The singer’s sad farewell to a deceased friend is packaged in a prayer on “Twister” (“Dear God, it’s all so tragic . . . Lord, I pray she’s found some peace”). A makeover of the 1986 Robert Palmer hit “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” finds Carey dashing a dance partner’s hopes for a one-night stand.
Guest appearances by Ludacris, Ja Rule, Da Brat, Nate Dogg and Mystikal send this disc into a predictable tailspin. Profanities pop up. “Don’t Stop (Funkin’ 4 Jamaica),” “Loverboy Remix” and “If We” get smoked by recreational drug use. “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” celebrates ogling women and sipping alcohol. A line on “Reflections (Care Enough)” seems to prefer abortion to emotional abandonment after birth. “Lead the Way,” “Want You,” “All My Life” and “Loverboy Remix” articulate Carey’s sexual desires with lusty, occasionally descriptive language.
Based on this soundtrack, one might think the golden-throated pop star has dreams of becoming Janet Jackson. Carey’s stylistic shift in that direction continues. Meanwhile, her lyrics keep getting racier. Sexual exploits. Mild profanity. Marijuana. Carey lets her guests voice the most troublesome lines, but she’s still ultimately responsible for Glitter’s lack of moral luster.
