If you thought Mariah Carey’s voice was manufactured, listen to this unplugged version of hers and you will change your mind. By the time she made her mark on MTV Unplugged, she was already a multi-platinum-selling artist who owned the charts, but didn't command much respect because no one had ever seen her perform live.

This set of 7 tracks get turned up beautifully into one compact album, where Carey alone headlines the scene in this live setting, The pop chanteuse who is still making music, (though we cannot compared her recent work which is pretty low key with her first few albums), gives her very best on this live recording. "Unplugged" serves as a fine document of Carey's raw talent.

Carey first kicks off with the piano tinged Emotions, and then charges into the sublime If It's Over, which is extremely impressive, live. Her vocals are far more heartfelt; and the live setting allows the song a lot more room to breathe. Someday has a choral arrangement that backs her on the highs and is a great mix. Her first ever career making single Vision of Love, which Carey humorously introduces on the record as "my first single...ever" and laughs is a volcanic piece of work. She hits the highs effortlessly and manages to strike a strong bond once again as when you listened to her back in the early 90s. She surely gives you the goose bumps as she croons on the final notes on a pitch you just cannot miss.

The semi-autobiographical Make It Happen is fun and Carey is so impressive that you might want to listen to this version, than the album single. This version outshines her earlier work and is more jazzy and upbeat. It’s very upbeat and inspirational like it's supposed to be. Probably better than the original. Vocally it's great and outshines the original version from the album hands down. Then comes the massive cover of The Jackson Five I'll Be There, featuring her long-time friend and musical confidant Trey Lorenz. Carey and Lorenz give you a spine-tinglingly spectacular performance of the song.

The LP closes with Can't Let Go, which is a very fine way to end such a good album. Certainly you can’t let go of Carey, not only she is a great singer, but you can feel her presence all over, for you are sure to lip sync a few of the songs moments after you lift the arm off this wonderful record.

Rating: ****

Original Release Date: June 2, 1992

Label: Columbia Records

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira