37-Mary J Blige- Growing Pains (for Jan 9, 2008)

Let’s start 2008 with Billboard’s first number one album of the year, “Growing Pains” from Mary J Blige. This woman has gone through a lot and we’ve followed her life through her music. We could feel her frustrations in songs like, “No More Drama.” For Mary J, it is truly “no pain, no gain!”

This album catches Mary J at the stage after her painful period. Not completely, but she is singing about a better time of her life, and she is carrying us with her. This is a very listenable and accessible album, and fans are glad to catch up with her. You can’t always dwell on the tough times! So how is she doing? The single “Just Fine” answers that.“So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror…”But Mary is still going through the learning process. It is not complete yet, and she is letting us know that. I like the duet with Usher which is her latest single, “Shake Down.”“If love is the crime, I’m down for it.
If love is the crime.
Let love be the judge”Mary’s voice is as clear and soulful as in her past albums. What I like about her is that you can feel that she’s not just singing the lyrics. She is feeling them! Like this line from “Smoke.”“Holding on isn’t healthy
But it’s killin’ me
To let go.” Mary has had to work for the positive part that comes though her personal experience. On “Work That” she tells us that we need to look at ourselves:“ I’m talking ‘bout things that I know
Work what you got, it’s okay to show yourself some love.”I am a big fan of Mary J’s! We were with her through some troubled times and now some better times. If you have seen her on TV recently, you will find her looking better and more confident in the direction of her life. Her new album is deservedly at the top of the charts!

PS. I started my first website. The reason I mention this is that I am posting all the past articles that I have written for the 21^st Century, so the collection will always be there. Let me know what you think about the site:  www.nihaoareyou.net