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)… Expand
  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!!
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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 »