Jacob Reviews…My Life II by Mary J. Blige

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has released her tenth studio album.  Mary J. Blige is back in top form and had some help from the A-List including collaborators Beyoncé and Drake, legendary songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and powerhouse producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.   Blige continues to soar in this album and as usual here are five key tracks to listen to on her latest album.

Ain’t Nobody

Mary J. Blige delivers a brilliant cover of R&B legend Chaka Khan and Rufus’s “Ain’t Nobody.”  This version perfectly fuses Blige’s powerful vocals with techno house beats that turn into a great futuristic funky cover.

Final Thoughts and Grade: One of the best covers of the year 5/5 A+

25/8

Blige sings about loyalty and love on this track.  Once again, Blige displays her powerful vocals that collaborate with a booming background orchestra and techno beats.

Final Thoughts and Grade: “25/8” is a terrific executed song.  5/5 A+

Mr. Wrong (Collaboration with Drake)

This is the third collaboration between Blige and the Canadian rapper.  “Mr. Wrong” perfectly fuses R&B with hip-hop.  Once again, Mary kills this song with her powerful vocals.   Also this song is one of the best raps this author has heard from Drake.

Final Thoughts and Grade: This is a good song about liking to hook up with the wrong people.  4.5/5 A-

Love A Woman (Collaboration with Beyoncé)

In an MTV.com article, Mary J. Blige recently revealed that her “Love A Woman” duet with Beyoncé was meant to be for recorded for Beyoncé’s  “4” until the pregnant singer sent it to Blige and invited her to perform the song together. [1]   This was a terrific duet that let both R&B divas shine.

Final Thoughts and Grade: This is one of the best songs on the album.  5/5 A+

The Living Proof

This song was featured on The Help’s soundtrack but listeners would be glad that Blige made it a part of her album.  “The Living Proof” contains strong lyrics and offers personal reflection for anyone who has lost their way and wants come out of their exile to a world of hope.

Final Thoughts and Grade: The best song on the album! 5/5 A+

Overall:  This is Blige’s best post The Breakthrough album.  Blige’s vocals continue to soar through this album.  With terrific collaborations and phenomenal arrangements, My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1) could be considered one of the best albums of the year.  24.5/25 A