Albums of the Week
Mariah Carey
“Me. I Am Mariah . . . The Elusive Chanteuse”
★★
“Elusive” is just about the right term for Mariah Carey’s 14th album. The Long Island diva covers plenty of bases across this ridiculously titled collection; the opening ballad “Cry” is an early chance to stretch her still remarkable voice, a soft hip-hop beat underscores “Thirsty,” and on the standout track “Meteorite,” she recalls “Off The Wall”-era Michael Jackson for a slick R&B dance cut. But in her desperation to convince us she can straddle genres, many of the songs feel like an afterthought. What’s more, she has fallen into the trap of including her babbling twins Monroe and Moroccan, now 3 years old, on the cringe-worthy “Supernatural.” If it didn’t work for Beyoncé, it’s definitely not going to work for Mariah.
Neil Young
“A Letter Home”
★½
In the latest mildly interesting installment of Neil Young doing whatever the hell he wants, the Canadian has decided to make use of an archaic Voice-O-Graph booth (housed at Jack White’s Third Man Studios in Nashville) to record a collection of covers. The equipment dates from 1947 and gives Young’s already tender versions of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” and Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” an extra level of warmth. But this is ultimately an album that Young has recorded and released purely for his own kicks — and for the entertainment of his hardcore fans. If you don’t fall into that category, then “A Letter Home” is a musical curio at best.
Downloads of the Week
Nicki Minaj
“Pills N Potions”
★★★
The fire-spitting vengeance that made Nicki Minaj so exciting has taken a back seat on her latest single, and it’s not a bad thing. “Pills N Potions” (from her third album, “The Pink Print,” due later in the year) sees the New Yorker turn up the soul and smother her detractors with affection rather than animosity. “I still don’t wish death on ’em/I just reflect on ’em.” A big song with a big heart, and most likely, it’ll be a big hit to boot.
Robin Thicke
“Get Her Back”
★½
It’s hard to equate the guy who sang “Blurred Lines” like a sexual predator with the little lost kitten heard meekly mewing “Get Her Back.” Thicke’s new single is clearly inspired by his separation from Paula Patton, but the wimpy acoustic soul doesn’t leave any kind of emotional impression. If Thicke is hurting, then you wouldn’t think it from listening to this.
Sharon Van Etten
“Your Love Is Killing Me”
★★★
The Brooklyn indie-rock singer’s fourth album, “Are We There,” is clearly informed by heartbreak, and on this sweeping track, she captures her emotions in some beautifully raw lyrics. “Burn my skin so I can’t feel you/Stab my eyes so I can’t see,” she pleads desperately, like a wounded Patti Smith. If you thought the National were downbeat, you ain’t heard nothing yet.
Jurassic 5
“The Way We Do It”
★★½
The LA alt-rappers are the latest to get on the reunion train, and it’s great to have them aboard — if only for nostalgic reasons. Their first new song in 8 years is produced by the late Heavy D, samples the White Stripes and shows the group’s four MCs have maintained their slick, signature interchanges. Hip-hop has moved on, but “The Way We Do It” is reassuringly familiar.