Although I really enjoy Mariah the Scientist’s vocals, ‘Hearts Sold Separately’ did not hit me the same way her past albums did. The album is good, her voice is beautiful, the production is smooth, and a few songs stood out, but I had higher expectations going into it. For me, nothing on this project has topped her 2023 album ‘To Be Eaten Alive’. That album felt more complete and emotionally powerful, while ‘Hearts Sold Separately’ feels lighter and not as impactful.
Here are some tracks that I genuinely enjoyed:
● “Is It a Crime” (feat. Kali Uchis): This was the standout for me. I loved how Mariah’s soft vocals blended with Kali’s dreamy tone. It created a song that felt effortless but still emotional. It’s one of those tracks that I can play on repeat without getting tired of it.
● “Burning Blue”: I liked this one because it gave the album more energy. It’s catchy and upbeat compared to the slower songs, and it stuck with me after the first listen. It’s the kind of track that balances the mood of the album and makes it feel less heavy.
● “Sacrifice”: I liked how honest and raw the lyrics were. The song talks about the effort and compromise love takes, and I connected with that message. Even though it’s slower, it sets the emotional tone for the entire project really well.
‘Hearts Sold Separately’ is still a solid album, and I respect Mariah for staying true to her sound but compared to her past work, this one didn’t move me as much. I’ll definitely keep songs such as “Is It a Crime,” “Burning Blue,” and “Sacrifice” in my rotation, but as a whole, the album didn’t live up to her normal standard.
