(typing noises) Dangerous
[Video]
[5.75]
Claire Davidson: Now this is what I call a comeback single: from the moment that razor-sharp bassline begins, complete with more imposing low-end knocks, Mariah Carey announces her presence without saying a word. What she does have to say is a riot, though—her first verse expertly balances classy effervescence with hilarious bravado, as she calls out detractors she meets in a bathroom “who don’t know the meaning of water nor soap,” just another fixture in her day of “signing autographs and such.” “Type Dangerous” is more a song about Carey’s own superstar posture than her attraction to supposedly dangerous guys, the likes of whom aren’t even mentioned until the second verse and even then only seem to serve as cautionary tales. Still, the breezy hook exudes enough knowing sensuality to make the case for a more low-key flirtation.
[7]
Mark Sinker: Obviously Mariah remains forever a goddess who can do no wrong. Also obviously, this isn’t very good (it’s funny because it’s so not true, but it still isn’t very good). Less obviously – no one but me could know this — it totally reminds me of a 2000s song, possibly VERY BIG AND FAMOUS, that I have not yet identified.
[5]
Alfred Soto: Only the Eric B & Rakim sample would alert the curious about the author, never mind singer — her voice has never sounded this crinkle-free.
[5]
William John: Mariah’s penchant for introducing new and unusual vocabulary into the Genius.com annals is one of the most thrilling aspects of her artistry (this time it’s “rigmarole”), as is her writing just in general; the second verse here is such a delicious excoriation of lovers past. It’s a shame that adventurousness doesn’t quite transfer across to the melody; the inelastic, schoolyard-rhyme style of the verses is perfunctory in comparison to the pleasures she offered to us on late-period (and most recent!) masterwork Caution.
[6]
Taylor Alatorre: The Anderson .Paak demo would almost certainly get a higher score from me. In this form, though, “Type Dangerous” is just too much empty-calorie self-stanning to do what it wants to do. “Bitch, I’m Mariah” can work wonders as a hook, but on its own it’s not enough to sustain a three-minute runtime.
[4]
Nortey Dowuona: Look, if Rae Khalil likes it, I love it. But Daniel Moore II is on thin ice with me. So is Tobe.
[5]
Julian Axelrod: Mr Beast cameo aside, nothing about “Type Dangerous” suggests Mariah’s courting a new audience: Her palette still consists of ’80s rap samples, SAT vocab words, and allusions to half-remembered beefs. This song is strictly for the Lambs, and it’s refreshing to hear having fun as she reigns over her idiosyncratic corner of the pop universe.
[7]
Katherine St. Asaph: Mariah over Eric B & Rakim, Mariah singing “rigmarole.” Nothing more is actually needed.
[7]