The Rarities
by Mariah Carey
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Oct 2, 2020
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 236 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 236
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 236
  3. Negative: 59 out of 236
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  1. Bulld-Goz
    Nov 3, 2022
    4
    The sad truth is that "The Rarities" adds nothing notable to Mariah's already hit and miss discography. The tracks are all leftovers that really aren't worth listening to unless your a die hard fan, the vocals are great but alot of the production is just random especially "Loverboy" 4/10
  2. HonestMuusic
    Nov 4, 2022
    4
    Part way through "The Rarities" you'll find yourself asking Why? Why package a collection of forgettable songs into this project rather then just releasing them straight to streaming this collection is so poorly put together it feels like an afterthought.
  3. TommyOliver
    Nov 9, 2022
    0
    The 9/11 Lady should have kept this one unreleased, its slow boring and dull.
  4. masterfulmimi
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Despite her having those songs locked in her vault for a long time, they still managed sound fresh, thank you Mariah for sharing this with us! This album is amazing.
  5. piscesloverboy
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    Amazing, these should have been part of their respective albums. I mean not all of it is her best work, most would be average or just below on her albums, but there are some highlights that would have been great on their respective albums like Mesmerized on Me I Am Mariah, or Here We Go Again on Mariah Carey
  6. Antojd
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    The best way to learn about Mariah's legacy is through her music and with The Ratities, old and new listeners can get to know Mariah at her finest. Every song is pure gold, and make you wonder how come such great tunes, didn't make the final cut to her albums. And for first time we get to listen to her real Loverboy Firecraker version, as it was created before it got stolen from her.
  7. Lorench12
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This is one of her best collective album in years. I am hoping that she will unlock all her recent scrapped songs from the MIMTEC and Caution. Kudos MC
  8. JMDGamotia
    Oct 7, 2020
    6
    Mariah Carey has first contained "Close My Eyes" via the acoustic version as the last track.
  9. kisskeys
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Her most honest work in a really long time! It shows her growth thruout the years and the journey of becoming the most successful female singer/songwriter
  10. nicaindo
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    Perfection and talent from the beggining until the end of time #JusticeForLoverboy
  11. alexlbert
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    Álbum incrível. Depois de 30 anos, a Mariah continua entregando músicas maravilhosas.
  12. Marlon10
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved! Very Good!

    I love Mariah!!!!
    She is vocalista and songwritter!!!!!!    … Expand
  13. Kauanf
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    An amazing album full of hidden treasures. A gift for her fans! Cool On You should be a single.
  14. AlessioMatrix
    Jun 30, 2021
    0
    Amazing record best songs imo: Here We Go Around Again, Loverboy (so happy I get to hear how it actually was supposed to sound) and Lullaby Birdland
  15. MalloneSalles
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. YES, THE QUEEN IS BACK. but this time, she showed the world what she had kept for 30 sacred years of her career! BRAZIL LOVES YOU, ICON!… Expand
  16. barkins
    Oct 6, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The same sound. I miss the old Mariah. Bring back tommy Motolla and Sony Music… Expand
  17. Trigueiro
    Oct 7, 2020
    1
    The mariah carey became an endless Sunday. Monotonous and without creativity even on vocals.
  18. WITCHMYERS
    Oct 5, 2020
    3
    A long, boring album with romantic themes and empty samples that work best on another song. At least Christmas remains
  19. marcusrafaelft
    Oct 7, 2020
    10
    Great songs from start to finish, it's a really interesting listen as the album showcase her musical evolution throughtout the years. As a fan it is a unique experience to listen to those gems that never got released, to be able feel a little more of each era of her career, and even though those are unreleased songs they are quality ones and you can see she put her hearth in all of them.Great songs from start to finish, it's a really interesting listen as the album showcase her musical evolution throughtout the years. As a fan it is a unique experience to listen to those gems that never got released, to be able feel a little more of each era of her career, and even though those are unreleased songs they are quality ones and you can see she put her hearth in all of them. No need to talk about Daydream tour, she was on her vocal prime and we are finally getting it on HD quality.… Expand
  20. Haandy
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    A bomba de Loverboy, JLO fez bem em roubar o sample só ajudou melhorar depois
  21. Luis96
    Jun 21, 2022
    10
    A solid body of work that showcases her intelligent songwriting,Her beautiful singing and her prowess in producing.Congratulations Miss Carey.
  22. Hoiskiez
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    Mariah Carey has gone through her vault and had given her die hard fans rare tracks that didn’t make any of the albums, B-Sides which the lambs have always craved for. Also included is the original version of LoverBoy which is the firecracker version. This is largely classic Mariah, her beautiful voice from the early 90s is so puré. This album takes you through a journey from 1990 up untilMariah Carey has gone through her vault and had given her die hard fans rare tracks that didn’t make any of the albums, B-Sides which the lambs have always craved for. Also included is the original version of LoverBoy which is the firecracker version. This is largely classic Mariah, her beautiful voice from the early 90s is so puré. This album takes you through a journey from 1990 up until 2020 with the fantastic Save The Day which features Ms. Lauryn Hill. It’s a must for all Mariah fans! She made it for them! Also included her concert at Tokyo Dome. A brilliant live performance as always.… Expand
  23. ElusiveNoah
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    This is definitely one of her best compilation albums of all time. This compilation album shows that even her hidden tracks can shine bright like a diamond. She's indeed a legend and the Queen of Music.
  24. chandyf
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Captivated by the evolving music styles and impeccable vocals among different eras. Potentials of being singles are seen in several songs, like All I Live For, Cool On You and Mesmerized. The unpredictable gem would be the original version of Loverboy, the duality of two versions released are presented in two favorable music flow, which showcase Mariah's capability in creating masterpieceCaptivated by the evolving music styles and impeccable vocals among different eras. Potentials of being singles are seen in several songs, like All I Live For, Cool On You and Mesmerized. The unpredictable gem would be the original version of Loverboy, the duality of two versions released are presented in two favorable music flow, which showcase Mariah's capability in creating masterpiece as an underrated songwriter. I don't know how it is possible, but anyway, SHE IS REAL!… Expand
  25. Guntur812
    Oct 7, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. so nostalgic, and absolutely awesome. I can hear and enjoy every song, more and more again, every time.… Expand
  26. moonlightb4e
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    Love this album. You can see how her artistry has evolved through the times.
  27. matthewmirliani
    Oct 19, 2020
    10
    Mariah has 19 number one hits to her name (the most of any solo artist) and any of these gems could have been a hit as well. MC is a legend - and this album perfectly maps out her evolution as an artist, vocalist, and songwriter - from her adult contemporary beginnings to her more experimental works in the late 90s and beyond. Not only does Carey impress with her singing ability andMariah has 19 number one hits to her name (the most of any solo artist) and any of these gems could have been a hit as well. MC is a legend - and this album perfectly maps out her evolution as an artist, vocalist, and songwriter - from her adult contemporary beginnings to her more experimental works in the late 90s and beyond. Not only does Carey impress with her singing ability and intimate songwriting, but also with her ability to take command of her art and creativity. You not only hear the evolution of an artist, but the evolution of pop music itself, indicating the breadth of Carey’s influence. While the first half is an illuminating look at the celebrated career, the second half is an engaging time capsule of Carey in the mid-90s, promoting her most critically acclaimed album to date, Daydream. This is an album for fans and but also for anyone studying the history of modern pop music.… Expand
  28. oflo84
    Oct 16, 2020
    8
    This album collects many of the forgotten songs she wrote but never released. Great sound, incredible vocals and a very good albums.
  29. RenzoLamb
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    AMAMOS A LA REINA DE LA MÚSICA Y CREADORA DEL UNIVERSO.
    PD: NOS URGE MESMERIZED COMO SINGLE, AMÉN
  30. blambert04
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is composed of unreleased songs or songs regulated to being bsides on Mariah's singles, and it has no right to be as good as it is. Highlights include Here We Go Around Again, Can Y Hear Me, Do You Think of Me, EFA, All I Live For, One Night, Slipping Away, Out Jere On My Own, the original version of Loverboy, I Pray, Cool On You, Mesmerized, a live rendition of Lullaby of Birdland, and Save The Way.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 12, 2020
    85
    Despite tracks such as “I Pray” and “Save The Day” re-treading the Disney dewiness and naïve optimism of Carey’s earlier ballads, the hardening of the singer’s artistry is palpable across the record.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Oct 9, 2020
    70
    Chronologically sequenced, it presents an alternate, semi-secret MC timeline. It starts with an upbeat Mariah Carey outtake, ends with a 2020 acoustic version of Butterfly track "Close My Eyes," and more importantly contains some prime B-sides.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 5, 2020
    60
    The result: essential listening for members of the Lambily – Carey’s famously loyal fanbase – and an intriguing, sometimes fascinating artefact for everyone else.
    Read full review
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