“ Mariah Carey has always been a wonderful singer; and this CD offers us many of her best hits with a few lesser known numbers all on one single CD. The quality of the sound is excellent and I really like the artwork as well. Mariah can take a song and infuse so much energy and emotion into it that you can instinctively tell she possesses a singular talent. This is a great CD for her fans and anyone just getting to know the artistry of Mariah Carey.
"Hero" is a major highlight of this album; Mariah sings this with great sensitivity and I really like "Hero." The music that accompanies her fits in just right with her vocals, too. Then we get "One Sweet Day;" this ballad tugs at my heartstrings whenever I hear it and I could never tire of hearing Mariah sing this--and she gets wonderful help from Boyz II Men. Listen also for "Vision Of Love;" this elegant love song features Mariah squarely front and center--right where she deserves to be! Mariah performs "Vision Of Love" without a superfluous note.
"Love Takes Time" has Mariah singing her heart out; and that's grand. The music fits in perfectly; I love that percussion in particular. "I'll Be There" gets a very tender interpretation from Mariah who aces this seemingly effortlessly. Of course, we know it really wasn't so easy--but Mariah Carey's talent always carries her through. Similarly, Luther Vandross joins Mariah for a sensual duet on "Endless Love;" and "Endless Love" is also another highlight of this CD.
"I Still Believe" is simply awesome to hear; and I really like "When You Believe" which features Whitney Houston singing with Mariah for quite a positive effect. "Anytime You Need A Friend" is a very pretty melody with a very fine choir to backup Mariah--not that she needs backup, but it does sound great. There's also "Always Be My Baby" with its awesome beat; Mariah sings this special type of love song with great finesse and a certain sensitivity that I rarely hear or enjoy.
"Dreamlover" also boasts a great beat as Mariah sings her heart out; she gives blood to make "Dreamlover" a truly wonderful number; and the CD ends strong with Mariah performing "Reflections (Care Enough)." "Reflections (Care Enough)" is a most tender ballad that leaves me wanting more!
Every once in a very long while all the stars in all the heavens align just so--and a true star is born. Such was--and is--the case with Mariah Carey. We are all so much better off for Mariah's sharing her talents with us; she is a special entertainer who has immense promise for the future, too. I highly recommend this album for Mariah's fans; and people who enjoy timeless love songs will not be disappointed.
01. Hero 4:20 02. Vision Of Love 3:30 03. Without You 3:35 04. Always Be My Baby 4:19 05. My All 3:52 06. How Much (feat. Usher) 3:30 07. Dreamlover 3:54 08. Thank God I Found You (Make It Last Remix) feat. Nas & Joe 5:10 09. The Roof 5:15 10. One Sweet Day (with Boyz II Men) 4:43 11. Anytime You Need A Friend 4:27 12. I'll Be There (feat. Trey Lorenz) 4:44 13. I Still Believe 3:56 14. Reflections 3:22 15. Open Arms 3:30 16. Against All Odds (feat. Westlife) 3:27 17. Endless Love (with Luther Vandross) 4:21 18. All I Want For Christmas Is You (Bonus Track) 4:02