I'll say this in Lady Jane's defense though, most of the superior things she did post-NMD were "left out" of all those albums.
Like "Skycap" for example, why in the deep pits of hell did they leave that song out? I def agree with you, I think she & Mariah are guilty of the same "I'm gonna fill this with garbage but will put a lil' something to remind you that I haven't lost it yet" scenario. Mariah's "It's A Wrap" and MJB's "Talk To Me" are big examples of that.
Granted, I'm still gonna keep my ears open but I'll pay more attention to the leaked songs that won't make it to the official tracklist, because chances are they're gonna be better.
But WHY do they like to do that? I don't get the humor of it. It's like do they wanna torture fans into buying what they think is crap just so they can brag about the album? You saw how long it took for Mary to forget about "Stronger" because no one was real interested in it. Same with "Love & Life". It just seems like musically Mary is at a rough crossroads period and she doesn't know what she wants to do musically so she's throwing a lot of darts just to see what sticks.
IMHO Mary should come back with a jazz record
and go totally against radio
radio is not really playing much of her new stuff anyway
"go on honey, take a chance!!!" (heavy NY accent)
I think it will sell like crazy
her fanbase is widespread
I think the people will appreciate it!!!
"be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
I'll say this in Lady Jane's defense though, most of the superior things she did post-NMD were "left out" of all those albums.
Like "Skycap" for example, why in the deep pits of hell did they leave that song out? I def agree with you, I think she & Mariah are guilty of the same "I'm gonna fill this with garbage but will put a lil' something to remind you that I haven't lost it yet" scenario. Mariah's "It's A Wrap" and MJB's "Talk To Me" are big examples of that.
Granted, I'm still gonna keep my ears open but I'll pay more attention to the leaked songs that won't make it to the official tracklist, because chances are they're gonna be better.
But WHY do they like to do that? I don't get the humor of it. It's like do they wanna torture fans into buying what they think is crap just so they can brag about the album? You saw how long it took for Mary to forget about "Stronger" because no one was real interested in it. Same with "Love & Life". It just seems like musically Mary is at a rough crossroads period and she doesn't know what she wants to do musically so she's throwing a lot of darts just to see what sticks.
A combination of foolishness IDK. Either the song doesn't flow with the album, recorded after the mastering and by the time the new upcoming album came, it sounded dated from the "relevant" sound and it sure doesn't help when folks breath on her ear about whats supposedly "hot out there" when the thing that distinguished her from "whats out there" was the fact that she stood out like a sore thump and recorded music that differentiated her from other people.
Ironically, most of the songs she left out of her albums/or recorded for other projects, endured time waaaaaaaay more than most of the stuff she did for her last album, which sounds dated right now. For example, you ever heard of her "Star For Life" song? The song is almost 10 years old now and you could put it in the next album it will still be a winner in its original form, had it not been released for some soundtrack.
But WHY do they like to do that? I don't get the humor of it. It's like do they wanna torture fans into buying what they think is crap just so they can brag about the album? You saw how long it took for Mary to forget about "Stronger" because no one was real interested in it. Same with "Love & Life". It just seems like musically Mary is at a rough crossroads period and she doesn't know what she wants to do musically so she's throwing a lot of darts just to see what sticks.
IMHO Mary should come back with a jazz record
and go totally against radio
radio is not really playing much of her new stuff anyway
"go on honey, take a chance!!!" (heavy NY accent)
I think it will sell like crazy
her fanbase is widespread
I think the people will appreciate it!!!
I could just hear the Luvs crying all kinds of foul if that ever happens But OMG, I'd sooooooo love it, Faye would murk the hell out of a jazz set two, you kidding?
But WHY do they like to do that? I don't get the humor of it. It's like do they wanna torture fans into buying what they think is crap just so they can brag about the album? You saw how long it took for Mary to forget about "Stronger" because no one was real interested in it. Same with "Love & Life". It just seems like musically Mary is at a rough crossroads period and she doesn't know what she wants to do musically so she's throwing a lot of darts just to see what sticks.
A combination of foolishness IDK. Either the song doesn't flow with the album, recorded after the mastering and by the time the new upcoming album came, it sounded dated from the "relevant" sound and it sure doesn't help when folks breath on her ear about whats supposedly "hot out there" when the thing that distinguished her from "whats out there" was the fact that she stood out like a sore thump and recorded music that differentiated her from other people.
Ironically, most of the songs she left out of her albums/or recorded for other projects, endured time waaaaaaaay more than most of the stuff she did for her last album, which sounds dated right now. For example, you ever heard of her "Star For Life" song? The song is almost 10 years old now and you could put it in the next album it will still be a winner in its original form, had it not been released for some soundtrack.
I'm playing "Star for Life" now and I can definitely see it being put on the album. It's great.
But WHY do they like to do that? I don't get the humor of it. It's like do they wanna torture fans into buying what they think is crap just so they can brag about the album? You saw how long it took for Mary to forget about "Stronger" because no one was real interested in it. Same with "Love & Life". It just seems like musically Mary is at a rough crossroads period and she doesn't know what she wants to do musically so she's throwing a lot of darts just to see what sticks.
IMHO Mary should come back with a jazz record
and go totally against radio
radio is not really playing much of her new stuff anyway
"go on honey, take a chance!!!" (heavy NY accent)
I think it will sell like crazy
her fanbase is widespread
I think the people will appreciate it!!!
YES! That will definitely be boss right there! I know Mary loves some jazz. It could work. She should really consider it.
YES! That will definitely be boss right there! I know Mary loves some jazz. It could work. She should really consider it.
just picture her gaining even more clout
and respect from the elders, if she does this
"I'm In Love" from the Mary album comes to mind
when I think of Mary in a smokey lounge singing...
flower in her hair
I just hope she doesn't wait until she's 50
Lady Faye as well
those two broads know jazz naturally
I still don't get why Faith hasn't done jazz yet. It suits her as well as it does Mary. I would hate to see two trendsetters still trying to follow trends into their mid-40s (Faith ain't that far from 40 herself). Set a new precedent, you know? Hell Mary could do a blues album for all I care lol just not the trendy pop shit lol
regardless of what people might say negatively about mary i think each album shows progression in her depth as woman and she focuses on issues that ethnic women goes through some women outside of that might not relate but ayee ethnic women dont relate to pink,carrie underwood but they dont talk negative about they just dont touch. mary aint for everybody if u dont feel what she say just dont buy it
when I think of Mary in a smokey lounge singing...
flower in her hair
I just hope she doesn't wait until she's 50
Lady Faye as well
those two broads know jazz naturally
I still don't get why Faith hasn't done jazz yet. It suits her as well as it does Mary. I would hate to see two trendsetters still trying to follow trends into their mid-40s (Faith ain't that far from 40 herself). Set a new precedent, you know? Hell Mary could do a blues album for all I care lol just not the trendy pop shit lol
I agree, and not rock either
I don't want any more rock from Mary LOL
"be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
I still don't get why Faith hasn't done jazz yet. It suits her as well as it does Mary. I would hate to see two trendsetters still trying to follow trends into their mid-40s (Faith ain't that far from 40 herself). Set a new precedent, you know? Hell Mary could do a blues album for all I care lol just not the trendy pop shit lol
I agree, and not rock either
I don't want any more rock from Mary LOL
Ugh I shouldn't had made that as one of my wishes for Mary. She can't do rock that well.
I HATE album sequels with a passion! It just screams uncreative. It screams "I'm tapped out creatively, so let me drum up some nostalgia by coming out with a sequel to my best album"!
I seriously thought "because she has a rasp like Janis, she can rock it." But she chose the clearer, Aretha/Chaka-inspired "new voice".
Uh it didn't work. Which is odd because Aretha and Chaka can do rock like it's nothing!
RIGHT! LOL
like I've said before
marriage can fuck an artist up LOL
all this change didn't come
until Kendu's ass came around
gettin all up in her head ROTFL
yeah, I said it
I'm struggling to maintain
my sanity in my own relationship
and still be a free-spirited artist
with my own ideas, and own decisions etc
so I know firsthand
it can fuck a person up!
[Edited 4/5/11 12:25pm]
UGH you are so right! Kendu may be the highlight in her personal life but he's a nightmare in her professional life. Hell even personally there may be problems. Let's not forget THE SLAP heard 'round the world.
Mary J. Blige is going back to the beginning with My Life II: The Journey Continues, the sequel to her 1994 sophomore release.
Due September 20, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s 10th studio album has already produced the first single “Someone to Love Me (Naked)” featuring Diddy and Lil Wayne, and is set to include production from Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Danja, Stargate, and The Underdogs.
The album , recorded in Los Angeles and New York City, sees MJB looking toward the future while acknowledging the past. “From me to you, My Life II… Our journey together continues in this life,” explained Mary. “It’s a gift to be able to relate and identify with my fans at all times. This album is a reflection of the times and lives of people all around me.”
My Life II will serve as the follow-up to its predecessor, which was certified multi-platinum and spawned the singles “I’m Goin’ Down,” “Be Happy,” and “You Bring Me Joy.”
I used to be a big fan but honestly I am really bored with her now I do have her last album but I’m seriously debating if I’m going to check out this one .. maybe? The same with Keyshia Cole I didn’t even check out her latest album so bored with a lot these artists.
It's funny that you guys mentioned Mary doing Jazz. I was talking with someone recently about how much I miss the "jazzy" side of Mary. When she first dropped on the scene, her Anita Baker influence was obvious. (Not that its about sounding like Anita). Why or when did she become this hollering banshee, especially live? She had her own smooth style of R&B, with a touch of Jazz elements in her vocals. That seems to be long gone now.
Was the success of "Not Gon Cry" or "No More Drama" that encouraged her to stay in that lane all this time. I miss the Jazzy Mary too.
The more I hear about this, the more I just want to cringe. I don't know, but Mary confuses me deeply. Hasn't she said in interviews that My Life is a painful era and record for her to rediscover? Hmm...she's been coasting on the themes of that record since that era with every record post-My Life.
Check me out and add me on: www.last.fm/user/brandosoul "Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for."-Bob Marley
^ The more I read this the more I wanna cry actually.
Like I remembered when Mary put out those albums that defined her (What's the 411 and My Life), then I look at the same woman who supposedly put these masterpieces out (least they're masterpieces to me) and it's almost hard to THINK this is the same woman when you hear Growing Pains and Stronger WithEachTear. It's like a different person.
And all this b.s. about her saying she won't go back to that style because she was bitter and depressed during that period don't make sense to me. The music on 411 sounded damn near peppy in some songs and My Life actually had an optimistic vibe even with the darker songs. Share My World was a mixture of 411/My Life with a 1997 perspective and Mary was a totally different and exhiliariting experience. Now she's doing records with Puffy Bitch and Lil' Cracky. I wanted to say "no we don't want a depressed Mary, we want a MUSICALLY REENERGIZED Mary!"
^ The more I read this the more I wanna cry actually.
Like I remembered when Mary put out those albums that defined her (What's the 411 and My Life), then I look at the same woman who supposedly put these masterpieces out (least they're masterpieces to me) and it's almost hard to THINK this is the same woman when you hear Growing Pains and Stronger WithEachTear. It's like a different person.
Those are the records that defined her as an artist and it's not that the records afterwards weren't spectacular, but something happened after Mary. Share My World and Mary were slight departures from the themes and surrealistic moments of My Life, but after that, she kept the momentum of the heartbroken woman, horrible relationships, I-go-through-the-same-thing-ladies, etc. jazz up and it crept up on her. The producers and writers she has been working with aren't giving her material that is gonna challenge her nor is she really concerned with moving forward. The last and only album where I got the feeling that she was moving forward musically and theme-wise was Mary, as it didn't really play on that whole "depressed, out-of-love woman" thing overall. And she was working with folks from nearly every spectrum of the music game on that album. That's what I need her to do again. Brian Cox and all those other folks aren't gonna do it for her and as she is a middle-aged 40 year old woman, it's looking forced and fake on every album. Her fanbase might've known her for the women empowerment anthems and all, but it ain't working. Mary has gotta wake up and realize that you can't do the same thing or sing what you were singing about in '94-'99 on each and every album.
Check me out and add me on: www.last.fm/user/brandosoul "Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for."-Bob Marley
^ The more I read this the more I wanna cry actually.
Like I remembered when Mary put out those albums that defined her (What's the 411 and My Life), then I look at the same woman who supposedly put these masterpieces out (least they're masterpieces to me) and it's almost hard to THINK this is the same woman when you hear Growing Pains and Stronger WithEachTear. It's like a different person.
Those are the records that defined her as an artist and it's not that the records afterwards weren't spectacular, but something happened after Mary. Share My World and Mary were slight departures from the themes and surrealistic moments of My Life, but after that, she kept the momentum of the heartbroken woman, horrible relationships, I-go-through-the-same-thing-ladies, etc. jazz up and it crept up on her. The producers and writers she has been working with aren't giving her material that is gonna challenge her nor is she really concerned with moving forward. The last and only album where I got the feeling that she was moving forward musically and theme-wise was Mary, as it didn't really play on that whole "depressed, out-of-love woman" thing overall. And she was working with folks from nearly every spectrum of the music game on that album. That's what I need her to do again. Brian Cox and all those other folks aren't gonna do it for her and as she is a middle-aged 40 year old woman, it's looking forced and fake on every album. Her fanbase might've known her for the women empowerment anthems and all, but it ain't working. Mary has gotta wake up and realize that you can't do the same thing or sing what you were singing about in '94-'99 on each and every album.
The Mary album was her most mature project. Wish she continued in that direction than what we got now.
So glad I jumped off this artist's boat two releases ago.
Okay! That's my reality with Mary also. Until she proves that she can get away from this cookie-cutter R&B stuff about breakups and heartache, I'll pass.
Even though, she really struck me with this and this is one of her recent songs for an Oscar-winning movie (I know, I know... ):
Check me out and add me on: www.last.fm/user/brandosoul "Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for."-Bob Marley
So glad I jumped off this artist's boat two releases ago.
Okay! That's my reality with Mary also. Until she proves that she can get away from this cookie-cutter R&B stuff about breakups and heartache, I'll pass.
Even though, she really struck me with this and this is one of her recent songs for an Oscar-winning movie (I know, I know... ):
p>
(Im at work)
Is this "I Can See In Color"?
Lawd jesus if she does mature songs liek that more often I will give her a fair shake. Raphael Saddiq, Questlove and James Poyser Comes to mind with people I think Mary should work wth. Mature, grown folks who can easily help bring real soul out of her.
Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records.
I'd be the first in line. I thought Growing Painswas incredibly subpar and I didn't even bother with Stronger With Each Tear. She's nearly lost her unique soulfulness.
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I def agree with you, I think she & Mariah are guilty of the same "I'm gonna fill this with garbage but will put a lil' something to remind you that I haven't lost it yet" scenario. Mariah's "It's A Wrap" and MJB's "Talk To Me" are big examples of that.
IDK. Either the song doesn't flow with the album, recorded after the mastering and by the time the new upcoming album came, it sounded dated from the "relevant" sound and it sure doesn't help when folks breath on her ear about whats supposedly "hot out there" when the thing that distinguished her from "whats out there" was the fact that she stood out like a sore thump and recorded music that differentiated her from other people.
I know Mary loves some jazz. It could work. She should really consider it. 
