THE breadth and diversity of Ms Mary J Blige’s work is astonishing. Strength Of A Woman is Blige’s 13th studio album, to add to 150 guest appearances on others' albums, soundtracks and special projects.
Of these, Blige’s glorious covers of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits and her work with U2, Sam Smith, George Michael, Sting and Rod Stewart have revealed Blige to be the natural successor to Tina Turner as the ultimate rock siren. Those hoping for further exploration of her grittier side will be sadly disappointed with her new record.
Indeed, those wistful for Blige’s sumptuous vocals on a tune or two by Babyface or David Foster will be devastated. Although the voice is on top form, and the production is stupendous, she lacks what every great singer needs: a decent song.
For all her talents, MJB is not a songwriter of note. Even heavyweight guest co-writers such as Missy Elliott and Kanye West failed to resolve this issue. Strength Of A Woman is the aural equivalent of commissioning Rembrandt to emulsion the ceiling.
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