Iconic throwback: Mariah Carey - Butterfly... 1997
Mariah Carey's "Butterfly" is one of her sultriest and classiest albums in her catalog. This is a true work of art, a beautiful concept album at its best. Everything about this album is perfect. From the lyrics to the music to the production. It is hands-down Mariah's best work.
Following a difficult marriage and painful divorce, Mariah digs much deeper than ever before, uncovering personal layers of herself listeners never would have imagined. The album doesn't dwell on the bitterness of the divorce, but rather salvages the memories of the relationship. Songs like "My All", "The Roof", "Breakdown", and the title track reflect upon lost love, expresses the personal agony of ending a relationship and recall bittersweet memories of past relationships.
Although some of the aftershocks of her break-up with Tommy Mattola are evident in "Butterfly", the record does not focus solely on the topic. The album also consists of catchy, ear-candy tunes ("Honey", "Babydoll"), well-crafted love ballads ("Fourth of July", "Whenever You Call"), and beautiful personal reflections on life (the closing number "Outside", and the exceptional "Close My Eyes").
The musicality of the album is top-notch. Each song is very distinct from the rest, leaving the listener with a different feel for each track. Mariah also leaves behind a good bit of the pop dance and ballads of her earlier career and ventures into the R&B territory, a place she had been wanting to explore years prior to this release. The result is beyond satisfactory. A smooth, more dynamic artist is born, and success is written all over this move. The music of this album is pure ear candy. But that's definitely not the only reason this album remains so superb. (Toya'z World)
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