Amazon.com: Perhaps the true test of a classic is this: something that's commonplace now but at the time appeared revolutionary. The notion that a female R&B singer could be as informed by the Real Roxanne as she was by Aretha Franklin, that she could give love to the streets and the roughnecks--while still delivering soul-drenched love songs that came from that wounded womanly space--was, in a word, groundbreaking. It was the sound of the New Jills, and of a new genre, aptly called hip-hop soul. Featuring production from a then-upstart Puffy, and a collection of songs that alternately swagger and seduce--"You Remind Me," "Real Love," "Reminisce"--What's the 411? may not be Blige's finest work (that honor may go to its moody follow-up, My Life). But its ghetto-fied grooves dominated the radio then, and they still sound fierce today, even with a slew of lesser imitators attempting to do what the rough and ready Blige did so effortlessly back in the day. --Amy Linden
A Classic Mary J. Blige has the 4-1-1 on how to create a CD that will become an all-time classic. Yes, Mary has a soulful way of connecting to every woman's suffering and moves you to shout "you go girl!"
The best The first and the best. I've probably listened to this album a million times from beginning to end, and never get tired of it. This is one of my favorite albums of all time.
A Great Album by Mary Mary's first album "What's the 411?" is, in my opinion, her best album. Her vocals are impeccable here and the songs are all good. I don't see any fillers. -Reminisce: 5/5 -Real Love: 5/5 One of my favorites on the album...I love the remix as well -You Remind Me: 5/5 Also one of my favorites -Sweet Thing: 5/5 A good remake of Chaka Khan's Sweet Thing. I find both versions good and Mary did a great job on it. -Love No Limit: 4.5/5...I personally prefer the remix of Love No Limit on her "What's the 411? Remix" CD. -I Don't Want To Do Anything: 5/5 Another favorite -Slow Down 4.5/5 A good song, but not the best on the album -My Love 4.5/5 -Changes I've Been Going Through 5/5 Another favorite -What's the 411? 4.5/5
This album definitely shows Mary J's vocals at her best. Although I love "My Life" as well, I feel that album as a few fillers. I think "What's the 411?" and also "What's the 411? Remix" shows Mary J Blige at her finest.
Great CD This is Mary's very first CD and it is off the hook (in a good way). If you are a Mary J Blige fan, then you will love this CD and keep it as a classic. This is my second one because the first one was a cassette tape (I upgraded)
The Undisputed Queen of R and B Mary does it again. It is smooth and soulful from the beginning to the end. Cuts 2, 4 and 6 are phenomenal. A MUST HAVE. Don't think about it. Just get it, live it, that's Mary!!!!!!
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