"Almost Home" is a new single released to promote the upcoming Disney film Oz: The Great and Powerful. In addition to the already "great and powerful" promotion Disney is doing for this movie (they want it to be a big hit), they've also roped in megastar Mariah Carey to lend her incomparable vocals to the movie.
When I first heard the announcement of a tie-in single, I immediately thought of the 1990s, when stars would sing big ballads over the end credits of movies (think Celine Dion in Beauty and the Beast and Titanic, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in The Prince of Egypt).
When I heard the single, every Mariah Carey song of the 1990s came back into my head. The inspirational lyrics, the uptempo beat, the mid-range belting, everything. "Almost Home" isn't your big "up the mountain" ballad. It's fast paced, its engaging, it's classic Mariah, and it's actually really good.
The standout of this song is the fact that Mariah returns to her roots- no rappers, no breathy, airy vocals, just her, belting out- and you know what? Turns out she still has that voice! The song starts out solemn, reflective then swells into a bigger something with a beat like that of a heart. "You're almost home, almost home" she sings, reaffirming us with her ever familiar voice. "Open up your eyes and go...you're almost home"
The last minute of any Mariah song is the big "moment", my fellow music fans will agree. "Almost Home" continues the tradition. Mariah sings like nothing else matters, putting her all into the last minute. She doesn't reach into her impossible whistle register, but gives a brilliant and confident performance.
The negatives? I find it hard to relate this song to the movie. Both seem to have different vibes and sensibilities. Sure, one can equate 1939's The Wizard of Oz with the "home" theme, but in the case of Oz: The Great and Powerful, it seems slightly off. Of course, we don't know exactly how the story of the movie will unfold but the song and movie don't seem like they have much in common. Of course, though, we'll be hearing this song play over the end credits, and I trust Disney will make it work (there's a music video coming soon as well).
Last year, her "comeback" song, "Triumphant" wasn't exactly the big return everyone was expecting. It was rushed, embarrassing and a plain mess. With "Almost Home", Mariah Carey returns to remind us what a gifted performer she is and how few can measure up to her. This song recalls Mariah in her 90s glory with a similar beat and structure. This is the comeback she needed.
RATING: ★★★1/2
Mariah Carey's "Almost Home" is now available on iTunes. download here.
Disney's Oz: The Great and Powerful opens in theaters March 8. Keep checking back for the full movie review!
Watch a preview of the upcoming "Almost Home" music video below!