Inside Mariah Carey’s ‘Caution’: A Track-by-Track Breakdown and Performance Analysis
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the iconic Mariah Carey revealed exciting news for her fans: she’s working on new material for her upcoming album. As anticipation builds for what promises to be another landmark in her illustrious career, it’s an opportune moment to revisit her last studio album, “Caution,” released in November 2018. This deep dive will explore how “Caution” fared in terms of chart performance, sales, certifications, streaming figures, and offer a detailed song-by-song breakdown.
How ‘Caution’ Became Mariah Carey’s Eighteenth Top-Ten Album in the U.S.
“Caution,” Mariah Carey’s fifteenth studio album, debuted to critical acclaim but moderate commercial success. Upon its release, the album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, marking Carey’s eighteenth top-ten album in the United States. This placement underscored her enduring popularity and relevance in the contemporary music scene, almost 30 years after her debut.
In its first week, “Caution” sold 51,000 album-equivalent units, with 43,000 being pure album sales. This performance highlighted a strong debut, especially in an era where streaming heavily influences chart positions. The album’s critical reception, coupled with Carey’s promotional efforts, undoubtedly contributed to its impressive first-week numbers. Additionally, “Caution” debuted at number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, her eighth number-one album on the chart, and number one on the US Top R&B Albums chart, becoming her second number-one album on that chart. Carey became the first artist in history to replace herself at number one on the Top R&B Albums chart, with “Caution” placing at number eight while her holiday album, “Merry Christmas,” reached the top spot.
Outside the US, the album debuted and peaked at number 40 on the UK Albums Chart and became Carey’s tenth number-one album on the UK R&B Albums chart. It replaced Eminem’s “Kamikaze” for one week before being overtaken by the same album. On Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart, it entered and peaked at number 15 and reached the top-twenty in Canada, Croatia, and Spain; the top-thirty in Japan, Greece, and Portugal; and the top-forty in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Worldwide equivalent album sales for “Caution” are currently around 404,000 copies based on available data.
@entertainmenttonight Mariah Carey gives an update on her new music 👏 #mariahcarey ♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight
Critical Acclaim for Mariah Carey’s ‘Caution’: A Metascore of 82
“Caution” was lauded by critics for its cohesive production, contemporary sound, and Carey’s vocal prowess. The album received a Metacritic score of 82, indicating “universal acclaim,” which became the highest Metascore for any of Carey’s albums. Critics praised the album for its fresh yet familiar sound, blending modern R&B with Carey’s signature vocal style. The New York Times described “Caution” as “a meticulously made album that sounds both modern and distinctly Mariah.” Rolling Stone highlighted Carey’s ability to “balance nostalgia and innovation,” while Pitchfork commended her for “delivering one of the best albums of her career.”
The album’s reception across various media outlets further underscored its success. Maura Johnston from Pitchfork felt that the record represented a “celebration of the ultimate-diva status” of Carey’s brand of music. Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone summarized the record as being “pure hip-hop-leaning pop bliss,” praising Carey’s ability to deliver “an honest album, full of truths” through a “slow-burning R&B sound.” Andy Kellman of AllMusic noted that the album’s themes of “flirtatious enticement, celebration, reminiscence, perseverance, rejection” were “highly energized.” MusicOMH gave it a five-star rating, stating, “[Carey] is vulnerable and tentative, yet honest and hopeful about embarking on a new journey.” Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic remarked that the album “shores up the idea of Carey the wit, the craftswoman, and the game player.”
“Caution” also appeared on several year-end lists, solidifying its critical acclaim. Bianca Gracie from Billboard stated that the record signposted Carey as “a crafty songwriter and inimitable singer.” Ranking atop Paper magazine’s year-end list, Michael Love Michael commented on the significance of “Caution’s” “tales of passion and peace” in a “politically fraught 2018,” describing its ability to “resonate with women everywhere” through “the graceful pain of lived experience” as “a quiet, but nonetheless radical beauty.” At the end of 2019, “Caution” appeared on Rated R&B’s “50 Best R&B Albums of the Decade (2010s)” list, underscoring its lasting impact and the widespread recognition of its artistic merit.
Song-by-Song Breakdown
1. GTFO
The opening track, “GTFO,” establishes the album’s tone with its sultry production and straightforward lyrics. Produced by Nineteen85, the song features airy synths and a relaxed beat, which perfectly complement Carey’s dismissive yet playful vocal delivery. “GTFO” received praise for its contemporary sound, making a bold statement of independence. Released as the album’s first teaser, the track was accompanied by a seductive music video showcasing Mariah at her sexiest. The video has garnered 12 million views on YouTube, while the song has accumulated nearly 24 million streams on Spotify, making it the album’s second highest-streamed track.
2. With You
The album’s lead single, “With You,” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Carey’s vocal range and emotional depth. Co-written and produced by DJ Mustard, the track features a minimalist piano arrangement that allows Carey’s voice to take center stage. “With You” received positive reviews for its simplicity and sincerity. The music video includes several iconic shots, such as the Golden Era woman-on-the-floor pose and scenes of Mariah driving a convertible, despite her admitting she hasn’t driven for years due to not renewing her license. With her financial status, she hardly needs to. The video has already amassed 15 million views on YouTube, while Spotify streams stand at 20 million.
3. Caution
The title track, “Caution,” is a mid-tempo R&B song with a hypnotic beat and smooth melodies. Produced by No I.D., the song features lyrics warning a lover to proceed with caution. Its catchy chorus and sophisticated production make it a standout on the album. Despite not being released as a single, “Caution” has amassed an impressive 17 million streams on Spotify alone, showcasing its popularity and potential for single status.
4. A No No
“A No No” is an uptempo anthem brimming with a funky beat and a sassy attitude. Sampling Lil’ Kim’s “Crush on You,” the song boasts bold lyrics and a confident vocal performance from Carey. Its infectious energy quickly made “A No No” a fan favorite and a highlight of the album. The vibrant music video, featuring Mariah in a subway adorned with lively “Caution” colors, is nearing 10 million views on YouTube. On Spotify, the song stands out as the album’s most streamed track, with 25 million streams. And with remixes featuring Shawni and Stefflon Don, there’s plenty of versions to choose from.
5. The Distance (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, “The Distance” is an uplifting track about overcoming relationship obstacles. Produced by Skrillex and Poo Bear, the song combines contemporary production with an inspiring message. Carey’s and Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals blend seamlessly, resulting in a feel-good anthem. The lyrics appear to hint at the start of her journey with Bryan Tanaka, though this may be coincidental. With 14 million streams on Spotify, the song stands out as a favorite from the “Caution” album.
6. Giving Me Life (feat. Slick Rick and Blood Orange)
One of the album’s most ambitious tracks, “Giving Me Life,” is a six-minute opus featuring Slick Rick and Blood Orange. Produced by Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), the song is a moody, atmospheric piece that delves into themes of desire and introspection. Carey’s haunting vocals combined with the song’s intricate production make it a standout moment on the album. With references to Barbra Streisand’s “Evergreen” and an intro from Eddie Murphy’s 1983 film “Trading Places,” this unique Mariah track has earned 11 million streams on Spotify alone.
7. One Mo’ Gen
“One Mo’ Gen” is a smooth, seductive track with a laid-back groove. Produced by Lido, the song features lush instrumentation and Carey’s sultry vocals. Its intimate lyrics and mellow vibe make it a perfect addition to the album’s diverse soundscape. While it may not be every fan’s favorite, it stands out as a highlight for us. For those curious about the title, “One Mo’ Gen” means “one more time” or “one more again,” as we discovered from the urban dictionary. The context in which it’s used, well, that’s up to your imagination.
8. 8th Grade
Produced by Timbaland, “8th Grade” is a nostalgic track that reflects on young love and the complexities of growing up. The song’s atmospheric production and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, showcasing Carey’s ability to craft relatable and emotionally charged music. Mariah, who often quips that she is “eternally 12,” fittingly captures the themes of adolescent love in this song. With 8 million streams on Spotify, “8th Grade” has clearly struck a chord with her audience.
9. Stay Long Love You (feat. Gunna)
Featuring rapper Gunna, “Stay Long Love You” is a flirtatious track that stands out with its bouncy beat and playful energy. Produced by Nineteen85 and Murda Beatz, the song seamlessly blends contemporary hip-hop elements with Carey’s signature vocal style, creating a modern yet distinctly Mariah sound. Gunna’s feature adds a fresh and dynamic layer to the track, making it a memorable collaboration. The infectious rhythm and catchy hook make “Stay Long Love You” an engaging and vibrant addition to the album, showcasing Carey’s versatility and ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music landscape. With its flirtatious lyrics and upbeat tempo, the song captures the essence of fun and romance, further enriching the diverse soundscape of “Caution.”
10. Portrait
Closing the album on a reflective note, “Portrait” is a poignant ballad that delves into themes of self-exploration and resilience. Produced by Carey and John McClain, the song features a stripped-down arrangement that highlights Carey’s emotive vocals, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through. “Portrait” serves as a fitting conclusion to an album that balances vulnerability and strength, encapsulating the essence of Carey’s personal and artistic struggles. Initially one of the album’s lowest daily streamers, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity following Mariah’s recent “Portrait of a Portrait” Audible episode, which featured additional remixes. This renewed interest has propelled the song to reach the 5 million stream mark on Spotify, demonstrating its lasting impact and the deep connection it has forged with listeners.
BONUS: Runway
“Runway,” a bonus track on the album, beautifully encapsulates themes of freedom and self-discovery. Produced by Carey and Lido, the song features an uplifting melody and inspirational lyrics, showcasing Carey’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery. Notably, “Runway” samples Mariah’s own “Butterfly” anthem, with the pitched and looped sections adding a nostalgic yet fresh element to the track. With its airy synths and driving beat, “Runway” adds an extra layer of dynamism to the album, serving as a motivational anthem for listeners.
Despite its strong appeal, “Runway” has yet to reach one million streams on Spotify. This is primarily because the song was initially only available in Japan and was made available worldwide only recently. Speaking of Japan, the version featuring Kohh is out there somewhere…
Mariah Carey’s “Caution” stands as a testament to her enduring artistry and ability to evolve with the times. The album’s chart performance, critical acclaim, and strong streaming numbers underscore its success and impact. Each track on “Caution” showcases Carey’s versatility, blending contemporary sounds with her timeless vocal prowess.
As fans eagerly await her upcoming album, “Caution” serves as a reminder of Carey’s ability to deliver fresh, relevant music while staying true to her roots. The album’s cohesive production, heartfelt lyrics, and memorable melodies ensure its place as a standout entry in Carey’s illustrious discography. Remarkably, even after more than 30 years in the industry, Carey continues to maintain significant relevance and impressive numbers.
The anticipation for her new album is palpable, with fans hoping it will bring even more powerful and innovative music. Given Carey’s track record and the high bar set by “Caution,” expectations are justifiably high for another landmark release in her storied career.
