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Mary J. Blige follows "The Breakthrough" with "Growing Pains" which to me was an even stronger effort that claims the title of being one of her best, if not the best, albums of her career. She found her footing with "The Breakthrough" and any fears that she'd return with a cd that wasn't as strong should be put aside. "Growing Pains" has something for all of her fans and new ones, a sound that mirrors old R&B but also goes into territory that music seems afraid to venture into. After listening to the entire album, I found myself saying this was true quality. There isn't really a track to skip here; each song adds something to the mix and covers everything from a dance-vibe to a laid-back groove about love and loss. Some of the standout tracks are "Work That" which is one of the upbeat songs, "Grown Woman" that could be this albums "Enough Crying" with Mary dishing out her good qualities and what makes her stand out at this point in her life. "Feel Like A Woman" is a new kind of song for Blige where she puts aside her reservations about being with someone and shows her most vulnerable of traits in this ballad-like track. "Stay Down" stands as my favorite, another turn for Mary J. Blige as she's asking her man to stay through the troubles and paints a picture of better days in their relationship that are to come. "Roses" is another track, more hard in sound, with Blige proclaiming she's all right and doesn't need people telling her what's wrong with her. "Fade Away" and "What Love Is" both are tracks that stand out for their production and the feeling she evokes. In what's perhaps one of her best closing tracks, "Come To Me (Peace)", is a big R&B/80s type of song that's a no-holds-barge explosion of sound and is moving and leaves you wanting more. In all, "Growing Pains" is an absolute must own. Where most artist hit their peak at some point and become predictable, Mary J. Blige seems to be getting better with each year. The songs on this cd are fresh, original and yet sound different and a bit experimental for Blige as she matures into her new sound and comfort zone as an artist. Buy this cd, you will not be disappointed.Read full review
Just got my digital copy of "Growing Pains" and, after listening to it twice, I can tell that what might be one of the best Christmas music releases this year is, ironically, not a Christmas album. What might be one of the best R&B records of 2007 is being released just a little before the year ends. This time, the best was saved for last. And wisely saved. "Growing Pains" is a nice album by Mary J. Blige. Sometimes she reminds me of Whitney Houston's way of singing, although MJB has her very own style and personality: she's confident and far away from being a total lovesick, although sometimes she succumbs, and when she does, it happens in a very strong way. With "Growing Pains" she's a bit of both things - cool and touchy. If this record was to be released in vinyl version, the "A" side could be called "The Cool" and the "B" side could be named "The Touchy". This record is a step ahead of "The Breakthrough", musically and lyrically speaking. The Cool Side: "Work That", "Grown Woman", "Just Fine" and "Feel Like a Woman" show in the lyrics and in the melodies a lot of what I called her self assurance and firm attitude. "Roses", which despite of the song title, is not a love song, but a tune that surprises everyone for its rage on the inside, making it clear that, in that troubled relationship, it has now to be "her way". The Touchy Side: "Stay Down" is a joyful ballad that really puts the listener to relax. "Shake Down" featuring Usher is a subtle invitation to love-making. "Till The Morning" is a happy and stimulating passage with nice words. "What Love Is" doesn't really define what love is on its lyrics (she sings something like: it can be joy/it can be rain/it can be sunshine/it can be pain/it's an excuse to day/it's a reason to live - that's what love is), "If You Love Me" is an attitude-demanding song, "Hurt Again", "Fade Away", "Work in Progress" and "Smoke" seem to be related to personal struggles and finally "Talk to Me" and "Come to Me", as both titles suggest, are about reconciliations. All in all, this is a great piece of music that only MJB could deliver. Enjoy yourself with this.Read full review
I REMEBER HER SINCE REAL LOVE!..THIS YONKERS, NY BORN AND RAISED WOMAN OVERCOME ADVERSITY THAT OTHERS WOULD OF FOLDED THE TENT ON A LONG TIME AGO..SHE IS THE EPITOME OF SHOWING THAT IT IS NOT WHERE YOU GREW UP, BUT HOW YOU HANDLE ADVERSITY AND CONTINUE TO BUILD YOUR SELF-WORTH, SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-AWARENESS. NOW ABOUT THE ALBUM LOL, I RANK THIS WITH NO MORE DRAMA AND SHARE MY WORLD(3 OR 4TH)...MY LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE #1...BUT THE TRACKS HERE WITH 'WORK THAT', 'WORK IN PROGRESS', AND MY FAVORITE 'HURT AGAIN'..ANOTHER GREAT RELEASE QUEEN!
I love this CD. Mary J. Bilge is one of my favorite. I have listen to it already & will the rest of the day. Thank you. Gloria
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a great CD, Mary J. Blige has a fantastic voice and this is what inspired me to purchase this CD. The lyrics are fabulous and her voice is inspiring to all women. This is how you can put your life experience into Lyrics for everyone to reminisce and enjoy and still have a beat for everyone to dance and have a great time. This is a fabulous CD, one of her best work. Thank you, Connie
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