Pop Perspective: Mariah Carey’s “Infinity” Reviewed By Each Of Idolator’s Editors
At Idolator, the editors share a passion for high-quality pop. Occasionally, our tastes align. Other times, not so much! So, in the spirit of debate, we’ve developed a recurring feature called Pop Perspective. Basically, all of us dissect a particularly noteworthy pop event, and give it a rating out of 10.
That way you’re getting a full spectrum of views and we can all vent. (It’s cheaper than therapy!) The latest pop milestone to be dragged under the Idolator microscope is Mariah Carey’s much-anticipated new single “Infinity.” Is it a worthy addition to a compilation boasting 18 number one hits, or a recycled bop from the enduring diva’s last album? See our thoughts below.
Robbie Daw — 5/10
I really want Mariah to win when all is said and done, following this super floptastic phase she’s been going through for the past six years. Alas, I don’t know if “Infinity” is going to be the song that returns her to former glory.
Here are the issues: The pacing of “Infinity” is set to High Snooze; it sounds easily like it could have been a leftover from last year’s pleasant yet commercially disastrous Me. I Am Mariah album; and the whole thing has way too many not-nearly-as-good echoes of Carey’s 2005 comeback smash “We Belong Together.”
Lyrically, some of her tell-offs are comical here. But musically, we’ve heard this one before from Mariah. Roll on the true Mimi 3.0, with a whole new sound, dahling.
Bianca Gracie — 6/10
At this point, everyone knows that Mariah Carey is the ultimate diva as well as a legendary singer. But I think with her latest releases, she has been relying too much on her clout to carry on her name instead of providing us with fresh music.
In order to “keep up with the girls” so to speak, you have to draw influences from what’s occurring in music now and combine that with what people have come to love you for (see: Madonna). But along with Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse, “Infinity” fails to live up to that.
For one, the mix of the record is terrible. You would think recent career moves like signing to Epic Records would give MC more of an edge, but that apparently wasn’t the case. Her usually crystal-clear vocals are lost in the hazy production instead of being in the forefront like they’re supposed to, and her classic falsettos sound grating to the ears instead of being bird-like.
Also, I’m getting tired of the slower mid-tempos. I’d like for her to try out more bangers with a thumping bass (something like 2009’s “Obsessed.” It may not have been a bop for some, but it was definitely one for me).
We all know that Mariah is better than this. Let’s hope this new era will be a refresher for her.
Mike Wass — 10/10
I can not believe the heresy and lies I just read. There’s nothing mediocre about “Infinity.” The chorus was lodged in my brain after the second listen — along with the Lamb Whisperer’s iconic reads (“boy you actin’ so corny like Fritos”) and pet-deafening vocal runs.
I could clock the MIAM shade and hilarious reference to Mariah’s burnt-out rival (where is Rebel Heart on the charts?) but I’m just going to enjoy Mimi’s latest and pray for my colleagues. To quote the Queen of Octaves herself: “They can say anything they want to say, try to bring me down but I will not allow anyone to succeed hanging clouds over me!”
IDOLATOR SCORE: 21/30
What would you give “Infinity” out of 10? Let us know in the comments below.
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