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
  31. Poncho_feel
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. All I Live For, One Night, Loverboy (Firecracker), Cool On You, Mesmerized hinos… Expand
  32. KevinGC16
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    Amas a una reina que adora a sus fans y le da lo mejor de ella para apreciarlo, diosa
  33. georgianaeliza
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    Muito bom o álbum, uma obra muito lírica, muito coeso, no lirismo muito suave, um tom suave das melodias, as musicas trazidas muita nostagia.
  34. gr4ndi
    Nov 7, 2020
    10
    such a great album, waiting to hear more from mimi and also waiting for her new xmas collaboration with ariana and jennifer!!
  35. jmlee
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Making a compilation of song that are not released or as part of B side is great. I'm loving the songs here with the Daydream tour in Tokyo Dome.

    I really love the original lover boy and good thing that Mariah released it as rub on Tommy Mattolas face    … Expand
  36. Jaysalinas
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THE RARITIES contiene canción que pudieron ser muy buenos éxitos. Me encantó por completo el álbum… Expand
  37. Ehsankho
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album starts with Here We Go Around Again which is a great uptempo song. Can you hear me, the second song is an amazing piano ballad and filled with heartfelt lyric. Do you think of Me and Everything Fades away are a song we've heard before and we WILL listen to it again because it was just that good. All I live for is also one of the most amazing cut on the album. Definitely a must listen and the merging of 1993 and 2020 vocal is genius. One night is a cute song with a storyline and a great beat. Definitely something we'll heard on the radio in '95. Slipping away is one of Mariahs most amazing songs of all time so need I say more? Out here on my own, a cover song of the amazing, Irene Cara from the movie Fame. It has a positive message and definitely what a lot of people need to hear. The loverboy (firecracker version), is also amazing and such a shame that it can't be used because of certain someone sabotaging her career at that point. I pray is also an amazing song that was sung by Paul Robbins. It's great to hear her own version of the song in the album. Cool on you is definitely up there on the best song on the album. It has an amazing beat and definitely fun to sing to. Mesmerized is a personal fave from the album for me. I'm not sure what I like about the song but it's an ear candy. Her rendition of Lullaby of Birdland is just amazing and proves that we need to hear more of Jazz-riah!!! Her new song, Save The Day feat Ms Lauryn Hill, sampled a song called "Killing me Softly" by the fugees. It definitely has a positive message and an eye opener that we're all in this world together so we're going to have to work together to Save The Day!

    Overall: It's an amazing album full of bops and amazing unreleased songs. Will definitely give it a listen again!!!    … Expand
  38. Dairek
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Amazing new unheard songs in love with Here we go around again !!! Great album 30 years later dahhhling
  39. Lucas34
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Achei todas as musicas maravilhosas,principalmennte "Can You Hear Me" e "All l Live For ".
  40. landmiller
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Perfeito, como sempre, Mariah Carey servindo músicas ecléticas e de qualidade e ainda traz ótimos covers. O Disco 2 traz os vocais da lenda ao vivo, então nem preciso acrescentar mais nada.
  41. Jprosetsk
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mariah delivers again ! What a gem ! Can t stop playing those 90 jams over and over again. A must get for anyone wanting to go back to the 90s and never come back from them… Expand
  42. HugoEstanislau
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Achei que o álbum seria mais um compilado das mesmas músicas de sempre, mas, quase por sorte, são músicas escolhidas com sentido e propósito e versões que deviam ver a luz a muito tempo.
  43. Ang12
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    the sounds are as good as the lyrics and also the concert in impeccable presentation all the songs are wonderful one night the beginning is spectacular
  44. JMazz
    Oct 7, 2020
    10
    Mariah definitely has some number one hits on this album. The music is incredible and the lyrics are heart felt. I'm in love with this album and hope to see it top the charts!
  45. Vonn
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    Phenomenal album from the one and only Songbird Supreme that serves as a celebration of her illustrious career.
  46. Ygor1
    Oct 29, 2020
    9
    Uma das melhores coisas já lançada esse ano, a Mariah vem com um gosto de nostalgia, esse album é perfeito e não peca nenhum momento
  47. at99
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    Timeless classics by a Timeless legend! The songbird supreme strikes again - very nostalgic feel to these songs
  48. iamtaiti
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nostalgic! Many of the songs would be a smash if they were released at the time that they were supposed to. Congratulations Mariah… Expand
  49. lilysorbet
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Mariah totally save 2020
  50. vinicius13
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    album perfeito onde mostra o potencial vocal da mariahzinha e o quão foda ela é
  51. MaxFarell
    Aug 22, 2021
    9
    A compilation album exclusively for the Lambily… The highly anticipated unreleased songs from the Songbird Supreme. Hopefully there will be a volume 2 because there still a lot to be heard dahhling.
  52. farhanam0703
    Nov 15, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The 32 tracks compilation album contains several unreleased songs from 1990-2020. Songs from scrapped album cuts, B-sides, live performances, original version with different sampling, and a re-recoded tracks. I praised Mariah which eventually released the original version of “Loverboy” with Firecracker samples, as a “clap back” for her longtime feud with actress/entertainer Jennifer Lopez and Tommy Mottola, former chairman CEO of Sony Music. Unfortunately, “The Rarities” lacks of post 2000s unreleased tracks such as “There For Me” which appear on “Never Too Far/Hero Medley” physical single, “When I Feel It”, the fan favorite “Imperfect” which a scrapped tracks from “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” and “Why You Mad”, the remix of her 2015 single “Infinity”. Nevertheless, she puts “Mariah Carey : Live in Tokyo Dome 1996” as a part of “Daydream Tour in Japan” to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of her Diamond album “Daydream” in same date with this compilation album was released.… Expand
  53. LestrangeLeo
    Nov 28, 2022
    10
    nejwjejejejejejej de um amigo que vc tem um pouco de luz àfrente no seu coração se eu for
  54. Elgaboo
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    it's a **** masterpiece it totally represents what Mariah is from the first album till now
  55. AliCautiion
    Mar 23, 2023
    10
    Um álbum feito para só fãs e entrega tudo o que eles querem! Gostei muito das live perfomances e da maioria dos descartes, não sei por que descartou certas músicas.
  56. vinidornellas
    May 29, 2023
    10
    Uma das melhores coisas lançadas durante a pandemia. Sou viciado em One Night e em Mesmerized até hoje.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »