REVIEW: Mary J Blige 'Stronger With Each Tear'

Mary is 38 years young. After 17 years in the game, nine albums under her Gucci belt, a successful marriage, the drama, the revelations, and the legendary title of Queen of Hip Hop Soul, sometimes we forget Mary hasn't even reached 40 yet. Mary is, in fact, still young, dope, and fresh. Her tenth studio album, "Stronger With Each Tear," reminds us of the music that makes your heart beat. It's much like a fine wine that gets better with age. With features from Drake, Trey Songz, and T.I., Mary figured out the formula to keep her sound in season, without losing her essence. On "Stronger With Each Tear," Mary makes no apologies for who she is, and on the bluesy final track "I Can See in Color," she makes clear just how intensely tenacious she has become.


The 2009 Mary is fiercely confident, filled with inner strength, and in a league of her own. Mary's please-believe-me attitude is evident on the lead single "I Am." While we all know Mary's story and how her trials and tribulations drove her to the previous confirmation of "no more drama," Mary is more self aware on this album, and listening to songs on "Stronger" like "The One," the confirmation seems to have changed to "no more comparisons"--comparisons that we as women find ourselves guilty of. This album encourages us to find happiness and contentment with ourselves this holiday season.



But self-awareness and self-love aren't the only reasons why this album should be on your Christmas list. On the twelve-track album, it appears she took all the time-tested Mary bangers and created more current Part 2 versions. "Stronger" lyrically has some topical similarities to previous albums, but now with a more insightful and wiser spin. With everything Mary has been through, it's crazy to think she can get even stronger still. Twenty-something ingenues take note. Mary is that chick. Always has been, always will be.



ESSENCE.com Track Guide

If you loved "You Bring Me Joy" (My Life, 1994), you'll love the insanely upbeat song "Good Love" featuring T. I.


If you loved  "Don't Waste Your Time," featuring Aretha Franklin (Mary, 2009), you'll love the Motown-esque song "Kitchen."


If you loved "Be Without You," (The Breakthrough, 2005), you'll love "Hood Love," a duet featuring Trey Songz
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If you loved "Just Fine" (Growing Pains, 2008), you'll love the piano heavy "I Feel Good."


If you loved "Seven Days" (Share My World, 1997), you'll love classic Mary in the soulful track "In the Morning."




Want more Mary? Click here for her fiercest style transformations or click here for her hottest hair styles.

Mary just celebrated the 15th anniversary of her "My Life" album. Reminisce on Mary's biggest moments in entertainment here.

View Mary J's "I Am" music video here.