Search - Mariah Carey :: It's Like That 2

Remixes Should Have Gone In a Different Direction

Rudy Palma | NJ | 05/06/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Although these remixes of "It's Like That" are definitely better than any remixes of Mariah's this side of the century (particularly the Charmbracelet-era remixes, which had no rerecorded vocals), they definitely leave a considerable amount to be desired.



David Morales has definitely worked wonders with Mariah's material in the past, but the simple fact is that his present-day efforts leave a great deal to be desired. The entire production of the Club Mix of the track, indeed, sounds a great deal similar to the awesome such mix that Morales did of "Dreamlover" for Mariah back in 1993 - a true signal that he has one foot too many stuck in the past. Most important, it renders hardly half the same listening pleasure.



Meanwhile, the Classic Mix is actually superior in quality, despite the fact that it sounds more similar to the Club Mix than it should, particularly in the first few minutes of the track. The reason it beats the quality of the Club Mix, however, is that the tempo is far more peppy and vibrant, carrying the song along without sounding as awkward as the Club Mix.



The biggest and most important problem with the Morales mixes, however, is the direction with which they take "It's Like That." A sharp track with a defiant, aggressive melody with lyrics to match, the song makes little sense reworked with this perky, fun-loving vibe. The unreleased Pounds Boy Main Mix of the track, which leaked on the internet almost as soon as the single hit radio, preserves the original attitude of the song, and, despite using the original vocals, sounds worlds better than Morales' mixes.



The "Stereo Experience," however, is a totally different deal. A deep, simple house mix moving at a slow-burn pace where her sped-up voice suddenly appears 2 minutes in, letting it stand stark and prominent admist the production, the track serves as a unique treat. The lyrics and their meaning come across best as they possibly can in this light.



It should be noted, however, that the No Rap version sounds almost completely ridiculous without the company of Fat Man Scoop. The worst part is the ending where Mariah belts "here we go now what" all by her lonesome; nothing has ever sounded more awkward. This version is a complete waste of disc space.



The original LP version, of course, is certainly not. Having reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song became her 25th Top 20 hit. The aforementioned Morales mixes, however, currently stand at #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, which will most likely be their peak.



A final note: The fold-out bonus poster that comes with the single is definitely a real treat for the eyes of any red-blooded straight guy. It comes highly recommended that you take a look."