Butterfly

09/16/1997 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
J.R. Reynolds

One of the 1990s' best-selling female artists pushes the envelope on her fourth non-holiday, studio album. Although a pop stamp remains firmly on much of the sexy diva's latest, Carey clearly explores new ground--a move that may prove disconcerting to more conservative fans. However, progressive listeners will find the artist's latest tracks a welcome change of sonic venue.

"Honey," the lead track, skips to beats that include a sample from "The Body Rock" by old-school hip-hop act the Treacherous 3. The infectious midtempo bauble includes a guest rap by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, who also produced the song. Popular hipsters Bone Thugs-N-Harmony chimes soothingly on the spitfire midtempo track "Breakdown." Despite the artist's desire to soar to greater creative heights, Carey remains firmly grounded by longtime writer/producer collaborator Walter Afanasieff on songs such as the album's full-bodied title track and "Fourth Of July," a beautiful ballad that sways with heartfelt emotion.