Album Review: Mary J. Blige – Gratitude
2 min read
Mary J. Blige is an underrated superstar who never quite gets the credit she deserves. With nine Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, and two Golden Globe nods, she’s a genre-defining artist with a career longevity that outshines most of her contemporaries. Her 15th studio album marks a return to her classic hip-hop roots. While it’s not No More Drama, it stands confidently among some of her best work.
The opener, Breathing, is an absolute banger. Sampling I Put a Spell on You—famously used by her 90s contemporary Biggie—it delivers a powerful wave of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to hip-hop’s golden era. This track seamlessly transitions into Need You More, which boasts a strong, hard-hitting bassline sure to get heads nodding. Jadakiss, the Yonkers rapper, is a perfect feature here, adding a gritty edge to the track’s infectious, if slightly cheesy, synth-driven backing.
Blige continues to cement her status as both the “Queen of Hip-Hop” and the “Queen of Positive Affirmation” with tracks like You Ain’t the Only One and Never Give Up on Me. These songs highlight her compassionate artistry, with lyrics like, “You ever feel so low that all you feel is doubt? / You’re so lost you can’t find your way out / You ain’t the only one.” Blige channels influences like Jocelyn Brown and Aretha Franklin effortlessly, showcasing a vocal and emotional depth that feels timeless. Tracks like Never Give Up on Me resonate with her legacy of promoting self-love through vibrant R&B, yet they still feel fresh and emotionally sincere.
However, the album stumbles slightly in the middle, venturing into unfashionable territory. Nobody But You offers intriguing dark guitar progressions but ultimately feels forgettable. Similarly, Here I Am, a soft piano ballad, lacks the punch of the album’s stronger tracks.
Fortunately, the album finishes on a high note with two hip-hop-rooted tracks that bring listeners back to Blige’s 90s glory days. God’s Child and I Got a Plan are standout closers, elevated by stellar features from Fat Joe and A$AP Ferg. These songs reaffirm why Blige remains an icon in the hip-hop world.
Overall, Gratitude reminds us that Mary J. Blige still holds her place among the greats. While the slower tracks don’t always land, the album is creatively constructed, vocally impressive, and true to her essence. Fans have plenty to celebrate here, and this release is a promising sign of even more to come from the Queen.
