LP, Reissue, Remastered
Columbia (2020) EU
Mariah Carey's sixth studio album, Butterfly, contains hip hop, urban adult contemporary, as well as softer and more contemporary melodies. Since she worked with such producers as Sean 'Puffy' Combs, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott and the Trackmasters, the album deviated from the contemporary sound of her previous albums.
Carey's vocals are sultrier and more controlled than ever, and that helps 'Butterfly,' 'Break Down,' 'Babydoll,' and the Prince cover, 'The Beautiful Ones,' rank among her best; also, the ballads do have a stronger urban feel than before. Even though Butterfly doesn't have as many strong singles as Daydream, it's one of her best records, illustrating that Carey is continuing to improve and refine her music, which makes her a rarity among her '90s peers. - AllMusic