Mary J. Blige - Stronger With Each Tear
Mary J. Blige’s latest album has as its central theme the idea that we know that if we want to achieve anything we have to accept that our work is never over, and by keeping going, all the trials, tribulations and tears only make us stronger.
After 15 years of success in the music industry, including nine Grammy albums, eight multi-platinum albums and over 40 million albums sales, Mary J. Blige is certainly one who practices what she preaches. Not content to rest on her laurels, she is still looking for new challenges.
As well as being in charge of Matriarch Entertainment, her music, film and TV company, Mary co-executive produced the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed film “Precious”, appeared alongside Elvis Costello on the season finale of “30 Rock”, as well as taking on an acting role in Tyler Perry’s comedy drama “I Can Do Bad By Myself” (where she played part of a ‘Greek chorus’ alongside Gladys Knight).
Meanwhile, on “Stronger With Each Tear”, Mary collaborates with some of the best producers and artists in the business, plus she covers two classic Led Zeppelin tracks – “Stairway To Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love”, the latter produced by the man of the moment RedOne (Lady Gaga/Little Boots).
Other stand-out tracks on the album include, “The One”, featuring much-vaunted newcomer Drake and is produced by the legendary Rodney Jerkins (the man behind Lady Gaga’s Beyonce-enhanced “Telephone”, as well as basically every big R&B act over the last two decades). Mary also hooks up with our own UK talent Jay Sean on the powerful ballad “Each Tear” plus Will.I.Am also collaborates on her track “I Can’t Wait”.
Hit maker Ne-Yo worked on “Good Love” and the heart-wrenching “I Can See In Color”. Meanwhile, first single from the album, “I Am”, was produced by Stargate (Norwegian super-producer duo famed for their work with Rihanna, Mariah Carey, and Usher) while the video for the song was directed by famed lensman, Anthony Mandler (the man who gave M.I.A., Jay-Z and Eminem videos their distinctive look).
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