What's Your Favorite Album(so far) of 2008?

I'm not really feeling any album more than Mariah's latest, E=MC2. I admit I'm a huge Mimi fan, but I don't always die over her albums. I wasn't really on The Emancipation of Mimi like it seemed everyone else was. I honestly can't stand "We Belong Together." I know it won a Grammy, but I just think it's generic and not a very good song. It's beneath her, as far as I'm concerned. Other songs on that one really grew on me after a while of listening to it over and over. It just wasn't an instant classic in my book.

However, E=MC2, is all classic Mariah Carey with a modern spin. The title definitely describes the music- she is a more mature Mimi than on the last one. It's a step beyond what she did before but has that same vibe. There are ballads, sexy R&B, joints with a hip-hop feel and even one with a Reggae twist. The whole compilation flows from start to finish.

I love them all, but the standouts are the first track "Migrate" featuring T-Pain, "Cruise Control" featuring Damian Marley, "Love Story," "Thanx for Nothin'" and "I Wish You Well."

"Migrate" is a crazy, sexy, cool joint about hitting up the clubs with her girls. T-Pain adds his signature style but in a classier-than-usual way. I can't stand him but actually appreciate his addition to the song. I will definitely turn this up when I'm on my way into the city for some summer fun! The next one with a sick beat is "Cruise Control." Mimi does her thing for real with the reggae vibe. I was pleasantly surprised at how well she pulls it off. This will probably have a cute video attached to it.

The next track I like is "Thanx for Nothin." Definitely reminiscent of "Shake it Off" but a tad slower. We all know Mariah likes to sing about no-good dudes that have broken her heart. This is no different but rings so true for so many women. Her lyrics are on point with this one.

The ballads are all about her showcasing her God-given talent. She teams up with JD again on the beautiful "Love Story." It is so pretty and has such a catchy refrain. "I Wish You Well" touched me deeply when I first heard it. She has such insight into letting those who have hurt you go but wanting only the best for them anyway. It's cuts like this one that make me yearn for her to put out a gospel album one day very soon. This is Mimi in her best form.