THE BARGAIN BUY: The Essential Mariah Carey

In critical circles it seems fashionable -- if not obligatory -- to revile Mariah Carey for her overwrought vocal mannerisms which have been adopted by the generation which grew up listening to her and Whitney and now over-emote their way into the frontline of television talent shows.

Let's not judge an artist by their following -- or their stupid public statements, something she's not alone in making -- and acknowledge this simple fact: Mariah Carey can sing.

She has pitch, can hold a note without resorting to Autocue and has a range from a whisper to a scream. And into that piercing note which only dogs can hear, and which Minnie Ripperton could also reach.

If you don't like the genre she occupies -- big ballad r'n'b easing into dance and hip-hop isn't for everyone -- fair enough, but even the most churlish would have to admit she does it extremely well, and a whole lot better than most.

This 28 song double CD wraps as much Carey as you need, perhaps more than many might want, but again a fair hearing might allow you concede she is an exceptional talent. And, as the lady says, you can't take that away.

Judiciously sampled and taking into consideration only the music (not the personality, the four-year marriage to Sony boss Tommy Mottola, the breasts etc) this is an excellent survey of someone who has managed to sell about 150 million albums.

And at just $10 at JB Hi-Fi stores here, this collection is this week's Bargain Buy . . . from a singer whose sales suggest she must have impressed a few people, if not music critics.