Mary J. Blige is one of my favorite music artists. I have been a fan since her first album “What’s the 411?” that released in 1992 and own every album she has released ever since. One thing I love about Mary J. Blige is that she is always telling a story with her music and no matter when she drops an album, you always feel like you can relate to the songs on the album. The London Sessions is no different, you may be going through something that you can relate to on the album. I know I’ve said on more than one occasion after hearing a particular song or album, Oh… This is the story of my life! I love Mary’s transparency and she let’s you know it’s real. I can appreciate the direction Mary J. Blige took with the London Session album because it shows how versatile her sound can be. I enjoyed EVERY song on the album. I think it is amazing that she went to London and accomplished something that takes some artists months or years, in just THREE weeks. Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone and do something all together different so you can create something amazing! I think the change of scenery and collaborating with a great team added to the recipe for a great album. I can honestly see why she continues to reign as the Queen of R&B!
I’ll share 10 things you should know about “The London Sessions” (Taken from Mary J. Blige The London Sessions Press Kit)
1- The London Sessions is a new album from Mary J. Blige. 2- Three months ago there was no album. Mary went to London, wrote and recorded this entire album in 3 weeks. 3- “Vocally, Blige has never sounded better. ” wrote SPIN 4- Mary collaborated with the UK’s most celebrated talent including: Disclosure, Eg White (Adele), Emile Sande, Jimmy Napes (Sam Smith), Naughty Boy, Sam Romans & Sam Smith. 5- The concept of this album was initiated by Mary’s collaboration with Disclosure, which then lead her to Sam Smith. 6- Mary recorded this album with a global perspective in mind. 7- “Mary once again proves why she is a legend in the game.” – Complex 8- “Therapy” is one of the lead tracks, co-written by Sam Smith. Vulture tapped it one of the “Best Songs of the Week” while deeming it a “gorgeous song”. 9- Rodney Jerkins served as the overall album producer. 10- Album release date is December 2nd. I think that all of these accomplishments, collaborations and reviews are nothing short of amazing. I support Mary J. Blige 100% and look forward to all her future projects and albums. The fact that she has been in this music arena for as long as she has been and can always bring us something fresh that we will enjoy can’t be an easy task, but she get’s it right every time!
The London Sessions album gives you a taste of Deep Soul, R&B, Neo Soul, and Retro-tinged house music. The album starts of with Therapy as the first track and you are immediately drawn into the soulful song, by the time you hear the first verse and chorus you’re singing along. Once you’ve made your way to “Right Now” and “My Loving” you’re ready to get up and dance! The London Sessions album speaks to me and I am feeling every track but, I’ll tell you that my overall favorite tracks are Therapy, When You’re Gone, Right Now, Whole Damn Year, Worth My Time, and My Loving. I have been listening to Mary J. Blige The London Sessions since I received the album for review purposes and it’s on repeat! I’m playing it in the background while I’m working, it’s blasting through my speakers while I’m cleaning the house and I’m playing it every other chance I get. Mary J. Blige is a true artist and I will always be a supportive fan. Check out the London Sessions http://www.maryjblige.com/london-sessions website If you would like to keep up with Mary J. Blige and all the events leading up to the album release. You can also “Like” the Mary J. Blige https://www.facebook.com/maryjblige Facebook Page and follow along for current information.
You have the option to pre-order Mary J. Blige The London Sessions from Amazon and iTunes or definitely go out and get this album on December 2nd!
Disclosure: I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of bLink Marketing Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.