Now of course she did have other big songs throughout her career like Not Gonna Cry, Family Affair, Be Happy etc.

But I think these two songs are the ones that defined her the most and are her most "memorable". But what would you say is her signature song? (or maybe you can make an argument for another song of hers?)

"Real Love" is the one that defined her as the 'queen of hiphop soul', was her first "big" hit, is still played in clubs/radio today, was used in various commercials in the past etc.

And then you have "Be Without You", which was the longest running r&b #1 at one point, helped get her a grammy award for best R&B album, standing ovation at the grammys, various tv channels and radio outlets wore it out (and still do), sang at various singing competitions/shows.

I do like Not Gonna Cry, Love No Limit, Everything etc. more than most of her singles, but these two mentioned above are probably the overall "definitive Mary" songs if she were to retire today or something.

What is her signature song in your opinion?

It's tough... it's kinda like Aretha, she didn't have just "one" signature song, she had several.

I think for POP audiences, it's "Family Affair" and "No More Drama".

For R&B audiences, it's "Be Happy", "Not Gon' Cry", "Be Without You" and "My Life".

For those who are pop-R&B, I guess it's "Real Love".

It depends.

mrjun18 said:

Now of course she did have other big songs throughout her career like Not Gonna Cry, Family Affair, Be Happy etc.

But I think these two songs are the ones that defined her the most and are her most "memorable". But what would you say is her signature song? (or maybe you can make an argument for another song of hers?)

"Real Love" is the one that defined her as the 'queen of hiphop soul', was her first "big" hit, is still played in clubs/radio today, was used in various commercials in the past etc.

And then you have "Be Without You", which was the longest running r&b #1 at one point, helped get her a grammy award for best R&B album, standing ovation at the grammys, various tv channels and radio outlets wore it out (and still do), sang at various singing competitions/shows.

I do like Not Gonna Cry, Love No Limit, Everything etc. more than most of her singles, but these two mentioned above are probably the overall "definitive Mary" songs if she were to retire today or something.

What is her signature song in your opinion?

A tie between Be Happy and Real Love.....

Be Without You is one of her later hits that I exactly liked and its deserving... its a nice song but I think Real love is more of her signature between the two because that particular era defined her as the queen of hip hop soul and its a classic.

However, I think Be Happy is more so her signature and hands down her best song and is my favorite.

[Edited 8/15/12 13:36pm]

My Life.

Stymie said:

Timmy84 said:

It's tough... it's kinda like Aretha, she didn't have just "one" signature song, she had several.

I think for POP audiences, it's "Family Affair" and "No More Drama".

For R&B audiences, it's "Be Happy", "Not Gon' Cry", "Be Without You" and "My Life".

For those who are pop-R&B, I guess it's "Real Love".

It depends.

THIS

For the mtv pop audience it's real love, family affair or No More Drama.

But shr had so many huge hits R&B wise... so it's hard to tell. Isn't she still making big hits on te R&B charts?

I'm Going Down....that's her signature song.

meh, she's not that good anyways...as i only have 4 of her songs on my ipod.

Gunsnhalen said:

Timmy84 said:

It's tough... it's kinda like Aretha, she didn't have just "one" signature song, she had several.

I think for POP audiences, it's "Family Affair" and "No More Drama".

For R&B audiences, it's "Be Happy", "Not Gon' Cry", "Be Without You" and "My Life".

For those who are pop-R&B, I guess it's "Real Love".

It depends.

THIS

For the mtv pop audience it's real love, family affair or No More Drama.

But shr had so many huge hits R&B wise... so it's hard to tell. Isn't she still making big hits on te R&B charts?

Mr. Wrong was a top 10 hit on the R&B charts

aardvark15 said:

Gunsnhalen said:

THIS

For the mtv pop audience it's real love, family affair or No More Drama.

But shr had so many huge hits R&B wise... so it's hard to tell. Isn't she still making big hits on te R&B charts?

Mr. Wrong was a top 10 hit on the R&B charts

Mary, just like R. Kelly, Brandy & others who may not have top 10 hits pop wise anymore. R&B wise they will always have love

Timmy84 said:

"No More Drama"

Gunsnhalen said:

aardvark15 said:

Mr. Wrong was a top 10 hit on the R&B charts

Mary, just like R. Kelly, Brandy & others who may not have top 10 hits pop wise anymore. R&B wise they will always have love

Just like Chris Brown

aardvark15 said:

Gunsnhalen said:

Mary, just like R. Kelly, Brandy & others who may not have top 10 hits pop wise anymore. R&B wise they will always have love

Just like Chris Brown

sadly

To me, "Real Love" is her signature song. Whenever anyone mentions the song, it automatically connects to Mary J. Blige. "Be Without You" was good, but "Real Love" is truly her signature to me.

For me, "Everything" is my absolute favorite song by her. Loved that video and the song.