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THE REVIEW
"Butterfly" is the sixth studio album by Mariah Carey, released in 1997.
It was Mariah's first album recorded after her divorce from Tommy Mottola (Puff Daddy also collaborated on the recordings). Mariah considered the album to be "ahead of its time".
Rolling Stone reviewed Butterfly with three out of five stars; and described it as "a transitional work" for Carey. On the other hand, All Music awarded it four out of five stars, calling it "one of the singer's best albums, able to refine and blend her music like few others in the nineties".
The album is also on the list of "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". According to the RIAA, Butterfly has sold around 15 million copies worldwide, with 5 million in the United States alone.
Due to the multitude of producers who worked on the album, Butterfly features very varied tracks. It ranges from the R&B rhythms of Honey, to the Latin guitars of My All, from the house rhythms of Fly Away [Butterfly Reprise], to pop/gospel ballads like Butterfly. Breakdown, Babydoll, The Roof are a preview of what Mariah Carey has become today.
Among the ballads to mention the splendid My All (#1 in the USA along with Honey); in which Mariah Carey showcases her vocal talents, reaching her lowest note ever recorded; low C (C2). Butterfly is one of the most beautiful, crafted, and complete tracks on the album. R&B rhythms, a gospel choir in the background, a piano, and Mariah's fantastic voice.
Whenever You Call is a return to the past, reminiscent of Without You and When You Believe.
The most interesting track is certainly Fly Away [Butterfly Reprise]; a definitely successful and bold experiment to be part of a Carey CD.
To definitely remove is The Beautiful Ones (Prince), an almost useless track on an album like Butterfly, with an absurd length of 7 minutes.
Butterfly is a CD to have; there's something for everyone (even too much). An album to listen to at any time of the day and light to digest (for a Maiala CD).
"Honey" (Carey, Sean Combs, Kamaal Fareed, Steven Jordan, Stephen Hague, Bobby Robinson, Ronald Larkins, Larry Price, Malcolm McLaren)
"Butterfly" (Carey, Walter Afanasieff)
"My All" (Carey, Afanasieff)
"The Roof" (Carey, Jean Claude Oliver, Samuel Barnes, Cory Rooney, Albert Johnson, Kejuan Waliek Muchita)
"Fourth of July" (Carey, Afanasieff)
"Breakdown" (Carey, Anthony Henderson, Charles Scruggs, Stevie J.)
"Babydoll" (Carey, Missy Elliott, Rooney, Stevie J.)
"Close My Eyes" (Carey, Afanasieff)
"Whenever You Call" (Carey, Afanasieff)
"Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)" (Carey, David Morales)
"The Beautiful Ones" (featuring Dru Hill) (Prince)
"Outside" (Carey, Afanasieff)
Rating: 3 out of 5
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Summary by Bot
Butterfly, Mariah Carey's sixth studio album, marks a significant transition after her divorce, blending diverse genres like R&B, pop, and gospel. Featuring standout hits such as Honey and My All, it showcases her vocal depth and experimental production choices. Critics have mixed views but acknowledge its importance in her discography. Selling over 15 million copies worldwide, it's a must-have for fans and 90s music lovers.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter and producer who debuted in 1990 with Vision of Love. Known for a five-octave range and whistle register, she dominated 1990s pop with albums like Music Box and Daydream, then shifted toward contemporary R&B with Butterfly. After setbacks around Glitter/Charmbracelet, she staged a major comeback with 2005’s The Emancipation of Mimi; her holiday staple All I Want for Christmas Is You remains a perennial hit.07 Reviews
Other reviews
By Darius
Butterfly, in particular, is considered by the author herself as the personal "magnum opus" of her career, a genuine turning point, a bridge between the hyper-sweetened past of orchestral ballads and the mischievous future of hip hop.
My indifference towards the haughty "doll", the incurable and untouchable extravagant diva, has somewhat softened into a faint curiosity.
