Mary

by

Mary J. Blige

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If this album was a painting, it would be filled with radiant colors, gorgeous textures and encased in an exquisite, meticulously designed frame. In other words: A work of art. Much has been said about the clarity and the overall sound of Mary's voice. But I'm telling you, NO ONE can channel their pain and feelings through their voice like Ms. Blige. You have no choice but to feel what she's feeling. "...don't judge me or think I'm bitter, for the evil God's allowed me to see......I'm just Mary." Classic!

Mary reinvents herself yet again. She come at you with this old-school, 70's vibe and mixes it with the soul and flava that made her what she is. She has an impressive list of guests on this one: Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, Elton John, etc. "All That I Can Say" gives you an old Stevie Wonder (Songs in the Key of Life) type feel. On "Deep Inside", she pleads with you to see the 'real Mary'. She even updates the Gap Band classic "I'm In Love". She also represents for the club-heads with her cover of "Let No Man Put Asunder", which is hittin' in the clubs worldwide. The true highlight of this set is "The Love I Never Had". Complete with a live band, Mary gives it up on this one, all the way up to when she 'breaks it down'. Once there, she flows with some freestyle scatting and riffs that would make Ella proud.

Overall, this album proves why Mary is the trend-setting, innovative, soul-stirring Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.