The Queen of Hip Hop R&B is back with a new album that’s not so Hip Hop. Before the end of 2014 Mary J Blige released an album called The London Sessions. Recorded in London with influences from the likes of Disclosure, Sam Smith, and Emeli Sande Mary really switches it up on this album. Still staying true to her beautiful vocal range and soulful precedence, Mary gives us another album to talk about yet again. With songs like “Therapy”, “Doubt” and “Not Loving You” content wise it remains true to the real life thoughts and emotions Mary has always discussed in many of her songs. The first half of the album may feel gloomy but it carries a very relatable message discussing aspects of love, self-confidence, and self worth. The second half of the album picks up the tempo and has evident influences from the likes of British musicians like Disclosure who produced the song “Follow.” “Pick Me Up”, is one of my favorites off of the album and is produced by Naughty Boy. When “Pick Me Up” plays I easily envision my self-driving in a convertible down Rodeo Drive blaring this from my sound system. It’s the perfect feel good song I would say. “Right Now” a more serious breakup song is even upbeat and quite sassy too. Throughout the album listeners will also hear commentary from Sam Smith, Disclosure, and Mary herself discussing Mary as an artist and the approach taken for this album. The music feels so crisp and clean with lots of instrumentation. Songs like “Therapy” remind you of a doo-wop Louisiana feel while “My Loving” is a song you just want to dance to all night. Honestly The London Sessions is just so different from past albums in regards to production. Mary J. Blige definitely created a gem with this leap of faith.
