I actually disagree with the first few comments. While I do love "The First Night" and some of Monica's older hits, I appreciate her sound now because she definitely has shown growth and maturity. She's a progressive artist and I think she reflects that on "New Life." Just because the sound is mid-tempo doesn't mean she's boring. If you listen to the lyrics I think it outlines exactly where she is in life right now and I think that's what makes an an artist an ARTIST. I really think if she was making up-tempo songs like everyone else is doing right now then people would be saying that she's a wannabe and that she's trying too hard. It's so hard to please people nowadays. Just take the music for what it is and appreciate that Monica is STILL doing her thing. #NEWLIFE.