House, R&B, Soul & Rap > B House, R&B, Soul & Rap > Blige, Mary J. > Pop R&B > Contemporary R&B

Advantages: If you like R & B you will love this album, Mary J Blige at her very best
Disadvantages: If you haven't been a fan of hers before then don't bother as she is at her usual high standard

I have loved Mary J Blige since 'What's the 411' and 'Share My World' and she just get's better and better! So much feeling and soul in her voice you really feel the emotion when you listen to her music. A must have for all soul/hip hop fans as theres a mix of both on this. My favourite track has got to be 'Without You' as i just cannot get it out of my head. A close second would have to be MJB da MVP as it just reminds you of summer and is such ... Read review

Advantages: Best album so far
Disadvantages: You tell me!!

...and screwed are present on Growing Pains, only heart felt harmonies of pain, joy and everything in-between. The title suits this project well: this is not only a soundtrack to Mary's heart, but it's also a soundtrack to anyone who has one bit of emotion in there body. Mary has proven since the early '90s to be the queen of hip-hop soul. With most of the music with substance fading nowadays, this is just the remedy that we need. Growing Pains plays ...
...to the overall quality of Growing Pains, because "Come To Me" leaves the rest of the R&B genre in the dust of its victory lap. The song transcends the R&B genre and propels itself into musical history, point blank period. MJB captures a movie in three minutes and 30 seconds. Hearing her emotion-filled lyrics as she declares, "I am here to make peace," makes waving the white flag seem so respectable. Mary is more than a recording artist, she is an ... Read review

Advantages: fantastic songs
Disadvantages: nothing

Mary has once again been able to create a fantastic album. On this CD she showcases some of her biggest hits, such as 'Everthing', 'Not Gon' Cry', and of course the gorgeous song 'Natural Woman'. She has also collaborated with R'n'B superstar producer/songwriter/performer R Kelly on this fantastic album to create 'It's On'. I personally think that this album is one of the best I have heard. When Mary sings, you don't just hear the words being sung, ...
...this is combined with the great beats and the gorgeous melodies, you find that you are listening to an amazing CD. THis has to be one of Mary's biggest selling CDs to date and I can understand why. The CD and the tracks on it are so beautiful and emotional that it would be hard for you to resist liking it. I love it. This is one of my favourite albums, I love to listen to it. It's a great CD just to chill out and relax to, it's the sort that helps ... Read review

Advantages: Mary J's voice and Puffys producing skills
Disadvantages: none

Mary J Blige hit the scene in 1992 with her debut album What’s the 411? A hip-hop album with an R’n’B twist. For me the album is one of her best, it shows her versatility and her unique rusky voice. Her first single Real Love is a true classic with fantastic remixes, which are still played in the clubs. The album when you realise the year is way ahead of it’s time. No one knew the now “Hip Hop Soul Diva” would ...
...Leave a message (INTRO) A spoken intro where Busta Rhymes (then unknown) leaves a message on Mary’s answer phone!! Simple as that!! When he is speaking a beat enters and Busta raps in his individual way. 10 out of 10 2) Reminisce A release from the album a slower type song with a hip-hop beat and raw vocals. It has great background vocals and a really catchy chorus. The song was co-produced by Sean “P-Diddy” then “Puffy” ... Read review

Advantages: amazing to chill out to
Disadvantages: cant think of any

...people! Very clever lyrics! 6. No more drama - a very heartfelt song.......just listen to the lyrics.....quite moving.... 7.Keep it moving 8. Destiny 9. where ive been - i like this one. its quite unusual, tells the story of Marys life (well i presume its about her life) of how she grew up and then became who she is today 10. beautiful day - very happy song, slow and chilled out but a good one to listen to if you just need the smile putting ...
...in the meantime 16. Forever no more - poem - odd for an artist to put a poem on an album but this definately works.....very poignant poem...listen to it! 17. testimony a good way to end the album...on a chilled not sums up the whole album really....... "i've had some good days And I've had some bad days I know about heartbreak I didn't think that I could make it I know how it feels to have money I know how it feels to be broke And I can ... Read review