The year is 1999 and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige is releasing her 4th studio album, the critically acclaimed (yet slightly underrated) ‘Mary’.
Classic in many a way, the LP’s lead single ‘All That I Can Say’ is the object of this week’s From The Vault.
The Lauryn Hill helmed track demonstrates, like oh so many others, that Ms Blige is undeniably a sensational songstress. While not as straight-forward and in-your-face as most of her signature hits (‘Real Love’, ‘Family Affair’, ‘Be Without You’), the laid-back groove still makes for an interesting listen. Mary shows that she is as comfortable using her lower register than she is belting high notes. Furthermore, the grittiness and overall rawness of her vocal here is a true testament to the genuinety the ‘No More Drama’ singer embeds in her music.
Released in the summer of ’99, a time when bubble-gum Pop was ruling the airwaves (Britney, Christina and co), this song never garnered the recognition it deserved. However, with its unashamed adult flavour and positive vibe, it really postmarked of Mary’s growth as an artist.
Mary, more feel-good songs like this on on ‘My Life II’, please!
16 COMMENTS
Kerry Johnson
May 29, 2011 at 2:38 pm
NOW THIS REAL MUSIC RIGHT HERE!!!!!!!
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KNUCK
May 29, 2011 at 2:43 pm
AMAZING!! One of my fave mary songs.. Lauryn Hill was crazy for this.. Matter of fact, this album is amazing. she used her lower register a lot.. get into “Beautiful Ones” and “I’m in Love”!!!
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TaTa
May 29, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Mary needs to get back to the breakthrough, i liked mary until then but it’s all be downhill ish since
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TaTa
May 29, 2011 at 2:47 pm
this is a tune!
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Kisses.
May 29, 2011 at 3:12 pm
When I listen to older music, I live this mess of music that is now. But as soon as the music stops, I have to come back to reality *Sigh*. I miss music like this. I really do..
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T.I
May 29, 2011 at 3:14 pm
YAAAASSSSS MARY J. ALL DAY EVERYDAY !!
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Imgunnacheckuboo
May 29, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Lovin it.
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CURLY SUE
May 29, 2011 at 3:50 pm
I USED TO LOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS SONG. THE ENTIRE “MARY” ALBUM WAS A JAM! THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT SHE CAN BE IN LOVE AND STILL MAKE GOOD MUSIC!
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~aMaZiNG.Lee~
May 29, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Actually ALL of Mary’s albums are underrated in my opinion. There isn’t a single album from her that I dislike. She’s just one of a few that is consistently R&B, and GOOD R&B at that. It’s amazing how she’s stayed the same, yet evolved immensely since her first album “My Life.” Love her!
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MaZ
May 29, 2011 at 4:51 pm
One of my favorite album from Mary J. Blige. Love that video. I miss old days of R&B.
Mary J. Blige + Lauryn Hill = Magic
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aisha
May 29, 2011 at 7:06 pm
love this song.
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Nigelahmad
May 29, 2011 at 8:02 pm
My fav mary album. Soooo underrated! Love how she used her lower register through this album in difficult keys. So much control throughout. She doesnt have as much grittiness in her voice anymore, and thats what kinda made Mary stick out.
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Kelly
May 29, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Hail to the mutherfuckin queen!! Now this is an Icon!!
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nikki
May 29, 2011 at 9:05 pm
They don’t music like this anymore…..Good Ish
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Tanni
May 30, 2011 at 3:57 pm
This album still went 2X Platinum .. This is my absolute favorite Mary J Blige song !!! PERIOD !!!
Mary’s deep vocals on this record are intoxicating !!!!
And I agree .. I want songs like this on “MY LIFE II ” ..
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****
May 31, 2011 at 4:36 pm
This is a sample from MJ’s “I Can’t Help It”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnhWML43NI8
Beautiful song
Love MJB and Lauryn Hill
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