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Mary J. Blige

Share My World  Hear it Now

RS: 3of 5 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 5 Stars

1997

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Mary J. Blige has the most bruised heart in contemporary pop and R&B – and the most resilient. The undisputed queen of hip-hop/R&B, Blige's connection to fans is wired to her heart condition – the way her spiritual afflictions and hard-won triumphs play out in her voice. She sings in defiance of the world-weariness that dogs her; that battle is her "sound." On Share My World, even Blige's harshest critics will have to concede that she's moved beyond sound to real singing. Listen to "Seven Days," "Missing You" and the already-classic "Not Gon' Cry" (also on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack), and you hear Blige's signature ache married to newfound technique. There's shading, depth and control in her vocals now.

For the most part, anyway. On her too-faithful remake of Natalie Cole's '70s R&B smash "Our Love," she sings with the barest acknowledgment of tone or pitch. The album's real flaws, though, are twofold. There's a creeping sickness that has thrown the hip-hop/R&B balance off, in favor of the latter; and almost all the songs are ballads of loves lost or pleaded for, often joined to subplots of trying to find self-worth in a heartless world. Only the pumping "Searching" and "Everything" – which cribs its hook from the Stylistics oldie "You Are Everything" – break the threatened monotony. Blige is no longer finding new aesthetic ground; she's consolidating power by proving herself on more traditional R&B terms. Despite the hints that she's becoming conservative, though, her soul's unconquerable throb – at least for the moment – prevents her from sinking into artistic complacency.

ERNEST HARDY

(Posted: Apr 25, 1997)

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charliemapleton writes:

5of 5 Stars


On the immediate classics "What's The 411?" and "My Life",Mary J. Blige gave heartwrenching testimonies of joy and pain.This time on "Share My World",her perspective comes in full circle and has her listeners relatively drawn even closer."Love Is All We Need" is a prosperous cry sent to men,women,and children alike.The elegant "I Can Love You" borrows a sample of Lil' Kim's "Queen B@$#h",as well as a showstopping appearance from the Brooklyn Bombshell herself."Round And Round" is an indulging,soul-stirring rant towards a cunningly unforgiving lover,accompanied by powerful piano chords and background vocals."Everything" is a newly romantic remake of The Stylistics' "You Are Everything",with a romping,inner city-like beat to it."Get To Know You Better" is yearning and smooth,crafting a soulful,outer space feel and amazing guitar licks."Searching" is a remarkable spin on Roy Ayers' own version(one of her many influences)that is a celebration of the human race.On this newly instant classic,the Queen of Hip Hop Soul proves she will stop at NOTHING to break down social,emotional barriers and marvelously reconstruct their territories.

Oct 2, 2006 13:02:56

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