Mary J. Blige sings from the gut. Sometimes what's in there isn't pretty or safe for all ears. The voice she speaks from might not have either of those ingredients, but neither was that true for Billie Holiday (one of her inspirations) or Otis Redding (who sang the same way). For Reflections, you see her evolution from a woman in search of external validation to a woman who discovered peace within herself.
I've always thought when you purchased a Greatest Hits CD, you ended up with the older stuff first and the newer stuff towards the end of the disc. This album, however, is meant to be a push towards the newer stuff that Mary records - positive, upbeat, with not as much of the self-pity of her early years. The best of the four new tracks is "Reflections (I Remember)," which is a general overview of her life and her life in music from beginning to end.
After one listens to the four new songs on the album, you get to go down memory lane with such cuts as Real Love (from What's The 411?) and Not Gon' Cry (from the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack). Remixed, and perhaps the most remembered of this collection is "My Life," which I can say is the Mary most are familiar with. Another gem of her oldies is "You're All I Need To Get By," which took gangsta rap and R&B to a new formation.
My personal favorite of the whole collection is "911" with Wyclef Jean. It sounds different from the rest of her material for the simple fact that Jean seems to have a bright-side attitude to his music - even when he has something to say. My only other favorite is unfortunately not on this collection - "Overjoyed", a remake of the Stevie Wonder song. That might not be a problem for just myself when it comes to this CD though.
Article comments
1 - M-dubb
Reflections is not meant to be a "greatest hits," but a pit stop to "reflect" on the journey Mary J's been on. She's been saying that for the last three months. Usually I read on this site and find quality entertainment. Today, I found nothing. This looks poorly constructed and lacks intellect and research (Faith and Mary aren't beefing. The string that held them together - B.I.G. - no longer exists). They've done work together since then, too.
2 - Matthew Milam
I never said there was beef between the two, I said they weren't doing a collaboration because of "some unknown reason". Exactly which site are you reading?
Also, this is a greatest hits collection. It doesn't matter what it was meant to be, that's what it is.
3 - Chris
Of course "No More Drama" was one of the greatest hits of Mary's career. That is probably one of the most amazing performance by this woman and there are very few who can say they were not moved by her performance of it at the 2002 Grammy Awards.
4 - Fan
To my understanding Mary and Faith were already separating however, when Mary showed up at BIG's funeral she consoled Kim opposed to acknowleding Faith. I doubt Faith would look to collaborate again after feeling such betrayal. We will just have to enjoy them on their own.
As well, I think the three songs you prefer not be on the cd were excellent "reflections" of Mary's history and HUGE contributors to her success.
5 - Chaty
I LOVE MARY'S SINGING HER EMOTIONAL ATTATCHMENT TO WHAT SHE'S SINGING ABOUT IS SIMPLY INSPIRIG.LONG LIVE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK THAT GIVES MANY GIRLS HOPE OF MAKING IT IN LIFE DESPITE THEIR BACKGROUND
6 - Tandrea
I love your CDs. I have all of them. You is a great artist. I love you.