August 25, 1990

A competent debut which acts more as a showcase for her wonderful voice than for the strength of material which at times is a little dodgy.

August 26, 1990

Newcomer Mariah Carey, blessed with an extraordinary gospel-inflected voice and a wide vocal range, uses her unique gifts to invest each song with gut-wrenching passion.

August 27, 1990

All in all, "Mariah Carey" works thanks to the intrinsic joy of discovering a new voice.

August 31, 1990

The 20-year-old beauty has a pure, practically operatic seven-octave range and sings with a soulful conviction that triumphs over the sometimes too-slick production.

September 7, 1990

It's soul singing that doesn't demand begging for love on bended knees.

September 9, 1990

Overall, it's an impressive debut despite the slickness, promising even better things from Carey in the future.

September 13, 1990

Mariah has a big future ahead of her.

September 15, 1990

The airbrushed gloss provided by her producers leaves her fire burning safely behind a plexiglass shield.

September 23, 1990

Sounds like she's never been outside a studio.

September 23, 1990

If you enjoy soul performed with unmistakable feeling by a vocalist par excellence, this is one album that definitely deserves a listen.