I decided to review the new album by Mary J. Blige based on her first single off of the album No More Drama. It is her sixth album and her best album to date. In this album she provides confessional lyrics about her life and the way she has chosen to live. I was greatly pleased.
Mary basically flat out states in her record that she is a bad-ass independent woman making her own money. She is not going to dwell on the past, no matter how hard it has been, and she is going to have fun with her life and live as she damn well pleases.
Her first single was ” Family Affair,” an upbeat dance song. I really liked the song and wondered what the rest of the album had to offer. Her song “PMS” is quite amusing. She sings about what every woman feels every month (the men may not appreciate this song as much).
In “Where I’ve Been,” Mary discusses her life. The song also features R&B star Eve. “Dance for Me” is a song I predict will be in the clubs shortly. It has a nice rhythm that makes your body want to move.
Mary includes a poem she has written titled “Forever No More.” She recites the poem with no music in the background. In the poem she thanks God.
My favorite song is the title song, “No More Drama.” The lyrics are very truthful about life. She sings about no more pain, no more games, no more tears, no more fears, and no more drama. She does not know where her life is going in the future, but she is going to lose the unnecessary stress in her life.
Throughout the album Mary’s sultry vocals shine through. Some other rap stars lend their hand in producing some of her songs. Dr. Dre produced “Family Affair,” which is quickly becoming a number one hit. Missy Elliott produced “Never Been.”
Overall I give the album a grade of A for the truth that the lyrics represent and for the way Mary presents the music to the listener.