The "Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul" returns with her 10th studio album My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1).

Album Review

Artist: Mary J. Blige

Album: My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1)

Label: Universal Music Canada

Release Date: November 21, 2011

Reviewed by Sonja Jackson

Mary J. Blige first caught our attention back in 1992 with her debut album What's the 411? She quickly proved that she was no "one album wonder" when she followed up in 1994 with My Life, an R&B, hip-hop infused album that many have deemed Blige's best. After massive musical success and many accomplishments, the singer, who has been anointed the "Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul" by fans and critics alike, returns with her 10th studio album and sequel to My Life, My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1).

In the sequel to her sophomore album, Blige emerges as a more mature and confident version of her 1994 self. The lyrics in songs like "No Condition" reveal that she has evolved from a broken person filled with hurt and pain, to a self-assured, happier woman who is strong enough to let go of something that isn't good for her, singing: "Can't even hide it, this grinning on my face. And I don't have any more time or energy to waste. So I'm waving my white flag. Sad it has to be like that. It ain't working out, baby, in another life or space."

The first half of the album features several songs that are a mixture of R&B and hip hop, a sound that fans of "My Life" will welcome and enjoy. Many of these songs include appearances from popular guest stars such as Nas and Busta Rhymes. One of the most notable collaborations is "Mr. Wrong" with Drake, which showcases a perfect blend of the rapper's smooth lyrical style with Blige's soulful voice. This one is definitely a must-have on the playlist.

Other favourites from the first half of the album include "Don't Mind," a song with a catchy hook accompanied by an infectious beat that will have you singing, "And that's why I don't mind saying I love you" right along with Ms. Blige, and "Midnight Drive," a song with the familiar beats that made Blige a household name. "Midnight Drive" is also the only song on the album in which Blige's rapping alter-ego, Brook Lynn, makes an appearance.

The second half of the album is filled with lyrically rich ballads. Standouts include "Love A Woman," featuring Beyoncé, in which the two songstresses give men a lesson in how to treat a woman right, and "The Living Proof," an inspirational song with lyrics that provide a window into Blige's strong and positive mindset. "I'm so glad the worst is over ('Cause it almost took me down). I can start living now. I feel like I can do anything, yeah. And finally I'm not afraid to breathe," Blige sings. In the introduction to My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1), the singer explains that 17 years later there's still pain; the only difference is that now she knows how to navigate through it. Blige has successfully illustrated this point on an impressive album that stands up to one of her most memorable works of the past.

Track Listing:
1) Intro
2) Feel Inside featuring Nas
3) Midnight Drive featuring Brook Lynn
4) Next Level featuring Busta Rhymes
5) Ain't Nobody
6) 25/8
7) Don't Mind
8) No Condition
9) Mr. Wrong featuring Drake
10) Why? featuring Rick Ross
11) Love A Woman featuring Beyonce
12) Irreversible
13) Empty Prayers
14) Need Someone
15) The Living Proof
16) Miss Me With That
17) Someone To Love Me (Naked) featuring Diddy and Lil Wayne

Written by :

SJackson