Blige Still Strong

Mary J. Blige is the queen of hip/hop soul and you need no further testimony to that than her latest album “Stronger With Each Tear.”

What is unusual is that the first single “The One” was released six months ago. This auto-tune track was left to languish on the charts with little support. The reason for this might be that as someone who could actually sing; using the voice correcting device lessons her legacy as a true songstress. Having said that her latest single “I Am” co-written by Blige and Johnta Austin is truer to Blige’s ability as a vocalist who can weave a story or empower people through song. It also shows just how eclectic Blige’s latest album is.

With no apologies for the use of auto-tune Blige brings her artistry to her most recent set of songs.

“Tonight” is a mixture of beats and auto-tune arrangements reminiscent of one of her earlier hits “No More Drama.” It’s not the strongest song on the album, but it does set the tone for what is to be an enlivening, emotional listening experience.

“The One” should have had a better chance than its demise on billboard charts by never getting out of the mid-sixties. Despite the use of auto-tune it is a solid track. Here Blige is experimenting with technology and similar to Kanye West attempts to negotiate her talent with this new machinery. However, the results are mixed since the song shines only when Blige’s voice is in the forefront.

The following track “Said and Done” is a better showcase of Blige’s talent. The overlapping lyrical arrangement emphasizes her ability to weave a narrative even when she is given little to work with. That said “Good Love” (written by Ne-Yo) sounds like a ‘70s throwback in a good way. It’s classic Blige in the sense that you won’t be able to sit down. With the strong vocals and up-tempo, thriving, infectious beat and rhythmic arrangement you can’t help but break out no matter where you’re listening to it. The rap by T.I. only adds to the solid hip/hop flavor.

Ne-Yo should have co-produced the entire album with Blige. Between “Good Love” and “I Feel Good” (co-written by Blige and Ne-Yo) this album has an amazing vibe that challenges Blige’s vocal range. She heartily meets it on both tracks. That said “I Feel Good” has a smooth-like-butter groove to the point that it doesn’t matter if you’ve encountered the theme of this track before. If you still need a reference think Chaka Kahn when she was with Rufus.

Then comes more classic Blige with the soon to be R&B classic “I Am.” Currently on billboard’s top 100 chart and co-written by Blige this short and sweet track is one of the best off the album. Companioned with “I Am” is “Each Tear” it builds on the idea of the album title. The well planned tracks weave a story of a woman who increases in her strength despite the challenges that have been laid before her. You too will realize that “Each tear brings you closer to your dream.”

“I Love U (Yes I Du)” is an unnecessary track that doesn’t cover any new ground. However, even one of Blige’s weakest songs is better than several albums released this year.

Blige quickly rebounds with the guitar prominent “We Got Hood Love” featuring Trey Songz. Perhaps hearing this song after the monotonous “I Love U (Yes I Du)” makes this sound better than it actually is. No matter it still is an amazing track based on the multiple, simultaneous harmonies and the added voice of Songz.

“Kitchen” reinforces Blige’s growth as a writer. Co-written with T. Nash with lyrics like “trying to take my man is like trying to take my money” and “never let a girl cook in your kitchen,” Blige uses the African-American center of the home as an analogy to put women on notice that messing around in her “Kitchen” is a no-no. It’s inventive, catchy and one of the more memorable tracks on the album.

Then we are slightly deflated with “In the Morning.” While it is a solid track that promotes Blige’s emotional singing voice it is not needed on this album. She’s sung of this theme before and better on previous albums.

The intensity is brought back to the forefront with “Color” (from the film “Precious”). This track lays it on the line emotionally. You can’t help but burst into tears as listening to it brings up every issue that has challenged you. Here Blige helps you realize that seeing your life in more than black and white is a good thing because it makes you stronger. If you’re still looking for comparisons think Billy Holiday with Phyllis Hyman thrown in for good measure. Yes it takes two women to match the power in Blige’s voice.

If you downloaded this from Amazon then the track “Stay” is not only a bonus, but a treat. This song will remind you melodically of “Without You.” For Blige to steal from herself and make you like it is further testament of her talent. “Gonna Make It” (also an Amazon download extra) is a solid track that makes it worth downloading the complete album. Yes the lyrics are repetitive, but wouldn’t you want someone with the power and intensity in Blige’s voice telling you to “hang in there?”

With the release of Stronger With Each Tear, Blige has helped end 2009 on a good musical note. She truly shows how you can experiment with new genres, yet stay grounded in your roots at the same time.