Mariah Carey, Caution | Album Review 💿

Following a rough patch in her career, R&B chanteuse Mariah Carey delivers a tight, comeback LP with Caution that doesn’t disappoint. 

No need for a verbose introduction. Keeping it simple, one of R&B’s most prodigious vocalists, Mariah Carey, is back.  After a rough patch in her illustrious career – specifically the 2010s – Carey returns with her best LP in years, Caution.  After releasing four strong advance singles in✓ “GTFO”,✓ “With You”,  ✓ “The Distance” and ✓ “A No No”, Caution as a whole is a project the diva should feel extremely proud of, particularly this deep into her career.

“GTFO”

“How ‘bout you get the fuck out?” Yup, Mariah Carey made an aggressive return in the ‘coolest’ way possible on ✓ “GTFO”. Clearly a woman scorned, on the first verse, she asserts, “You took my love for granted / You left me lost and disenchanted / Bulldozed my heart as if you planned it.”  On the second, she basically states she should’ve listened to her friends who warned her that her man was no good. Ultimately, all the anger percolates on the explicit chorus. Vocally, she sounds smooth, singing in calm and collected fashion as opposed to belting or opting for extreme high notes.  Sure, “GTFO” fails to reach the high-flying status of her biggest hits in many respects, but it’s ultimately a good fit for Mimi that’s hella enjoyable.

“She was full of such trepidation / There in front of the whole damn nation.” Hmm, definitely one of the more ‘intellectual’ moments that Mariah Carey serves up on ballad ✓ “With You”, surprisingly produced by DJ Mustard. For the majority of “With You,” she doesn’t do anything too ‘crazy’ with her voice.  The melody sits in a comfortable range and register though by the end, there are savvy ad-libs and her signature, playful whistle tones. Perhaps the songwriting yields no ‘award-winning narrative,’ but there’s definitely a sexy vibe. Also, she drops some pop cultural references (Bone Thugs and Usher’s Confessions), which is pretty cool.

“Ooh, shots of Remy
Playing Confessions, and our bodies blendin’
Oooh, I’m in love, it’s true
Yeah, damn, I fucks with you
And we all make mistakes sometimes
But we muddle through
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do (boy)
Oh, baby, I’m in love, it’s true
With you, you, you…”

“Caution”

Title track “Caution” has a truly tough act to follow.  Ultimately, things work out on this sleek, low-key, minor-key record.  For the most part, Carey maintains balance vocally, impressing more with subtlety as opposed to histrionics.  She still shows off her mad skills via ad-libs, an assortment of nuances, and the harmonized moments.

“I ain’t even mad, no, not like befo’ / Off with your head, now slither out the door.” Da-yum! Mariah Carey brings feistiness and ‘that attitude’ to the infectious ✓ “A No No”.  Vocally, she remains locked in, flexing on the rhythmic melodic line. Produced by Shea Taylor, as contemporary as “A No No” is, it also sounds like a throwback to her glory days. The modern piece of the record is the swagger she brings, making it loud and clear that her age is by no hindrance. In regards to form, things are pretty straightforward – verses, choruses, and a bridge, notably performed by Notorious B.I.G., who is sampled here. Ultimately, good stuff.

Carey remains youthful on the super-sleek, synth-driven R&B ballad ✓ “The Distance”, featuring the ever-ubiquitous rapper/singer Ty Dolla $ign. The fast-paced, hip-hop infused melodic lines continue to be Carey’s best friend, while the prize (the voice) remains potent.  Again, she doesn’t do nearly as many vocal aerobics, but her tone remains pure and untouchable. As for Ty Dolla $ign, he doesn’t play a huge role here, but nor does he need to.  It’s neat that his unique vocal ad-libs are used throughout to accentuate the production – almost like an instrument.

“Giving Me Life”

The lengthiest song from Caution arrives via ✓ “Giving Me Life.” Ultimately, the six-minute length ends up being totally unimportant. “Giving Me Life” finds Carey delivering radiant vocals, accompanied by a soulful beat, warm electric piano, and tasteful synths. Her lower register is full and absolutely stunning. Furthermore, Carey is assisted by two superb musicians in their own right – veteran rapper Slick Rick and gifted alternative musician Blood Orange (Dev Hynes).  The results are nothing short of breathtaking, tapping into the Mimi of old.  

“(Oh) Did you like when I put my lips there? / (Oh) ‘Cause I like when you’re kissin’ me everywhere / (Oh) Do you mind if we go back in (Go back in) / One mo’ gen?” If “Giving Me Life” doesn’t ‘give you life’ after listening, perhaps the super sexy ✓ “One Mo’ Gen” should.  Once more, Carey wows with the robustness of the bottom of her voice on the first verse.  Don’t get it twisted though – that mid and upper register arrives in all its glory on the second verse and beyond.  Sexy this joint is, Carey doesn’t overstep any boundaries, keeping things tasteful on this slow-jam.

“8^th Grade” 

Speaking of slow jams, another respectable one follows in “8^th Grade” – Mariah knows where her ‘bread is buttered.’ Like everything that precedes, her tone is on-point, and she doesn’t over-sing. Is “8^th Grade” on the same level as “With You,” the crème de la crème in regards to ballads? Not quite, but another great addition when it’s all said and done. Penultimate record “Stay Long Love You” brings in the final collaborator of Caution, rapper Gunna who brings some ‘stank’ you might say – “I wake up to you in the morning (morning) / And eat that pu**y up for lunch.” Wow (Note: the p-word is ultimately censored). Carey isn’t quite as overt, taking a more flirtatious approach leaving the specifics to the imagination: “You make me, make me wanna / Touch you right there.” We can read between the lines on this sleek, rhythmic, quicker urban contemporary joint. 

“Portrait” concludes Caution fittingly with – wait for it – a ballad.  Again, this is where Mariah Carey is at her best, so, wouldn’t she end this strong outing with a ballad? The backdrop is simply stunning, particularly the piano and backing vocals. Perhaps “Portrait” isn’t the most exciting number from Caution, but it’s definitely among the top three most beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Just to recap, Caution is Mariah Carey’s best album in years. Vocally, she sounds terrific, never forcing things or doing too much. Furthermore, she successfully blends old- and new-school R&B. Are there any gems that match up with her classics? No, but that was never the expectation. Carey proved herself a long time ago and doesn’t have anything left to prove, beyond remaining relevant years beyond her lucrative prime.  At this point, Mimi is running like a ‘well-oiled machine.’

Gems: “GTFO,” “With You,” “A No No,” “The Distance,” “Giving Me Life” & “One Mo’ Gen”

Mariah Carey • Caution • Epic • Release: 11.16.18

Photo Credit: Epic