Mariah Carey, The Rarities | Album Review 💿

Mariah Carey may not ‘move the needle’ with The Rarities, but she definitely reminds us why she’s been a force for three decades.

30 years into her career, Mariah Carey has nothing more to prove – FACTS! The prodigious-voiced Grammy-winner has been a force in the music industry, particularly during her heyday, the 90s.  That said, Mimi would have a fine resurgence mid-aughts, further padding a truly illustrious catalogue and discography. Of course, alongside releasing numerous albums and singles, there are The Rarities, unreleased songs that are certainly worth being released and better yet, heard by devoted Carey Stans. The Rarities won’t ‘move the needle’ on the R&B chanteuse, but it certainly reminds us why she’s been that ‘force to be reckoned with’ within the music industry. 

Mariah Carey certainly gives us a heaping dose of B-sides – understatement! There is no way that you leave The Rarities hungry for music, that’s for sure! Approaching two-and-a-half hours in duration, and comprised of 32 songs, The Rarities is tailor-made for picking and choosing your favorite rarities.  That said, it’s also tailor-made for streaming, presuming the Carey base will consume it at a viable clip.  So, what’s the best way to analyze and review a compilation like this? Basically, moments that are ear-catching and emulate the classics or show the diva in a captivating light.

“Here We Go Again”  

Despite the fact that Carey asserts, “The end of that was…iffy,” opener ✅ “Here We Go Again (1990)” is a compelling rarity that dates back to 1990.  This is a record that certainly sounds like the time it originated from – starkly different from the contemporary landscape of 2020. That said, Mariah sounds young, energetic, and clearly, a burgeoning superstar.  She remains firmly planted in the 90s for the nuanced balladry of “Can You Hear Me (1991),” accompanied by digital piano.  Ballads are where her bread is buttered and “Can You Hear Me” is no exception.  Again, it sounds totally characteristic of its time, perfectly fitting the adult contemporary mode.

✅ “Everything Fades Away (1993),” the fourth track, has an argument for the crowning achievement of The Rarities.  Once again, it’s a ballad, so we know that Carey is automatic in that scenario.  Her vocal control is fantastic, but so are those ad-libs, particularly as “Everything Fades Away” progresses.  Throw in choral moments, and Mariah ‘takes us to church.’ Speaking of church, 10^th track ✅ “I Pray (2005)” definitely has fans longing for a contemporary gospel album diva, who clearly has the chops to elevate the spirit.

Fifth track, “All I Live for (1993)” definitely sounds very New Jack Swing, a dominant R&B movement in the early 90s.  Even so, it’s still satisfying in the groove, voice, and songwriting department – that chorus is potent! Follow-up “One Night (1995)” deceives, suggesting we’ve got another soulful, gospel-tinged ballad on hand. Soon enough, the record transforms into a quicker, funkier contemporary R&B joint.

“Out Here on My Own (2000)” 

“Out Here on My Own” is an Academy award nominated Best Original Song (1980) from the movie, Fame, originally performed by Irene Cara. ✅  “Out Here on My Own (2000)” certainly continues Carey’s success within The Rarities. Initially anchored by piano accompaniment, the production grows fuller with the addition of strings. Likewise, her vocals grow more assertive and powerful. She does a nice job throughout, never forcing things, but always channeling the right emotions and hitting all the right notes. For those unfamiliar with “Out Here on My Own” beforehand, she does a fine job making it sound ‘brand-new’ even if it is four decades old.

“Cool on You” is an interesting track, hailing from her E=MC² era. There’s definitely an infectious vibe, catchy lyrics, and ample attitude from Mariah Carey. Intended for E=MC², apparently, “Cool on You” was lost. Recollecting E=MC², I can see why this might’ve made the album as well as why it might’ve ultimately been omitted, even if it hadn’t ended up lost. Nonetheless, another winning addition to The Rarities.  The more surprising rare gem is  ✅ “Lullaby of Birdland (Live) [2014],” where Carey stuns with her jazzy vocals on this American standard.  It’s uncharacteristic moments like these that truly showcase the versatility of an icon like Carey is.

“Save the Day”

Earlier, I asserted “Everything Fades Away (1993)” has an argument for the crowning achievement. That is still the case, but the best record is undoubtedly ✅  “Save the Day (2020)”, period. Save The Day” not only has one legendary musician, but two: Ms. Lauryn Hill. Hill arrives via sampling – “Killing Me Softly” (Fugees).  While it’s not a traditional, brand-new duet, the way that the sample is wove in is utterly brilliant. Elements of the remake of an iconic classic shine through “Save the Day” consistently. This definitely allows the record to hearken back to Mariah Carey’s own heyday, the 90s, where the majority of her classics can be found. Carey sounds incredibly strong throughout “Save the Day,” the biggest takeaway. This recording doesn’t play it conservative – we get her full range from the lows to those soaring, dynamic highs.

Live Cuts

With the first half of The Rarities being ‘rarities’ newer to the listeners, the second half focuses on live performances of some of her beloved hits. Such hits aren’t limited to originals, but also covers like “Open Arms” and “Without You.” The general takeaway is just how effective Carey is performing live – a real singer’s singer in essence.  A prime example is the top rate ✅ “Emotions (Live at the Tokyo Dome,” which shows off Mariah’s otherworldly whistle register. Rundown tracks 16 through 32, and you have a one-stop shop for all of your favorites, delivered gorgeously.  Those include ✅  “Always Be My Baby” (#22), ✅ “One Sweet Day” (#23), “Vision of Love” (#29), “Hero” (#30) and of course, “All I Want for Christmas is You” (#32).

Final Thoughts

More often than not, you can’t go wrong with compilations.  That’s the case with The Rarities, which has plenty of decadent goodness for fans of Mariah Carey to eat up.  We get oldies but newbies with the actual rarities, and we also get fabulous live performances of fan favorites from the 90s.  While we should never discourage a musician of Carey’s caliber to release new music, it’s her classics – particularly from the 90s – where she shines brightest.  What better way to celebrate three decades than The Rarities? Not only should Mimi be proud, but fans should be ecstatic for this 32-track gift.

✅ Gems: “Here We Go Again (1990),” “Everything Fades Away (1993),” “Out Here on My Own (2000),” “I Pray (2007),” “Lullaby of Birdland (Live),” “Save the Day (2020),” “Emotions (Live at the Tokyo Dome),” “Always Be My Baby (Live at the Tokyo Dome),” “One Sweet Day (Live at the Tokyo Dome)”

Mariah Carey • The Rarities • Columbia • Release: 10.2.20

Photo Credit: Columbia