Vegas residencies, Christmas tours and specials, and a proliferation of archival releases ensured
Mariah Carey
's presence throughout the seven years that passed between
Caution
and the comparatively uneven
Here for It All
. Considering the extended album drought,
is surprisingly concise like
, though the number of directions it takes is reminiscent of the singer's hourlong statements.
Carey
doesn't hold back on flashing her diva status, spelling it out on a frothy opener in which "I don't acknowledge time" is expressed with a new reedy quality she balances out with fuller-voiced flourishes. Other moments of self-glorification alternate with a crop of oft-bitter relationship songs -- for which
's occasional rasp is well-suited -- and a couple spiritual testimonies. Three songs about affairs of the heart involve
Anderson .Paak
as featured artist or co-producer, and they're all throwbacks. Two are in misty
Silk Sonic
mode with strong evocations of early-'70s soul, though
Paak
tamps down his histrionics on the duet "Play This Song," while in the regretful "In Your Feelings,"
delivers the first line of the chorus with unparalleled finesse, and no winks are detected. "I Won't Allow It," the third one, is three minutes of saucy disco-funk bliss. For "Play This Song" and five other tracks,
taps longtime keyboardist and musical director
Daniel Moore II
as co-producer. Those songs range from the nostalgic hip-hop soul of "Type Dangerous" (based on
Eric B. & Rakim
's "Eric B. Is President," and consequently rooted in
Fonda Rae
's "Over Like a Fat Rat") to a straightforward reading of
Paul
and
Linda McCartney
's "My Love." There's also a triumphant tearjerker and a jubilant
Clark Sisters
collaboration that recalls the great gospel vocal group's late-'70s/early-'80s era. Last but not least is the title song, a band-driven love ballad that begins somewhat sleepily but unspools like shimmering ribbon for
to belt out, soar, praise, and find just enough space to put that trademark whistle register to use. ~ Andy Kellman