Releasing the highly acclaimed Good Morning Gorgeous in 2022, modern R&B Queen Mary J. Blige returns in 2024 with a powerful and emotional reflection that takes shape in the newly released Gratitude.
Released via Blige’s Mary Jane imprint label and 300 Entertainment, her fifteenth overall studio record successfully progresses her modern R&B legacy. World-renowned for her ability to blend Soul, Hip Hop, Blues, and Gospel into a gorgeous product that only she could rival, Gratitude serves as a brilliant addition to the already stellar resume that belongs to the nine-time Grammy winner. Arriving on November 15, 2024, it comes a couple of months short of the January 31, 2025 kickoff for a promotional tour and has immediately been met with tremendous praise. Blige presents a mature sound that oozes reflection with every track. Touching on her journey of discovery, adversity, and eventually growth, Blige is at her lyrical best as she focuses on the power of one’s inner self and the welcoming of life’s great lessons.
Twelve tracks that explore the tumultuous themes of healing, empowerment, and persistence, before dropping Gratitude, Blige put out a single to test the waters. The single, “You Ain’t the Only One,” was released on October 18th and is a song written by Blige, Pat Kelly, Angelo “Doc” Velasquez, as well as Jezus Rose. Immediately, buzz about the track flooded the airways and set a lot of interest into motion as Gratitude approached.
A part of the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024 along with Dave Matthews Band, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Cher, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne, Blige continues her lyrical prowess on much of Gratitude. For example, new songs like “Thank You” and “Grateful” stick out proudly. Additionally, both are highlighted as anthemic productions of resilience and commitment. Shifting gears slightly, Blige powers on into the depths of the record, busting out gems like “Beautiful Pain” and “Healing,” which secrete such emotion and pain it is a wonder how she even got through the recording sessions with such raw power flying about. That is not to say Gratitude plays like an over-read paperback written by Nicholas Sparks, but instead contains such immense vulnerability, and at times even desperation, that it must have been an emotional marathon of epic proportions.
Concerning production and overall sounds found on the record, Gratitude is a succulent and dense journey, offering glimpses into every of Blige’s critical influences with a splendid mixture of live instrument work and modern R&B beats that allow the sound to escape the perils of “been there, done that,” while remaining deeply attached to the soulful roots that catapulted her to stardom. The vocal performances turned in on the album depict that Blige remains a vocal legend.
Always in command, Blige follows the tracks on this album with her heart, not simply singing them, but more so allowing them to stream from her mouth in the manner they choose. The range that so many stars of today envy remains, and whether she belts out a chorus or sends in a quiet, sharp moment, her delivery and ability to be true and unafraid with her creations are pillars of this record. It is a testament to her ability to take emotional pieces and connect with her audience through unparalleled authenticity and pure, raw emotion.
Overall, Gratitude is a magnificent return for Ms. Blige after her brief break. Heartfelt and honest, Mary J. Blige reminds the world that she is still an icon. The ability that is so perfectly demonstrated is one to be cherished and praised. The R&B legend is not going anywhere and even though her fans were well aware of this fact, Blige utilizes her triumphant production in Gratitude to further solidify this understanding. With such brilliance and grace, Blige remains untouched by her peers… even now in 2024. Longtime listeners, and Blige novices alike, have plenty to be excited about with this pre-holiday season release. That is why Cryptic Rock declares it a must-listen, giving Gratitude 4 out of 5 stars.
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