| Wednesday 24 November 1993 |
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Mariah Carey
The full-court marketing press of Mariah Carey continues with this Thanksgiving Day special, a superficial hourlong glance into the singer's background supported by a soundtrack of top tracks from her last two albums. Fans who were unable to attend Carey's sold-out performance Tuesday at the Universal Ampitheatre will be able to catch the diminutive diva's act during this pleasurable but ultimately uninteresting special. The program is no doubt designed to reach fans whose towns are not on the singer's first brief tour.
Most viewers should find something to like in this promotional excursion that incorporates concert performances with interviews of Carey, and informational tidbits about her rise in the music business. Industry insiders may tune in just to get a glimpse of the singer's digs in upstate New York - the house that Sony built - where Carey and her husband, Sony Music topper Tommy Mottola, spend their off-duty hours.
Expectedly Carey hits all her chart-toppers (and the respective high notes within) while backed by a musical contingent that's a who's who of session veterans. Led by noted record producer Walter Afansieff, who is perhaps best known as the chief architect behind Michael Bolton, the band at times outshines the artist. Carey's performance often has the air of a "Star Search" female vocalist competition audition, with over-the-top gestures and high notes that are met with huge applause.
But despite the controlled environment, Carey appears unsure of herself. The primarily static performance gives way to perfunctory readings, in virtual note-for-note regurgitations of her radio staples. Seemingly forced dance steps by Carey and a segment using buffed hip-hop dancers are among the show's several creative downfalls. (Variety)
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