First of all, we are experiencing history as we know it every day. Mariah is a true artist who geniunely knows how to write great ballads but not only that hip hop, r&b, whatever. Mariah said it herself that she's always wanted to do hip hop because she grew up with it and loves it. You know what, this album totally proves that she can raise the bar for so many artists out there. You people who diss her, why??? Do you realize how many artists want to be her or want to copy her formula? She's already a legend and will continue to rise like a phoneix year after year.… Expand
  16. LucasN
    Apr 12, 2005
    8
    a pleasant return to form
  17. nikkir
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    People are complaining that she suffers from anonimity on this record. Her voice is all over the place. Although it is not in top shape like it has been in the past, her voice has improved since her last effort. I give her props for defying what fans were expecting and giving us something we can be proud off.
  18. moes
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    this album is super cool
  19. SandyS
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    Amazing!.........Vocally she's back so haters can say whatever they want......Even the critics they don't know nothing!.........all they do is hate on Mariah.......well this CD rocks!.......I love all the songs.......She's still the best
  20. scottc
    Apr 13, 2005
    9
    The album is much better than the last two. Some songs have old Anita Baker sound to them. The Neptunes produced many of the songs, and though several rappers are featured on a few songs (Snoop dogg, Nelly, Twista, etc.), the songs feel more like those guys on a Mariah Carey song rather than the other way around. I also thought lyrically the songs were nice. They are full of heartache and The album is much better than the last two. Some songs have old Anita Baker sound to them. The Neptunes produced many of the songs, and though several rappers are featured on a few songs (Snoop dogg, Nelly, Twista, etc.), the songs feel more like those guys on a Mariah Carey song rather than the other way around. I also thought lyrically the songs were nice. They are full of heartache and sadness, but that seems to be where she is right now. Over all, I am enoying the album.… Expand
  21. AmberN
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    This is definitely the best album by far! I am digging the diversity of the album. She has the power ballads, the dance jams, the hot collaborations. I absolutely love the whole album...the ballads give me goosebumps and the jams get me dancing! Definitely the best from MC yet! The Voice never left! MC is better than ever!
  22. ErickaM
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    This album is simply amazing. My fave Mariah album to date!
  23. JimmyF
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    This is by far the best album of 2005!!! Mariah is in top form on this cd, this is a must have for anyone who likes good music!! If you are tired of the sound of today, I definately reccommend this cd, there is something for everyone whether you like ballads, r&b, hip hop, dance, or whatever, trust me it is on there!!!!!
  24. EjaazS
    Apr 18, 2005
    10
    A masterful collection of R&B perfection to redefine the direction of music these days. Mariah survives haters and concentrates on her forte: music and voice. Highlights are: "We Belong Together", "Get your #", "One and Only", "Shake it Off"... puurrfect
  25. hopek
    Apr 21, 2005
    10
    I was reading through some of the reviews and I couldn't believe some of the things I read. How can you people say this album is bad? You must not be a fan of any of her music if you think this album is bad. This is the best album I have bought in a long time. I never really buy music anymore I just download them. This album was without a doubt worth buying. Insteead of getting worse I was reading through some of the reviews and I couldn't believe some of the things I read. How can you people say this album is bad? You must not be a fan of any of her music if you think this album is bad. This is the best album I have bought in a long time. I never really buy music anymore I just download them. This album was without a doubt worth buying. Insteead of getting worse and losing her touch, Mariah Carey is getting better and better with each album she makes! Whats great about Mariah is that she writes her own music from personal experiences. When I listen to her songs I can connect with them because more than likely its something that I have gone through as well. This album was a lot better than Charmbracelet, I think. I love all of her albums but this is surely one of hte better ones. Bottom line is, if you are a fan of Mariah go out and buy this albumj.... you WILL NOT be dissapointed!… Expand
  26. JayY
    Apr 21, 2005
    8
    The critics simply expect too much from Mariah Carey. But who can blame them? This is the American Diva that moved the music industry with hits like, "Hero," and, "Whenever You Call." This album is definitely not a flop, infact MTV and local street clubs were just dying to have another hit like, "It's Like That." But to the critics and her truly devout fans... Mariah Carey has lost The critics simply expect too much from Mariah Carey. But who can blame them? This is the American Diva that moved the music industry with hits like, "Hero," and, "Whenever You Call." This album is definitely not a flop, infact MTV and local street clubs were just dying to have another hit like, "It's Like That." But to the critics and her truly devout fans... Mariah Carey has lost her touch. Tracks like "We Belong Together," and "Fly Like A Bird," are mere snapshots of Mariah's former self. Aside from Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey is the next tragic hero of American Diva-dom. The most ironic thing is, their duet, "When You Believe," (back in the day) was the best sounding thing ever.… Expand
  27. LesleyJ
    May 13, 2005
    9
    Mariah, keep up the good work. I feel your voice is coming into itself and you are able to use it at ease.You are one of my favorites. I love this CD. LesleySTL
  28. victorc
    May 31, 2005
    10
    So, there has been a long time we don`t hear anything about Mariah, but now, at long last, she´s back with voice, tasteful, beauty and much less diva than in the 90´. Those altogether makes her place ensured in the charts and even better now she is stronger and confident. Mariah always calls her fans as LAMBS, which is very cute and more we now can call her by MIMI. The world So, there has been a long time we don`t hear anything about Mariah, but now, at long last, she´s back with voice, tasteful, beauty and much less diva than in the 90´. Those altogether makes her place ensured in the charts and even better now she is stronger and confident. Mariah always calls her fans as LAMBS, which is very cute and more we now can call her by MIMI. The world now are ready to receive once again mimi, our old and new friend and, if you´re not leave( be nice or leave)… Collapse
  29. EmilyL
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    Amazing cd!! i cant stop listening to it! Her voice is so awesome...Listen to the background vocals too. I love when she layers the vocals. It's so beautiful!
  30. ChrisW.
    Jun 24, 2005
    10
    Mariah really really devlivers on this album. I listen to it at least 3 times every day. Excellent album, great lyrics, great beats, great vocals. Everyone I recommended this album to so far agreed that it is a must have. Excellent job Mariah!!
  31. gr
    Jun 26, 2005
    10
    Great album...Grammy is calling her name w/ this one..good work Mariah!!!
  32. tonys
    Jul 19, 2005
    10
    One of the most satisfying albums of her career!
  33. KeshC
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    Amazing album. Mariah truley has a voice and it is ion thi able with all its glory. Great ballads, RnB.
  34. ClaytonT
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    BEst album of her Career! The voice is indeed back and the writing though alittle juvinile is fun and still consistent. Many artist would do good to take note from her ability to have fun on her records and not take themselves so seriously. She is a lengend indeed and will always be the greatest and hardest working talent in the music industry.
  35. JaysonJ
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    MARIAH IS No.1!!!!
  36. rays
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    love this album!
  37. DanO
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Awsome! I haven't taken this CD out of my player until I purchased the "Ultra Platnum" edition with addtional songs, including "Don't Forget About Us" which was MC's 17th Billboard #1. Mariah has proven again that she is the at the top of her game. Her vocals are a bit raw but that just undedrpins the emotion the song is projecting. There are quite a few good female Awsome! I haven't taken this CD out of my player until I purchased the "Ultra Platnum" edition with addtional songs, including "Don't Forget About Us" which was MC's 17th Billboard #1. Mariah has proven again that she is the at the top of her game. Her vocals are a bit raw but that just undedrpins the emotion the song is projecting. There are quite a few good female artists, but MC has proven she deserves her place at the top. The album is rich with mid-tempo songs and some bouncy urban club toons. But most of all this album and it's songs leaving you wanting more, true to Mariah's urban and R&B style. She has avoided the bubble gum with this CD and it shows how she has matured, and what she can do when she is in control of her creative expression. I highly recommend this album be in everyone's collection!… Expand
  38. cs
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Well, anyone who rated this below a 5 obviously has not heard it. No prejudice towards the Queen of Music, Mariah. This R&B is classic and appeals to every person. The R&B junkie will be drawn to tracks such as "Mine Again" and "Stay the Night" while the rap-inclined will love "So Lonely" and on the Platnium Edition "Makin it Last All Night". There is something for everyone on this Well, anyone who rated this below a 5 obviously has not heard it. No prejudice towards the Queen of Music, Mariah. This R&B is classic and appeals to every person. The R&B junkie will be drawn to tracks such as "Mine Again" and "Stay the Night" while the rap-inclined will love "So Lonely" and on the Platnium Edition "Makin it Last All Night". There is something for everyone on this incredible release which will stand the test of time and rank with MJ's Thriller, ACDC's Back in Black, and any Beatles or Elvis album.… Expand
  39. RockyM
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    I would make this cd over a million im a huge mariah carey fan all of the songs are amazing im telling you we belong together dont forget about us and fly like a bird say something shake it off its .like that yal its like that yalllllll shes the best hot singer ever nobody has that kinda voice its a mazing amazing best singer ever fuck yall if u u think shes suck shes the fuckin best. she I would make this cd over a million im a huge mariah carey fan all of the songs are amazing im telling you we belong together dont forget about us and fly like a bird say something shake it off its .like that yal its like that yalllllll shes the best hot singer ever nobody has that kinda voice its a mazing amazing best singer ever fuck yall if u u think shes suck shes the fuckin best. she work her ass off maaaaan......!!!… Expand
  40. NavM
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    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.
  41. CoryF.
    Aug 15, 2008
    8
    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. 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."… Expand
  42. DarylJ
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Absolutely astounding. I listen to it whenever Im in the car
  43. ailtonsribeiro
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Esse álbum é um diamante, Ninguém compõe melodias iguais a da Mariah. Por isso ela é a número um. Merecia muito mais prêmios, mas tudo bem, o mundo da música nem sempre premia quem sabe cantar. Muitas vezes premia quem dança mais ou quem engana mais.
  44. mjscl15
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    Um álbum bom. Não sei pq ela é tão massacrada pela crítica. A música "we belong together" é umas das melhores dela, um marco na história do pop. Mariah explora batidas de hip hop mas usa sua voz magistralmente.
  45. KarenCarey
    May 24, 2016
    10
    Álbum incrível a nível de Mariah Carey, cada música percebemos que foram muito bem trabalhadas, os vocais estão a nível luxo, um álbum digno de uma lenda do R&B como MARIAH, o melhor retorno da música sem sombra de dúvidas!!!
  46. siege567
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    An excellent record that allowed that is consistent throughout its runtime the only song that really can't shine compared to the other songs on the record is "Get Your Number" other than that it was a welcomed return for her
  47. MosesQueen
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    The Emancipation of Mimi is the greatest come-back of all time I think... Every song is just magical and pure genius, you can listen it again and again. Can we talk about success of this album? I don't know any stars who could do it after 5 years of flop. Mariah is so powerful and she proves it in Mimi era.
  48. idontknowher
    Dec 22, 2016
    10
    ¡De los mejores álbumes de Mariah! sin duda Carey volvió a sus raíces y trajo de vuelta el R&B/hip-hop puro que solíamos escuchar en sus inicios. Es un disco bastante diferente a "Charmbracelet", creo que es más sincero para nada flojo. Tiene canciones muuuuuuuy buenas como "Mine Again", "Stay The Night", "I Wish You Knew" y "Fly Like a Bird", todo el álbum en general es EXCELENTE y los¡De los mejores álbumes de Mariah! sin duda Carey volvió a sus raíces y trajo de vuelta el R&B/hip-hop puro que solíamos escuchar en sus inicios. Es un disco bastante diferente a "Charmbracelet", creo que es más sincero para nada flojo. Tiene canciones muuuuuuuy buenas como "Mine Again", "Stay The Night", "I Wish You Knew" y "Fly Like a Bird", todo el álbum en general es EXCELENTE y los bonus track como "Sprung" y "Secret Love" debieron estar en la versión standard porque son muy buenos. Mariah nos entregó una joya sin duda vale mucho la pena escucharlo.… Expand
  49. grotesquette
    Apr 12, 2020
    8
    Although some tracks feel like fillers, overall it's a really enjoyable album. I think this album was definitely needed in Mariah's career, and I'm so glad that it happened. I love the whole theme of this album and what she was going for. It remains one of the greatest comebacks, if not the greatest comeback of all time.
  50. Haandy
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    O melhor retorno de todos, ouço sem pular uma faixa de tão lendário que é
  51. davidmikai
    Mar 29, 2019
    10
    Definitely one of the best R&B album of all time. No filler and all worth-listening songs. Vocal on point and it's going to make haters ashamed of their favs.
  52. piscesloverboy
    Jun 20, 2019
    10
    Amazing album, she gave the R&B of the time her own sound, creating a totally new class of r&b that shaped music for those few years past 2005
  53. Agshin_KNG
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    By far one of the best come-back albums in music history. No wonder it was such a success and had a massive impact. Carey outdid herself with this and cemented her status forever!
  54. araucaceas
    Jul 22, 2019
    10
    Perfect come back to a truly legend! We belong Together the best song of the decade by billboard Go get them Mimi, you got this!
  55. MariahCareystan
    Aug 23, 2019
    10
    One of Mariah’s best albums So meaningful and a great comeback album, if there’s one person i say artist should look up to i say it should be Mariah, SHES very talent, one of the best singers to date and a great lyricist.
  56. ixaac
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    The voice is back? the voice had never left, once again Mariah proved herself to be the standard of vocal and song writing artistry. There genuinely will never be someone as talented in contemporary pop as Mariah Carey.
  57. ElasticDion
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Amazing vocals and lyric. By far her best album and a comeback so epic the world will never forget
  58. Izanglez
    Jun 12, 2020
    7
    Mariah's 2005 album is such a strong comeback. However, it lacks something, and it is originality. It has incredible songs and vocally demanding masterpieces, which are "We Belong Together", "Circles" and "Mine Again". She included some cute bops but also delivered forgettable and mediocre songs, with unnecessary features. Overall, a good (but could've been much better) project.
  59. Bionica19
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Y'all really thought you'll never see her rise again and guess what, Mariah be like "I'm back darlings and I'm here to slay and serve you quality and success
  60. georgianaeliza
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    Muito bom o álbum, uma obra muito lírica, muito coeso, no lirismo muito suave, um tom suave das melodias, muito bom a volta da Mariah Carey.
  61. Chris746
    Jul 25, 2020
    10
    The Album Artwork is as intense as her Album Title. Although she was not heard from her Charmbracelet era, she came back with full power. With her 14 tracks, she gives justice to these songs that she was not left behind. Her vocal are nearly perfect for these tracks provided. From intro for party-themed song, “It’s Like That” to final song for church “ Fly Like A Bird. ImpeccablyThe Album Artwork is as intense as her Album Title. Although she was not heard from her Charmbracelet era, she came back with full power. With her 14 tracks, she gives justice to these songs that she was not left behind. Her vocal are nearly perfect for these tracks provided. From intro for party-themed song, “It’s Like That” to final song for church “ Fly Like A Bird. Impeccably outstanding album!… Expand
  62. samueell
    Mar 22, 2021
    9
    This album sounds so fresh, and the lapse of time from Charmbracelet to its release really helped Carey to experiment new sounds, incorporating elements from the urban panorama, and that made this record sound fresh and not dated, you can hear this one in 2021 and it will sound good.
    Highlights: We Belong Together · Fly like a Bird · Say Somethin' · Circles · Secret Love
  63. DevilLauist
    Apr 24, 2021
    10
    Amazing Album, Maraiah´s voice is angelical, all the songs is perfects no skips!
  64. MaxFarell
    Aug 22, 2021
    10
    “I was in a happy place.” Considered as one of the Greatest Comebacks of all Time, Carey’s 10th studio album showcases her power vocals and party starter grooves which cemented her as a master of her craft.
  65. KatyPerryIsOver
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Mariah's best album of this century and it will hardly be tied. Ended Confessions on a Plagiarism floor.
  66. LestrangeLeo
    Nov 28, 2022
    10
    bjs skv ia sobwob. sosn. ns nos oo o n o n n Op o. oo. h o o o h h b hbbnbb
  67. vinidornellas
    May 29, 2023
    10
    Biggest and best R&B album of the 21st century. Quality, concept, cohesion, acclaim and success.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2005
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    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]
  2. Rolling Stone
    50
    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
  3. The Guardian
    80
    Despite its grim title with its visions of messy self-absorption, The Emancipation of Mimi is - mostly - cool, focused and urban.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »