E=MC² (Mariah Carey album)

E=MC² is the eleventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, released on April 15, 2008, by Island Records. It is regarded as a continuation of the themes explored in her previous album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). The album title, a play on Albert Einstein's famous equation E=mc², was intended by Carey to represent "energy equals Mariah Carey squared," symbolizing her reinvention and artistic freedom following the success of The Emancipation of Mimi.

The album features collaborations with various producers and songwriters including Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Stargate, and will.i.am. Musically, E=MC² incorporates elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, with lyrics exploring themes of love, relationships, and personal empowerment.

E=MC² debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, making it Carey's sixth album to top the chart. It spawned several singles, including the lead single "Touch My Body," which became Carey's 18th number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing Elvis Presley for the most number-one singles by a solo artist. Other singles from the album included "Bye Bye," "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time," and "I Stay in Love."

Despite its initial commercial success, E=MC² received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Carey's vocal performance and the album's production, while others criticized the album's lack of originality and its reliance on formulas established by The Emancipation of Mimi. Overall, E=MC² is considered a commercially successful album in Carey's discography, demonstrating her continued popularity and influence in the music industry.