Mariah Carey has returned, and she is ‘Here For It All.’

The legendary diva has unlocked her 16th studio album, which notably serves as her first LP in seven years.

For many, the project has been worth the wait.

With a pen game that is quite literally immortalized in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Mimi fuses her unique lyricism with lush production courtesy of The Stereotypes, Anderson. Paak, HARV, and Daniel Moore.

As one of music’s most revered and highly decorated artists of all time, how does the icon’s latest offering stack up?

Join us after the jump as we tally our five favorite tracks from ‘Here For It All’….

Here For It All

Across the length and breadth of Mimi’s promotional run for the album, she has signified the ‘Here For It All’ title track as her favorite song on the set. And, at first listen, it’s instantly understandable why.

Serving as the LP’s concluding cut, there’s an undeniable save-the-best-til-last motif at play.

Clocking in at almost seven minutes, the song installs itself in the upper echelon of Carey’s iconic catalog.

Effectively functioning as several tracks in one, it delivers the vocal fireworks that the superstar is most renowned for, while piercing with its vast lyrical subject matter. A must-hear!

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Play This Song (ft. Anderson . Paak)

Carey rides this butter-smooth production with ease and showcases astute vocal chemistry with its producer. Paak, who joins her on this lush jam.

Serviced as the project’s focus track upon release, it’s easy to understand why.

Laced with unforgettable melodies, rousing retro-flavored production, and Silk Sonic sensibilities, this stands tall as one of the album’s most single-worthy moments.

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I Won’t Allow It

For us, here at TGJ, this funky cut serves as the sophisticated sister of ‘E=MC2’ bop, ‘I’m That Chick.’

Rich, creamy, robust production, courtesy of  Anderson .Paak, is complimented by Mimi’s sassy declaration of what she is not tolerating from a love that is now in the rearview.

Dually fresh and nostalgic, we have this on repeat.

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Confetti & Champagne

Laidback in the best way, this breezy bop pours out one of the most sonically pleasing moments on the album, from a production standpoint.

A toast to moving on, this hypnotic track, helmed by HARV, is mobilized by Carey in her underrated middle register, which she garnishes with flutters of falsetto.

This gem would be at home on the ‘Butterfly’ album, yet it boasts a contemporary cool that makes it a sweet treat in the here and now.

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Sugar Sweet (ft. Kehlani & Shenseea)

In today’s streaming climate, when new albums drop with an avalanche of unheard material, there tends to be the puzzling practice of relegating the pre-released singles to the back of the classroom.

However, for us, the delicious ‘Sugar Sweet’ tastes even better in the context of its housing LP.

Its seductive, summery shimmer shines even more within the album as a body of work and functions as one of its most mesmerizing moments.

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TGJ’s Take

A fitting follow-up to 2018’s ‘Caution,’ ‘Here For It All’ proves that Mariah Carey can still be just as potent in a more relaxed sonic pocket.

The vocal theatrics are used sparingly and, in doing so, allow other corners of her iconic five-octave range to shine in their own right. Where present, the pyrotechnics elevate the offering in earnest.

Do you agree with our picks? What do you think of ‘Here For It All’? As ever, let us know…

Your thoughts?

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