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This extremely impressive debut is replete with smooth-sounding ballads and uplifting dance/R&B cuts. Carey convincingly seizes many opportunities to display her incredible vocal range on such memorable tracks as the popular "Vision of Love" (featured during her television debut on The Arsenio Hall Show, an appearance noted by many as her formal introduction to stardom), the energetic "Someday," and the moody sounds of the hidden treasure "Vanishing." With this collection of songs acting as a springboard for future successes, Carey establishes a strong standard of comparison for other breakthrough artists of this genre.

I don't trust you music fan (who rated just 1 star), but I trust every people who think this music is great.


In the beginning, she was very good.   April 25, 2000
 37 out of 45 found this review helpful

Hard to believe the amount of heart and craft that went into this album. Mariah Carey circa 1990 was a more naive, more reserved artist who started off on the right foot, delving into musical genres that best suited her bombastic technique.

And the smash debut album was the result. "Vision of Love"'s unorthodox slow waltz was unique in 1990, known as an "unsingable" song, but somehow sounding like vintage radio material when married to Carey's mature-beyond-her-years voice. "Love Takes Time" was an absolute pop classic -- sure, it's the usual keyboard arrangements, but that chorus (with its killer ending line) is instantly catchy. "There's Got to Be a Way" remains Carey's best up-tempo song, with Ric Wake's crisp, rock-edged production and a gospel choir adding punch and credibility. Whenever Carey gets instrumental support that can rival the power of her voice, she succeeds in spades. Hence the low-lit, drop-dead gorgeous "I Don't Wanna Cry" (one of the few songs in the Carey catalogue that doesn't overflaunt her vocal range), the pounding piano of "Vanishing", and the quietly pleading "Alone in Love". This album was criticized for being a little too slick, too polished in sound and arrangement, but in the long run, I think it was the best partner to Carey's vocal style and influences, an elegant backdrop that adds class to the bombast.

Eventually Carey's music would follow the trends and sink into the wasteland of leaden synth beats, unmemorable and sloppily written songs filled with samples and guest stars, and hip-hop beats which jar with Carey's vocals. But I still play this album while Butterfly, Daydream and Rainbow sank without a trace after a spin or two. Not only does it stand as a time capsule reminding me of my own growing up, but it's better music than Carey's produced in the last half decade, and one of the most impressive debuts of the '90s.


Vision of love, and a voice to match   October 1, 2003
 34 out of 37 found this review helpful

Mariah Carey. Yes, I remember 1990, when her debut album appeared and went multi-platinum. A full decade before hip-hop and guest rappers sprouted like duckweed on her albums. And before she did the ritual cover song per album, not that I mind that, as long as it's done properly. She was a breath of fresh air while I was at college. And that piercing high note she hit didn't annoy me at all. I was enthralled.

From the moment I heard the opening majestic keyboard, I waited with baited breath, wondering what the deal was with "Vision Of Love", and when I heard that voice, a rich, soulful vocal that could reach gospel-like power, I instantly stopped wondering. And how ironic that a religious song like this could spend weeks atop a normally secular chart. People were apparently attuned to the chorus and her voice.

Mariah then tackles poverty in America and apartheid in South Africa in the soulful but danceable "There's Got To Be A Way", which calls for "We Are The World"-type compassion and change initiated by human unity. That gospel-like backing vocals enhance this song, which could've been a single if not for the serious message.

"I Don't Wanna Cry" will make you cry if it hits you in the right frame, namely a blue heart. "I know we swore it was forever/but it hurts too much to stay around" she sings with poignant resignation. That sultry whisper and lowered register on the final title lyric was brought to my attention by Eric Andrews, my colleague extraordinaire, for which I say thank you once again. Yes, it is, isn't it?

The engaging R&B dance number "Someday" was the current single played before I finally decided to take a risk and get this album. Janet Jackson or Taylor Dayne could NOT make this song theirs. It's Mariah's fair and square.

Then, three wonderful songs that really showcase Mariah's vocals. The piano ballad "Vanishing" gradually builds up in tempo to become another gospelish song, with that famous Mariah-high note at one part. "All In Your Mind" is in the same vein, and is an affirmation of love and that any misgivings is all in... well. When she sings "You'll feel my emotions if you look in my eyes", given how she looks, I'll believe it.

"Alone In Love" makes my heart sigh whenever I hear it. Another song that could've been a single, she makes this tender song of being lonely and lost twice over. Gosh, "slowly fall apart without you/cry away the hours/'till the morning light"... where are those pills again?

A brief rock guitar intro sort of close to Eddie Van Halen opens "You Need Me" and it is heard after the bridge. Nile Rodgers, definitely. She is more assertive in this song, addressed to a soulmate: "Baby, you can turn around and leave/but I know that you'll keep coming right back to me." That's followed by "Sent From Up Above", which comes close to filler, but has a sitar-sounding synth.

The upbeat "Prisoner" is a Taylor Dayne-type song--heck, even Rich Tancredi does keyboards here--and is another assertive song, where she sings "I won't be a prisoner of your love."

Mariah is tearfully kicking herself in "Love Takes Time" after treating a loved one wrong. A Whitney-type song of how it takes a long time for healing, there's a ray of hope, however dim, in the bridge, where she sings her lungs out:

Even with the Bodyguard coming out two years later, it was clear that Whitney Houston was being eclipsed by this newcomer. Indeed, when their duet "When You Believe" came out in 1999, guess whose voice I loved better? I simply adore the ballads better, but the whole album's got a consistent sound of rich R&B/gospel/pop hybrid that just comes together, thanks to Rich Tancredi's keyboards, and arrangements by Ben Margulies and Walter Afanasieff.


No Filler Here - Best Mariah Album   January 1, 2006
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Along with Emotions & her Unplugged album, this is the best in my opinion. Every song is good and there's no filler. You can listen to the whole album without having to touch your skip button. This was a more innocent Mariah with heartfelt and sassy lyrics. Her influences are apparant; there's a lot of gospel/r&b/soul influences throughout. I recommend this album. If you're hesitating to buy it, don't. You'll be more than satisfied with it. (Get Emotions & her Unplugged Album also)

Vision Of Love - When I listen to this song I always forget that it's from 1990. I never get sick of hearing it and it sounds so fresh and new even today, unlike some of the other songs on the album that sound dated (for example, All In Your Mind) - not that that's a bad thing, but it makes this song interesting in particular because it's timeless. It's a great song & her first single ever/first #1 ever.

There's Got To Be A Way - A good song, but the message is a bit serious for my taste. That doesn't take away from the fact that it's a good song though.

I Don't Wanna Cry - The vocals are beautiful on this one, and it has beautiful lyrics, but it's a bit long and repetitive after awhile.

Someday - I adore this song. So great. It's so catchy and has some empowering lyrics. It's a fun song to sing while in the car.

Vanishing - This is the most raw and least-produced sounding on the album. It almost sounds like it could have been live. A gospelish song that Mariah produced herself. It sounds like it meant a lot to her & that makes it all the more beautiful. It's a moody song that makes you think, and the vocals are gorgeous.

All In Your Mind - A mellow poppy song. It sounds like a run of the mill song until the reggae-breakdown that is simply amazing. She really sounds like she was having a lot of fun. In my opinion, the whistle register featured here is the best use I've heard her use it for in a song.

Alone In Love - I enjoy this song. It could have easily been a single. It's a slow ballad and a bit reminisent of Love Takes Time.

You Need Me - The same sassy feel as Someday & Prisoner. This song is so catchy & fun. Another fun one for singing in the car. Has a mild rock feel to it.

Sent From Up Above - Some people think this song is simply filler, but I think it's beautiful and catchy. She doesn't oversing at all on this one, it's more of a soft song, like something you'd listen to while taking a relaxing bubble bath.

Prisoner - Awesome. A bit like Someday, and I think I might like this one even better. It's catchy and has amazing lyrics. People are being so cruel about the rapping featured in this song. It's the fun care-free cheesy rap from the 80's and early 90's that makes you feel good. I'd much rather this than her guest hip hop rappers she now has on her albums.

Love Takes Time - Everyone seems to love this song, but personally it doesn't stand out to me as great or amazing. It's a bit boring and run of the mill in my opinion. It doesn't sound to me like she's feeling what she's singing. I prefer Alone In Love to this song, but it's by no means a bad song. It's a good ballad but I think it's a bit boring and predictable. It sounds a bit rushed also.

All in all, this album is great and I think Vision Of Love was ahead of its time. There is no bad song on this album & I don't get sick of this album ever.


A Decade Later...Still Her Best   May 20, 2000
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Mariah Carey's debut album will definitely go down as one of the classic albums of all time, and is still my favorite of all her releases. As with many artists' debut albums, Mariah displays her raw talent and hunger for success, more so than on later efforts. Maybe this is due to the fact that she is now established and can "experiment" more with her voice. But that inital breakthrough is sometimes the best example of an artists vocal abilities, which I think is the case with Mariah.

From the now-legendary first hit "Vision of Love" to less heard songs like "Vanishing" and "Alone In Love", this album has stood the test of time and some songs are still being played on the radio. She even raps on "Prisoner" for heaven's sake! The girl did it ALL on her debut!

Perhaps the most astounding fact of all is that she had written virtually every song on this album as a teenager! Take current teen acts from Britney Spears to Christina Aguilera to all of the boy groups - as talented as they may or may not be, they did not write their own material for the most part, let alone their whole album! I think in the past decade we have been hearing the voice and songs of a musical genius in Mariah Carey, and her debut album marks the beginning of her successful career. A masterpiece!