Mariah Carey returns with Here for It All after seven years showcasing fresh sound and standout tracks

Mariah Carey has released her long-awaited 16th studio album, Here for It All, marking her first new project since 2018’s Caution. The album, which dropped on September 26, 2025, showcases both the playful and vulnerable sides of the pop icon.

The opening track, Mi, sets the tone with Carey’s signature wit, as she sings about wealth, luxury, and resilience. Throughout the record, she shifts between sharp assertiveness—seen in Type Dangerous, where she calls out untrustworthy partners—and heartfelt encouragement, as heard in the title track, where she pledges support with the lyric, “I won’t let you break when you fall.”

Carey collaborated closely with Anderson .Paak, who infused the album with fresh sonic textures. Their work is most notable on Play This Song, which channels the soulful energy of The Stylistics while blending .Paak’s Silk Sonic influences. This partnership expands Carey’s sound while retaining her distinct blend of R&B, pop, and soul.

The album also features standout moments that highlight Carey’s versatility. I Won’t Allow It delivers a disco-inspired groove reminiscent of roller rink anthems, while My Love, a cover of Paul McCartney & Wings’ 1973 ballad, showcases her ability to reinterpret classics. Despite a slightly heavy production, Carey’s voice rises above, shimmering as the instrumentation fades to strings.

The closing track, Here for It All, is a sweeping, six-minute ballad that evolves into a spiritual meditation. Starting with delicate piano chords, the piece transitions into a rhythmic coda where Carey incorporates words of praise, reminding listeners of the power and range of her five-octave voice.

At 56, Carey continues to push her artistry forward, proving that even after three decades in music, her voice and vision remain timeless