Why Yes, You Are Getting Old

February 12, 2007

It just dawned on me that Mary J. Blige’s debut album, the dope-as-all-get-out What’s the 411?, came out 15 years ago. 15!
Now for the interesting part–she’s straight up in the Stevie Wonder category on longevity. She hasn’t put out a bad record yet–not that many great ones, but no bad–and there’s always heat on her records.
Where should we put her in the pantheon of singers? She’s no Aretha Franklin, but Aretha’s worst records are a million times worse than the bottom of Mary’s catalog.

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ETS

September 21, 4586, 7:39 pm

The only reason MJB is not Aretha - yet - is because she doesn't have the longevity - yet. And factoring in the obstacles and limitations facing black females in the music business and the world in general when recognizing Aretha's accomplishments during her prime will always win her extra points. But trust that when its all said and done twenty, thirty years from now, MJB will be up there with the greats. What I'm trying to figure out is when did MJB become a pop star?! I mean when did the masses fall in love with her?
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Chrichelle

September 21, 4587, 7:39 pm

I think Mary has broadened her appeal as she has matured. Probably, as her reputation improved, she was able to work with mainstream artists like U2 and became known to the masses. Of course it also helps that Oprah has joined the bandwagon, albeit embarrassingly late. I think in general, as she has promoted her transformation and has mellowed out, people probably view her as less of a hoodrat and more as a lady. I do have to disagree with Bo on the consistency of her work. The album "Mary" was very weak. I can't recall one hit track from that CD. I say this as a Mary fan that owns all of her work (US releases and one import). However, what is impressive is that in the some 12-13 years since My Life, no R&B album has come close to reaching its classic status.
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ETS

September 21, 4588, 7:39 pm

WHAT?! "Mary" was my SH*T! I bumped "All That I Can Say, " "Deep Inside," "Beautiful One, " "Time," "Don't Waste Your Time," "Not Lookin'," "Your Child," "Give Me You" AND "Let No Man Put Asunder" on the regular! Love & Life was the joint that was some garbage! Chrichelle, another thing that has probably helped Mary is praise from her peers. I was just thinking about "Mary" and she worked Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin and George Michael (on the Europe release) on that joint. That kind of support is bound to get the mainstream's attention.
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Tara Pringle

September 21, 4589, 7:39 pm

"The Breakthrough" was one of her best albums yet. Not as good as "My Life," which I will argue to the death that it's her best album ever. Nothing else comes close. What's the 411? is great, but My Life captured a time in my life when I needed to hear that sad, moody ish. Mary has come full-circle. And What's the 411? is 15 years old??? I'm only 21....geez. That actually makes me feel young in a way.