Release date: September 29, 2009
Record label: Island
Official Web site: http://www.mariahcarey.com/

The buzz: For her 12th album, Carey puts herself in the hands of a team including hit-makers Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, composers and producers of her 2008 hit “Touch My Body” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” The build-up to its release was led by an uncharacteristic first single, “Obsessed,” which many perceive to be a blatant stab at rapper Eminem.

The verdict: Carey continues the aggression with songs like “Up Out My Face” and “H.A.T.E.U.,” but her feminine tone belies the teddy bear underneath. Tricky Stewart and The-Dream keep her firmly in the urban space she has seemed most comfortable with in recent years. That said, Mrs. Nick Cannon still has those moments where she’s sing-rapping like she’s a lost member of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. But it’s kinda cute.

Did you know? Eminem responded to the song and video for “Obsessed” with “Warning,” a scathing diss track that revealed way too much information about Em’s alleged lack of sexual stamina with Carey.