Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics  Critic score
distribution:   1. Positive: 10 out of 16   2. Negative: 1 out
of 16   1. It might not be as hip as it thinks it is, nor is it
as catchy as it should be, but it's smooth and listenable.   2.
Emancipation works the kind of pure-pop magic that sets us all
free.   4. 80     Sets the gold standard for diva records in
2005. [May 2005, p.118]   5. A set of predictable, plastic,
street-tough R&B jams.   6. Heavy on ballads and midtempo love
songs, it always keeps at least one foot (more often both feet)
planted firmly in comforting old-school diva soul. [15 Apr 2005,
p.76]   7. Her sadly depleted voice is again propped up by
multi-tracking, and the occasional dog-deafening shriek hardly
proves she's recaptured her early acrobatic power. [10 Apr 2005]
8. 'Mimi' manages the unique trick of being self-indulgent
without actually ever sounding much like Mariah. [16 Apr 2005,
p.51]   9. Carey does not completely hearken back to her old
days, but The Emancip