The Verdict

Although Christmas is her season, Mariah Carey is not content to rely on festive fun. The diva has always been in the pop culture conversation, but 15th album Caution reminds you that the real draw with Mimi is the music.

Released just as ‘All Want For Christmas (Is You)’ takes hold, Caution is a sleek R&B record that suggests Mariah hasn’t lost any of her musical chops. Tracks like ‘The Distance’ show that Mariah can effortlessly work with producers like Skrillex without losing her signature style, while ‘Giving Me Life’ makes a strong case for Blood Orange and Mariah to work on a full-length album together. The stirring ‘Portrait’ is an introspective ballad that is classic Mariah, while the sprightly ‘A No No’ is a reminder of her considerable skill at knocking out a pop banger. At just ten songs Caution flits between a series of moods and give fans everything they could want. It’s an excellent reminder of why Mariah Carey continues to endure.