If you’re a fan of MC’s previous albums such as Butterfly, The Emancipation of Mimi and Me I am Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse, then it’s highly likely that you’ll love Caution too!
In terms of production value, lyrics and the number of tracks, I feel Caution does really pack the whole punch! Personally, I found it highly nostalgic, sweet and somewhat light hearted (which I think is what we need, especially during this time of year).
And seriously I couldn’t get enough of the instrumentals.
(And I know I usually don’t do reviews on singers, but I just had to for this one).
Anyways, as always, I will give a brief analysis of each song and highlight my favourite lyrics too!
So let’s get to it!
Personal Favourites: The Distance (feat. Ty Dolla $ign), Caution, Giving Me Life (feat. Slick Rick and Blood Orange) and Portrait
1. GTFO
One of the first promotional tracks off of Caution, “GTFO”, co-produced by Nineteen85 who has also produced Drake’s “Hold On Where Going Home” and “Too Much”, is just one of those tracks that you blast with your girls/guys on a night out to forget about your significant other!
Lyrics are pretty self-explanatory, however I do admire the first verse where she is able to seamlessly rhyme “Caymus bottle” which is a brand of Californian wine with “martyr.”
Might as well down this Caymus bottle
I ain’t the type to play the martyr
2. With You
Another promotional track, With You, produced by DJ Mustard, is highly reminiscent and nostalgic. I particularly admire how she rhymes “trepidation” and “nation” in the first verse.
So they both held tight to face it
There were vows, she was bound to take ’em
She was full of such trepidation
There in front of the whole damn nation
Carey also references how her partner had been loving her since her collaboration with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on “Breakdown” off her 1997 album Butterfly. Another one of my favourite tracks and a must listen if you haven’t heard this song already.
He said, “Yo, I’ve been lovin’ you so long
Ever since that Bone Thugs song
You ain’t gotta break down, you’re too strong”
3. Caution
Co-produced by No ID, “Caution” is smooth, mellow and calming with an addictive backing electric guitar riff.
As the title suggests, this track inspired the name of this album and according to Mariah Carey’s Twitter, this song was the last one she wrote for the album.
4. A No No
Sampling Lil Kim’s “Crush on You (remix)”, “A No No” is a funky, slightly humorous and upbeat track co-produced by Shea Taylor, who has also produced Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” and Beyonce’s “Countdown.”
My favourite lyrics from this track has to be Mariah’s outro where she is saying no to becoming reacquainted with her supposed ex-partner in different languages including Portuguese “não” and Japanese “iie.”
Parlez-vous français? I said no
Lemme translate it, I said no
I can say it in Español
No
(No no no no)
Portuguese for you não
Japanese for you (iie)
5. The Distance (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Who knew Ty Dolla $ign and Mariah would make such a good combo?!!
Another calming and invigorating track co-produced by Skrillex, Poo Bear and Lido where Mariah reminds us of the power of love.
My favourite lyrics have to be from the second verse where she sort of sings quite fast, mimicking a rapping style.
There was no good, having hands out
Trying to diminish me
Boy we stayed up, camping out crowds
In spite of them difficulties
But they can’t, but they can’t, but they can’t
Take away them precious memories (Yeah)
And I won’t, and I won’t, and I won’t
Let ’em come between you and me
6. Giving Me Life (feat. Slick Rick and Blood Orange)
“Giving me Life” is the longest track off the album but this roughly 6-minute song is one of the highlights (in my opinion). Chilled and leisurely, Mariah reminisces on the simplicities of teenage love when she was “seventeen.”
My favourite lyrics are from the first verse where Mariah emphasises the simple yet ultimate indulgence of being able to talk with her partner and fix their “minds on another tangent.”
If you’re so inclined, let’s take a ride tonight
So, then maybe if the stars align
We’ll fix our minds on another tangent
And it’s kinda like impossible to top this at all
7. One Mo’ Gen
Pretty self- explanatory. Fun fact “One Mo’ Gen” is short for One More Again.
8. 8th Grade
An upbeat, pop slow jam co-produced by Timbaland. Mariah reflects on her romantic feelings as an adolescent.
I personally love how she is able to incorporate the word “ambivalent” in the second verse.
I’m a confirmation, should you feel unsure
I’m that security when you’re insecure
I’ll be that baby girl when you’re immature
Don’t be ambivalent towards me
9. Stay Long Love You (feat. Gunna)
A low key, smooth bop co-produced by The Stereotypes. This one is going to blow up soon enough!
10. Portrait
A clear message, piano and vocals, “Portrait” is definitely gonna hit you in the feels. Mariah delves into her personal life and tells us that despite being “desensitized” by everything she has endured in both her musical career and personal life, she is still that “same hopeful child.”
Somewhat desensitized
Still the same hopeful child
Haunted by those severed ties
Pushing past the parasites
Down but not demoralized
A great way to end the album in my opinion!
That’s a wrap for 2018!
As always, if you liked this post, I would love to hear from you!
poetryfiend 