When I heard of a duet between Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) and Miguel (@MiguelUnlimited), I have to admit that I was not expecting much from the collaboration. Mariah Carey may be the voice of our generation, her whistle register is euphoric, but recent releases have left me semi-deflated from generic mediocrity. Now Miguel is the latest in a line of new wave R&B singers hyped up since 2010, think Gravity, with the sexual charisma of a young Marvin Gaye. A very persuasive friend (@KissMyButtons) texted, tweeted and called me in the span of five minutes to have a listen on SoundCloud, and after much delay I finally gave into peer pressure, and fell in love with #Beautiful.
It’s hard not to
appreciate the elegant and emotional duet, with Mariah’s signature breathier
tones and Miguel’s Prince nuances captivating in a sensual and affectionate
record of the year. Ignore recent dance/electro/pop for this is R&B,
poignant soul from Motown, with a gentle rock riff enhancing the heartfelt
record and understated vibe. Mariah is in complete
control of her remarkable voice, with her spellbindingly sensuous tone in her
runs and virtuous vibrato centre-stage instead of the mind-blowing octave
range, decorated with the seductive lingering of Miguel.
#Beautiful is the breathtaking evolution of Mariah Carey, a dramatic departure from unclassy pop to the captivating current sound of the Diva. The soulful ballad is itself an entrancing collaboration between incredible talents, with an enchanting and earnest delivery from both Ms. Carey and Miguel. I’m glad I give in easily to peer pressure.
5/5
(Y)
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