Mariah The Scientist Is A True Lovergirl On ‘HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY’

Mariah The Scientist is taking her spot as one of R&B’s newest princesses. With the success of her hit single “Burning Blue,” which earned her a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, the Atlanta native is entering a new era with her fourth studio album HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY — one that is all about love and vulnerability. 

The album’s theme of fighting for love is intertwined throughout many of the songs, beginning with “Sacrifice,” a dreamy R&B and pop confection about falling in love when you least expect it. “I’m falling / Can’t make it stop now / Evolving from my broken heart / I need someone to help / Tell me I’m falling for someone who saved me from myself,” she sings on the hook. Mariah’s airy falsettos and meaningful lyrics set the mood for the album.

“United Nations + 1000 Ways To Die” follows the opening track with a declaration of what Mariah believes in and wants to see in the world. “The first of creations were day and night / So the Lord said ‘Let there be light’ / And in His image, He gave us life,” she opens the first part of the song, “United Nations.” It’s rare that listeners get such a deep, religious message near the beginning of a modern R&B album, without it being a gospel interlude.

This track explores her faith and the hope she has for world peace, which is fitting for the set’s overall theme and the current global climate. “Where is the love?” she repeats, as a military march is heard in the background. The second part of the song, “1000 Ways To Die,” is about a lover she can’t seem to shake. The catchy hook and relatable lyrics are sure to get you in your feelings. The only thing that would make this double feature better is if they were longer.

Mariah’s poetic lyricism is present throughout the album, but “Eternal Flame” is a standout moment. She reminisces about an old flame who did her wrong, yet there’s a fire that still burns between them. That passion carries over into “Is It A Crime,” the Kali Uchis-featuring second single. The two songstresses sing their hearts out about how they don’t care what other people think about their relationships. The song seamlessly transitions into “Burning Blue,” creating a hypnotic vibe. 

She combines another set of tracks on “All I Want + In Pursuit.” The majority of the track consists of the song “All I Want,” which finds Mariah madly in love and solely focused on her lover. “In Pursuit” is more of an interlude at the track’s end, and she succinctly makes it clear that she’s ready to go to war.

Mariah is a sonic scientist on this project and doesn’t allow genre to confine her. The album is categorized as R&B, but she also explores pop, soft rock and alternative sounds. “More” is a great example of this. It’s a different yet somehow familiar sound for the singer. She’s not afraid to step outside of the box or try new things, which is something she has proven with each project, but especially this one. 

Her pen game is on full display again on “Rainy Days.” Mariah is in her bag and her feels singing about someone who loved her, left her and let her down. The production on “Rainy Days” feels like the title with its twinkling keys, soothing strings and steady beat coming together like a quiet storm. 

“Like You Never” is yet another track about being in love with an earworm of a hook. It definitely has potential to be the next single or maybe even go viral on TikTok. Mariah pours her emotions out once again, keeping us in the same mood she set on the first track. 

The album ends on a heartbroken note with “No More Entertainers.” It takes a turn from the album’s lovey-dovey vibes as Mariah wrestles with her feelings for a toxic lover or an “entertainer” as she calls him. The track’s string outro is an ethereal ending to the song and album.

HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY is an expression and exploration of love according to Mariah The Scientist and gives listeners a glimpse into her heart. After listening to the album, it’s evident that Mariah is a true lovergirl, and for her, love is a battlefield. 

Mariah The Scientist HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]