With a sentimental, soulful sound and gripping lyrics, it's no wonder that Mary J. Blige's latest album The Breakthrough reached number one on the Billboard chart less than two weeks after its debut.
Often considered the modern queen of soul, Blige has once again captured the essence of being an independent woman in a male dominated world.
'Be Without You,' the hit single off the record, is Blige's personal testament on how to make a relationship work.
It is easy to notice that 'Be Without You' is the perfect how-to relationship guide with lyrics like, 'Chemistry was crazy from the get-go/ Neither one of us knew why/ We didn't build nothing over night/ 'Cause a love like this takes some time' and 'Would you lie? (no)/ Make me cry? (no)/ Do something behind my back and then try to cover it up? (no)/ Well, neither would I, baby.'
The combination of those lyrics and a gospel influence'which is established through the repetition and emphasis of certain key phrases'give the song an uplifting and powerful feel.
While the song is undoubtedly powerful, and perhaps one of Blige's best songs in recent years, 'Enough Cryin' nearly bests it. It is simply chilling and hits straight to the core.
In an edgy, almost vicious manner, Blige opens the song with 'Cause the sex was good/ You had my mind/ And I let you come back every time/ You would violate and cross the line/ And you knew that I would be the type/ To always wait so patiently.' More than just blasting a callous lover, Blige uses this song to reclaim power and confidence from a man who used her.
This is what is truly shocking about 'Enough Cryin.' Though Blige has the ability to accurately express what many betrayed women have probably thought, she does more than just describe the experience. She uses the song as a catalyst for empowerment, inviting those who have been cheated on to assert their anger and self-worth.
Aside from showcasing how musically talented Blige is, the songs on The Breakthrough illustrate that in this album, as with her past albums, Blige has stuck with what she can do best: write heartfelt songs that her audience can relate to.
Overall, The Breakthrough is fantastic. After listening to it, even people not inclined toward emotionally charged soul will wonder how they could have ever lived without it.
