ALBUM REVIEW: MARIAH THE SCIENTIST SHARES LOVE'S DEPTHS IN 'TO BE EATEN ALIVE'
BY: JESSE ZAPATERO
Mariah The Scientist's latest album, "To Be Eaten Alive," marks a notable shift in her DISCOGRAPHY, delving into themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. While the album contains moments that might feel slightly rushed and tested in terms of songwriting, it's clear that Mariah's solo performances are where she truly shines as an artist.
"To Be Eaten Alive" opens on a high note with "Heaven Is A Place On Earth," a title that aptly reflects the central themes of love and home, two concepts that carry significant weight in Mariah The Scientist's life, particularly concerning her relationship with Young Thug. The production of the album often strikes a balance between being minimalistic and creating an echoing backdrop for Mariah's solo verses, which effectively enhances the emotional depth of her personal recordings.
One distinct aspect of this album is its predominant focus on love. While love is a central theme, Mariah does take a slight detour with "From A Woman," a track that explores empowerment within the context of romantic relationships. However, beyond this detour, the album doesn't always manage to capture the cadence and elegant worldview found in her previous works. Some tracks may feel somewhat mundane, lacking the descriptive elements that could elevate them beyond mere emotional expressions.
The production of "To Be Eaten Alive" is a fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop elements, which effectively complements Mariah's vocals. The minimalist drum patterns intertwine with the subdued synths, strings, and other percussion elements, enhancing the overall listening experience. However, there are moments when the album's potential isn't fully realized, primarily due to some weak features from artists like Vory and 21 Savage. For example, Vory's appearance in "40 Days n' 40 Nights" may feel bland and fail to maintain the allure established by Mariah the Scientist. Similarly, when they collaborate for a duet, the chemistry doesn't reach its full potential. In contrast, Young Thug's presence on the final track, "Ride," breathes life into the album with a fantastic performance that blends harmoniously with Mariah's melodic vocals.
In comparing "To Be Eaten Alive" to Mariah The Scientist's previous work, like "RY RY World," it becomes apparent that this latest project represents her growth as an artist. Mariah's voice, combined with her knack for choosing the right beats, ensures that the album maintains a continuous flow that keeps listeners engaged. Despite moments of monotony, there's enough in the album to keep existing fans engaged, even if it may not surpass the heights of her previous project.
My personal favorite track on the album, "Out of Luck" stands as a prime example of Mariah The Scientist's ability to experiment and innovate. In collaboration with producer KAYTRANADA, she delivers an infectious, uptempo track that deviates from her typical alternative R&B style. While the song conveys Mariah's plea for her significant other to rescue their faltering relationship, it's the experimental beat that captivates, serving as a testament to the potential for more collaborations between Mariah The Scientist and KAYTRANADA in the future.
"To Be Eaten Alive" is a significant addition to Mariah The Scientist's discography, indicating her artistic evolution and emotional depth. While not every track hits the mark, there are enough compelling moments to make it worth a listen for fans and newcomers alike. This album allows Mariah to break away from the confines of being solely labeled as an R&B artist and explore new musical directions, thereby showcasing her growth as an artist and her potential for even more groundbreaking work in the future.
