Emotions (CD - 1991)

Personnel: Mariah Carey (vocals); Michael Landau, Paul Pesco, Cornell Dupree, Vernon "Ice" Black (guitar); George Young, Larry Feldman (tenor saxophone); Lewis Delgatto (baritone saxophone); David Cole (keyboards, vibraphone, drum programming, background vocals); Walter Afanasieff (keyboards, synthesizer bass, drums, percussion, programming); Ren Klyce, Gray Crimelli (Synclavier, programming); Will Lee (bass); Steve Smith (drums); Robert Clivilles (drums, drum programming); Alan Freidman (programming); Trey Lorenz, Patrique McMillan, Cindy Mizelle, Jamillah Muhammad, Deborah Cooper (background vocals).

Producers: Walter Afanasieff, Mariah Carey, David Cole, Robert Clivilles.

Engineers include: Acar S. Key, Bruce Miller, Dana Jon Chappelle.

Personnel: Mariah Carey (vocals, background vocals); Cornell Dupree, Michael Landau, Paul Pesco, Vernon "Ice" Black (guitar); Walter Afanasieff (acoustic guitar, strings, piano, grand piano, organ, keyboards, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, Synclavier, vibraphone, drums, tambourine, percussion, programming); George Young , Lawrence Feldman (tenor saxophone); Louis del Gatto, Lew DelGatto (baritone saxophone); Earl Gardner (trumpet); Keith O'Quinn (trombone); David Cole (keyboards, background vocals); Ren Klyce (synthesizer, Synclavier, programming); Gary Cirimelli (Synclavier, programming); Carl James (bass guitar); Robert Clivillés, Steve Smith (drums); Alan Friedman (programming); Cindy Mizelle, Patrique McMillian, Trey Lorenz (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Dana Jon Chappelle; David Cole; Mariah Carey; Robert Clivillés; Bob Rosa.

Recording information: Axis Studios, New York, NY; Battery Sutdios, New York, NY; Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY; Giant Recording Studios, New York, NY; Right Track Recording, New York, NY; Skywalker Ranch, Marin County, CA; Th e Plant Recording Studio, Sausalito, CA.

Photographer: Phillip Dixon.

Unknown Contributor Role: Gary Cirimelli.

Arrangers: David Cole; Mariah Carey; Robert Clivillés; Walter Afanasieff.

A strong follow-up to Carey's self-titled debut album, Emotions puts to rest any concern of a "sophomore jinx." The same mix of dance/R&B/ballads that gave Carey's debut such tremendous auditory appeal can be found with equal strength on this release, indicating that placing firm belief in the notion of "Why fool with success?" may, in fact, have its merits. Most notably, the gospel influences of "If It's Over" (with music co-written by Carole King), the yearning cries for a lost love in "Can't Let Go," and the catchy, upbeat title track, all serve to send the listener on a musical journey filled with varying emotions. However, the one emotion that prevails upon completion of the album is definitely a positive one - satisfaction! ~ Ashley S. Battel

EMOTIONS, the 1991 chart-topping release from dance/pop chanteuse Mariah Carey, showed the world that she would have no sophomore slump. With her knack for writing hit material, Carey turned out a few smashes off of this release. The title cut was #1 on the Billboard chart for three weeks. Mariah sings her heart out on the power ballad "Can't Let Go," which went to #2 in early '92. Her distinctive multi-octave range allows her to manipulate casual dance/pop melodies, making them soar. minimize