Mariah the Scientist shows her prowess over 80s-inspired production on "Hearts Sold Separately"

Mariah the Scientist first hinted at the kind of sound she would explore on Hearts Sold Separately with the release of “Burning Blue.” The lead single carried an 80s influence blended with modern touches, and it quickly became one of her most successful tracks, proving the direction was the right one.

That success carried into the rest of the album, as much of the 10-track project transports listeners back to the era of powerful ballads. Mariah explained that she felt motivated to create music like this after reflecting on what themes dominate today’s culture. “The climate of the world made me want to make a whole project about love. I feel like nobody prioritizes love. Everybody looks at love like it’s a problem. I feel like back in the day, it wasn’t like that,” she told Rolling Stone via Rated R&B.

For her, the record is also about reminding women that it is safe to embrace love, as long as it is given to someone truly deserving. “We are heartbeats in a world filled with hollow men, defenders of a cause worth living and dying for,” Mariah declared in the album’s trailer.

With this project, she empowers women while drawing from a timeless sensibility that sets her apart from the more negative messages circulating in today’s music. Part of that inspiration, some might argue, comes from her relationship with Young Thug and her willingness to stand by him even during his time behind bars.

At the heart of it all, Mariah wants to remind people that love is something to be celebrated. That is the message the 27-year-old hopes listeners will take away from this project.

Mariah the Scientist HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY