Review #126: My Life, Mary J. Blige

#126: My Life, Mary J. Blige

According to the RS blurb, this was the album where Blige really found her voice as a lyricist, contributing lyrics to 14 of these songs. That’s very badass and cool. Also, P. Diddy produced it, which is also badass and cool, I suppose.

Mary J. Blige has an amazing voice but I just can’t bring myself to care about her music so much. Her vibe is just so chill, and I don’t desire chill in my music. I want to be stressed out all the time. That’s why punk rock is so great!

But I put aside my impatient need for angry out-of-tune music and let myself experience Mary J. Blige.

FAVORITE SONGS:

“Mary Jane (All Night Long)” — Wow, Mary J. Blige’s name is Mary Jane! That sounds like something I should have known all along.

“My Life” — Wow, this is just a really earnest, hopeful song about getting yourself out of hard times. I love that.

“I’m Goin’ Down” — Made me sad. :(

“My Life Interlude” — SURPRISED me because it’s the one where she blew me down with her voice the hardest. Those vocalizations! Slay me.

“Be With You” — That mini guitar riff is a lot of fun!

“Mary’s Joint” — Lot of weed puns.

“I Love You” — Piano is kind of a jam.

“No One Else” —Loved the harmonies on this one.

LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:

“Intro” — Maybe I’ve just heard one too many fake voicemail intros to albums at this point.

“You Gotta Believe” — I want to love this album so much. I love the male backing vocalists on this song. But MAN, I just want it to end. It’s so slow!

IS RS FULL OF IT?

Definitely not! I’m so pro-MJB, I just not in love with slow music. Blige’s debut, What’s The 411?, is #271, so I’ll get another chance at getting it.

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Review #127: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Ray Charles