• Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2005
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 568 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. May 5, 2014
    9
    This album is amazing. Truly Mariah's best. The success of We Belong Together just makes it so much of a sweeter experience knowing that great music was that successful.
  4. 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
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. 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. 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.
  3. Despite its grim title with its visions of messy self-absorption, The Emancipation of Mimi is - mostly - cool, focused and urban.