Madison Huff
Staff Writer
Mariah the Scientist just dropped her new album “Hearts Sold Separately” and it is a masterpiece of emotion. When it comes down to storytelling, Mariah the Scientist is breaking all the rules!
Dropping her hit single “Burning Blue”, she showcased her creative visuals and heartfelt lyrics. The single and music video dropped on May 8 and is ranked #13 on YouTube’s top music videos. According to AP News, “Burning Blue” reached No.25 on the Billboard 200, gaining millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
The album has 10 tracks, but moves through a spectrum of emotional states—from the dreamy and romantic “Sacrifice” and “Eternal Flame”, to the soft and sorrowful “Rainy Days” and “More”. You also can’t forget the fierce and freeing “Is It a Crime” and “No More Entertainers”.
“Sacrifice” opens the album with quiet conviction. The song sets the emotional landscape of love as something that requires loss. Her delivery is soft but resolved, with understated production allowing the lyrics to breathe. The vocal layering feels almost ghostly—effective for the reflective theme.
Nineteen85 produced the single “Is It a Crime”, which features Kali Uchis. Nineteen85 also worked on her hit single, “Burning Blue”.
“Is It a Crime” is the emotional and sonic peak of the album. The duet is lush and intoxicating. The pairing of two soft, yet bold female voices give this a hypnotic energy. The lyrics tackle obsessive love without apology. Mariah and Uchis sound like they’re going through the same heartbreak.
One of the more standard tracks is “More”. It’s reflective and personal, but doesn’t break new ground. The vocals are light and melancholic, but the melody is a little safe. It acts like a quiet moment between heavier emotional punches.
The title “No More Entertainers” alone is loaded with meaning. The track is delicate and slightly angry, like she’s mourning while healing. The outro strings seal the emotion, and the lyrical bite is sharp without losing class.
The transition from “United Nations” into “1000 Ways to Die” creates narrative movement. She questions what love costs, especially as a woman navigating fame, heartbreak, and scrutiny.
The song’s second half is darker and more experimental, making the whole piece feel cinematic. “Eternal flame” stands out for its haunting minimalism. Mariah taps into spiritual metaphors, including flames, eternity, devotion beyond death, which gives the track a gothic R&B feel.
“Rainy Days” has a beautiful use of space and atmosphere. The weather metaphor never feels cliché—it’s honest and fresh. You can almost hear the rain falling between the piano notes. The vocals are whispered like secrets.
Last but certainly not least is “No More Entertainers”. This song is more direct, modern, and likely to connect with casual listeners. The production is clean but familiar. It’s safer melodically, but has replay value due to its catchiness and emotional simplicity. The sting of being forgotten lingers throughout the song.
Dedicating this album to her devoted fans, the concept of buying love is how the artist came up with the title. The R&B artist says, “I feel like some people really do feel like you can buy love. So, I just wanted to be open to interpretation,” said the artist on an Instagram post.
Speaking of interpretation, Claire Bishara, creative director and photographer, directed the visuals, highlighting Mariah as a soldier. The military jacket, the combat boots, and corset details symbolize her disciplined strength. At the same time, her choreography and close-up shots highlight her vulnerability and emotional depths, mirroring the song between control and surrendering.
The soldiers’ coordinated movements appeal to listeners’ emotions and physicality. She is ready for combat, yet longing for every step she makes.
Although it is often overlooked, the little green toy soldier represents someone fighting for love. Her uniform and stance throughout the video create a steadfast, delicate look. She’s embodying strength fused with emotional labor.
Overall, the “Burning Blue” music video combines power and vulnerability. It tells a story for people who keep their guard up, but is softened by the warmth of love. The war between the tension of fighting or surrendering is tremendously strong. These visuals show that the bravest thing may be allowing yourself to burn—even through the coldest exterior.
Every track revolves around the tension between devotion and self-preservation. The album feels like a single emotional thread from heartbreak.
