R&B Album Swap

~~Soulflower~~ · 04-01-2014, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

I'm so terrible with reviews. I listen to it right away but instead of writing up something really quickly. I just push it off til another time.

I didn't really like this album. The first few tracks were okay but then it descended into mediocrity. I felt like the album was a bit too lengthy for what she was doing.

Also you are up next with what album we should review next.

I don't think it's messed up what happened to her career. That's what she gets for hanging around Ja Rule and relying on him for a large majority of her hits.

Have you heard her 2013 album Braveheart? I haven't but I downloaded it recently. Will get around to it soon.

No I haven't. I am not a Ashanti (music) fan.

I don't think she can sing but I always thought she was really nice and had a genuine personality compared to other pop stars.

Your opinions about her career are probably right. That whole "Murdern Inc" label was a ratchet mess.

djchameleon · 04-01-2014, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by realtalk92

Your opinions about her career are probably right. That whole "Murdern Inc" label was a ratchet mess.

Yep. I was a bit sad when my girl Vanessa Carlton signed a deal with them. I'm pretty sure she left after that one album but it was a great album regardless of the label that helped her put it out. I'm sure she didn't stick around with them for too long.

~~Soulflower~~ · 04-01-2014, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

yep. i was a bit sad when my girl vanessa carlton signed a deal with them. i'm pretty sure she left after that one album but it was a great album regardless of the label that helped her put it out. I'm sure she didn't stick around with them for too long.

why?!?!?!

smh

That is how I feel about Janelle Monae. Some of these great artists are on horrible labels.

I have another R&B record, can I post it?

djchameleon · 04-01-2014, 12:14 PM

yeah go ahead and post it. I'm ready. It is just the two of us.

~~Soulflower~~ · 04-01-2014, 01:02 PM

Mary J Blige- My Life

Released: March 1, 1994, The debut of Mary J Blige

Track List:

1. Intro
2. Mary Jane (All Night Long),
3. You Bring Me Joy, Marvin (Interlude),
4. I'm The Only Woman
5. My Life,
6. You Gotta Believe,
7. I Never Wanna Live Without You,
8. I'm Goin' Down,
9. My Life (Interlude),
10. Be With You,
11. Mary's Joint,
12. Don't Go,
13. I Love You,
14. No One Else,
15. Be Happy

This is a classic and must have. I will be back with my review.

djchameleon · 04-01-2014, 01:15 PM

You know,I have never listened to a MJ Blige album. This will probably be my first. I only listen to her singles.

djchameleon · 04-16-2014, 09:49 AM

So, I thought this was her debut but it's actually her second album.

My favorite tracks from this album are "Mary Jane (All Night Long)", "Be Happy" and "You Bring Me Joy"

I have heard many of these tracks without ever having listened to this album. I think I can say that about many of Mary's albums. She is pretty much the Queen of R&B and commands that her presence be recognized through her vocals. She always stands out when she's featured on songs that aren't her own. The production is definitely top notch on this album though and I loved all the soul songs that were sampled in the creation of this album. While I was listening, I was going through trying to pick out songs that I knew or felt like I knew.

~~Soulflower~~ · 04-22-2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

So, I thought this was her debut but it's actually her second album.

My favorite tracks from this album are "Mary Jane (All Night Long)", "Be Happy" and "You Bring Me Joy"

I have heard many of these tracks without ever having listened to this album. I think I can say that about many of Mary's albums. She is pretty much the Queen of R&B and commands that her presence be recognized through her vocals. She always stands out when she's featured on songs that aren't her own. The production is definitely top notch on this album though and I loved all the soul songs that were sampled in the creation of this album. While I was listening, I was going through trying to pick out songs that I knew or felt like I knew.

You are actually right... MY BAD!! lol This is MJB second album. Her first album was "Whats the 411" That is another great album as well.

However, I think "My Life" is the album that made her the icon she is today. I wouldn't say she is the Queen of R&B specifically but she is the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul". I don't think no other artist in her genre has fused those two genres so creatively as she has...maybe Lauryn Hill but then again Lauryn only made one album although that album is classic to.

Mary is not a good technical singer and her range is limited. However, she conveys so much emotion in her singing and really knows how to takes you with her in a song which is why I think she is a great singer. She commands alot of presence and personality in her singing. She is not a bad writer either and like you said is great at making appearances on other artists songs and knows how to make it her own. I think she deserves all her success and accolades. She has a pretty strong discography and despite her cross over success has not forgotten her roots...which is why I will always respect her.

My favorite tracks are: My Life, Be Happy, I'm Goin Down, Mary Jane (All Night Long), I Never Wanna Live Without You

This is a pretty solid album and the music videos are actually really good to. This is Mary at her best!

djchameleon · 04-24-2014, 06:52 AM

Idk I would still consider her the Queen of R&B in the same way that R. Kelly goes around with his self proclaimed Pied Piper of R&B title. Who else do you think would even fit that title for Queen of R&B? Also how are you making the distinction between hip hop soul and rhythm and blues? I feel like it's the same thing.

I guess it is my pick next.

I know I wanted to listen to a Mya album but I had such a hard time deciding between her self titled debut and Fear of Flying which was her second album but equally as good if I remember correctly.

I may just end up listening to both but for the purpose of this thread. Let's go with the debut.

Mýa - Mýa

"What Cha Say"
"Movin' On"
"Baby It's Yours"
"Keep On Lovin' Me"
"It's All About Me" (featuring Sisqó)
"If You Died I Wouldn't Cry Cause You Never Loved Me Anyway"
"We're Gonna Make Ya Dance"
"If You Were Mine"
"Bye Bye" (featuring Missy Elliott)
"Anytime You Want Me"
"Don't Be Afraid"
"My First Night with You"
"Movin' On (Remix)" (featuring Silkk the Shocker)

btw had to toss in this music video because it brings back the nostalgic feels.

~~Soulflower~~ · 04-25-2014, 09:42 PM

Just because an artist proclaims themselves as something does not necessarily mean they are the title they say they are. I actually think it would be unfair to call her the Queen of JUST R&B because her specialty is Hip Hop and R&B/New Jack Swing. I know most people site her as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul because of the fusion of those two genres she implemented throughout her catalog.

I honestly do not know who I would give the Queen of R&B title to but I personally would not give that to Mary J.

Hip Hop Soul and R&B are not the same thing. Hip Hop Soul fuses Soul music and Hip Hop together and R&B is just that. Unless its New Jack Swing or some other sub genre within R&B.

Also I will come back with my review. I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE Mya that is my girl, she is so underrated!!

04-01-2014, 01:02 PM	#135 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	Mary J Blige- My Life Released: March 1, 1994, The debut of Mary J Blige Track List: 1. Intro 2. Mary Jane (All Night Long), 3. You Bring Me Joy, Marvin (Interlude), 4. I'm The Only Woman 5. My Life, 6. You Gotta Believe, 7. I Never Wanna Live Without You, 8. I'm Goin' Down, 9. My Life (Interlude), 10. Be With You, 11. Mary's Joint, 12. Don't Go, 13. I Love You, 14. No One Else, 15. Be Happy This is a classic and must have. I will be back with my review. Last edited by Soulflower; 04-01-2014 at 01:22 PM.

04-25-2014, 09:42 PM	#140 (permalink)
~~Soulflower~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,304	Just because an artist proclaims themselves as something does not necessarily mean they are the title they say they are. I actually think it would be unfair to call her the Queen of JUST R&B because her specialty is Hip Hop and R&B/New Jack Swing. I know most people site her as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul because of the fusion of those two genres she implemented throughout her catalog. I honestly do not know who I would give the Queen of R&B title to but I personally would not give that to Mary J. Hip Hop Soul and R&B are not the same thing. Hip Hop Soul fuses Soul music and Hip Hop together and R&B is just that. Unless its New Jack Swing or some other sub genre within R&B. Also I will come back with my review. I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE Mya that is my girl, she is so underrated!!