The Bottom Line
This is the 3rd single from Mariah Carey's #1 hit comeback album The Emancipation Of Mimi. It is likely to be at least another top 10 pop hit, but is little more than a pleasant piece of pop fluff. There are better choices for singles still lurking on the album.
Pros
- Engaging light pop
- Positive message about independence
Cons
- Little more than fluff
Description
- 3rd single from 'The Emancipation Of Mimi'
- Co-produced and co-written with Jermaine Dupri
- Louis Vuitton and Calgon product placement
Guide Review - Shake It Off - Mariah Carey
Reportedly, record company brass had already determined that the 3rd single from The Emancipation Of Mimi would be Mariah Carey's duet with Snoop Dogg on "Say Somethin'," one of the best tunes on the entire album. Then Mariah stepped in, put her foot down, and eventually "Shake It Off" became single #3.
While there is nothing offensive in the pleasant piece of pop fluff that is "Shake It Off," it's difficult to make an argument that it's a better radio showcase for Carey's talents than other superior songs on The Emancipation Of Mimi. "Shake It Off" is a simple tale of the need to break free and move forward at the end of a relationship. It's obvious Mariah Carey is singing about a different world than the one inhabited by most of us as she talks about packing up her diamonds and Louis Vuitton.
The Emancipation Of Mimi has now camped out for 3 months in the top 5 of the pop albums chart and sold over 3 million copies. "We Belong Together" remains on the top of the pop singles chart with just a brief interruption for debut singles from this past season's American Idol winners. With this type of clout, it is likely "Shake It Off" will rise quickly on the charts. However, it is unlikely to be one of Mariah Carey's more memorable hits.
