If Daydream is Mariah's best, then Butterfly is certainly her most personal. Mariah, for the past six albums, has been hiding
herself behind personas that are so universal that it could easily be you or me. Only in some songs, such as "Looking In," does
Mariah ever dare to bare her true self to us. This time Mariah forgets all about sales and awards and just tries to be herself. As
with Daydream, Mariah sings the songs in her unique way. But whereas Daydream caters to the more mature
adult-contemporary audience, Butterfly targets the younger generation. Mariah proves that you don't have to sacrifice quality
to attain huge sales. "Butterfly," one of the hardest-to-sing songs of all times, reveals Mariah's inner strength during turbulent
times which peaked with her divorce from Tommy Mottola. "The Roof" finally shows the sexier side of Mariah which is so hot
that it burns. "Breakdown's" simple yet personal lyrics easily hit bull's eye, and "Outside" reassures us that though Mariah's
musical ground is shifting she still knows how to sing inspired gospel. If you're looking for the real Mariah though, listen
immediately to "Close my eyes." With lyrics that deal with Mariah's insecurities, pain and hope, one sees Mariah not as a
powerful Pop Diva, but as a vulnerable human being. The same goes for the whole album.
by John Paul Abellera
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