Mary J. Blige - Growing Pains
GRADE: A–
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is top form. In a time where new, generic, cookie cutter R&B artists are appearing (then quickly disappearing) every other week, it’s refreshing to see urban music’s favorite underdog finally getting the pop props she deserves.
Both vocally and lyrically, Mary J. impresses on Growing Pains. Though not quite as dynamic as 2005’s The Breakthrough, it is equally as genuine and enjoyable. “Hurt Again” and “Fade Away” are stand outs that may cause few involuntary taps of the replay button. While “Grown Woman” and “Till The Morning” will remind you that she still has the swagger that made you fall in love with her in the 90’s. The album ends in grand style with the impressive and appropriate closing track “Come to Me (Peace).”
Since 1999’s Mary, Mary J. Blige has progressively moved closer and closer to the world of pop. Growing Pains is her biggest step yet. Fortunately, it works. She is right at home in her long overdue fame and she maintains enough credibility and style to satisfy even her most hardcore What’s The 411? fanatics. Not much more can be said about the new and improved Mary, other than, its’ a good look.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 at 9:07 am under
