Single Review: Mariah's new hashtagged song is sweet & sexy

Mariah Carey's ability to take us into a journey with her soulful, flawless voice is in full display with a new song called "#Beautiful." She is known for her trademark high notes (and those notes were in full display in this new joint) but she proves she doesn't even have to sing in her upper register to give us something.

Infused with fresh sound from rising star Miguel, "#Beautiful" is a throwback, mid-tempo love song that features sexy words that come alive with two of the most celebrated voices in the industry--one of a diva's that has become the most recognizable in the world and another of an emerging vocalist's hungry for due recognition.

In the track (which, in less than 24 hours has hit #1 in 14 iTunes stores in the world), Miguel takes the first verse and chorus while Mariah coos here and there in the background. But when it was Mariah's turn, a minute and half into it, the listener is reminded who is boss.

But it really isn't about showing the world she can still sing (we already know that). Mariah herself, in an interview, said the song is bigger than her or their collaboration. It's about exploring a new musical direction for her upcoming album (which drops sometime in June or July).

"#Beautiful" is one of those rare songs that pleases both critics and fans alike. When the song became available for streaming (around 7pm, Manila time), lambs the world over campaigned aggresively to spread the word. As a result, Mariah trended worldwide for hours.

Many critics have branded the track as the "Song of the Summer." Many fans are calling it a "return to form" for the beloved diva.

The best part of the song for us here at TWIST is when Mariah sings "Oh, it's beautiful / You make me feel undressable." Trust Mimi to coin her own words and put them to good use--grammatically correct or not! The line "I don't care / Take me anywhere", on the other hand, reminds us of "Dreamlover."

Admittedly, it isn't a song that gave Mariah the chance to show us her full capacity as a vocalist. But then again, she is more than being a singer. She actually writes, composes, and produces her own stuff. Now that's a diva!

With the restrain that Mariah showed in this song, "#Beautiful" became more relatable--people can actually sing to it. Then there's Miguel whose freshness and goodwill has clearly affected (in a good way) Mimi's image.

While we didn't hear Mariah for a good third of the song, we must say we're pleased to get a proper duet from the songstress,who has been juggling her time serving as judge on "American Idol", finishing the album, shutting down Disneyland to celebrate her 5th wedding anniversary with husband Nick Cannon, and taking care of her 2-year-old twins Roc & Roe.

Said producer Jeff Cifra of the song: "The harmonies are amazing. She does it spot on, in the proper places, without drowning the music and the arrangement. The contrast of her Soprano and Alto is mind-blowing--but is still relaxed. Nothing was forced."

For lambs obsessed with the technicality of Mariah's voice, here's a treat for you: Mariah sang in a perfect 4 Octave Range (B2-B6), according to Cifra.

Yes, we also think the song was too short. We could have used 10 more seconds. But the fact that we're left craving for more should be considered a good thing. After all, we only want more of the things we love, right?

Obviously, we want more Mimi. And that's what the upcoming album is for. "#Beautiful" is the delicious appetizer. The upcoming album is the full 5-course meal. Yum!

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