Amazon.com: Nobody knows heartache like Mary J. knows heartache. But as she releases her seventh disc, perhaps more important is that nobody understands better how unquenchable our thirst to hear what it sounds like can be. The Breakthrough, contrary to run-up rumors, is no retrospective or greatest-hits package. Rather than reheat, Blige and producers Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Will.i.am tasked themselves with stirring a river of hurt into some of the highest-caliber hip-hop/soul to hit the airwaves since she burned up the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack with "Not Gon' Cry." Cameos alone could sell this disc: Brook, Jay-Z, Raphael Saadiq, and Bono step up. But it's the trademark ragged-edged soul of its star that shines brightest throughout the 16 tracks. "A love that tears you down ain't really love," a laid-bare Blige reminds us on "Ain't Really Love," after dedicating "Good Woman Down" to "my troubled sisters." Somewhere in between, she leaves absolutely no room for doubt that she just can't be without her baby ("Be Without You"). It's an exhilarating, love-affirming moment on a CD jammed full of them (check out "Can't Get Enough," with its echoes of a pleading Curtis Mayfield). Blige, never far from the thoughts of the lovelorn, didn't need a breakthrough, but anybody with an ear for artful confession will be glad she's given us The Breakthrough anyway. --Tammy La Gorce
The only "Breakthrough" You'll ever need After this CD, what more do you need. I was impressed and I can honestly call her the reigning "Queen" of hip-hop soul. Mary showed her maturity, progression, hurt, love and pain. After you show all of yourself the way Mary did there is nothing left to do but receive your breakthrough and move forward. This CD is a classic and I wish that I would have bought it a lot sonner than I did!
A true breakthrough this is a really good album. Mary is happy but not corny like on "Love and Life" by far one of her worst albums ever besides share my world. This album shows Mary being very motherly, friendly and shes doing alot of soul bearing in these songs. I can really feel her on this album like I could on the Mary album and we all felt No more drama.
soultrychef THIS CD IS HOT!!! I GOT THE GROWIN PAINS ALONG W/THIS ONE...I WAS LATE ON GETTING MY MARY STUFF. THIS IS A MUST BUY AS IS THE GROWING PAINS CD! EVERY SINGLE SONG IS HOT EVERY ONE! MARY IS MY GIRL AND THESE LAST 2 (THIS & GROWING PAINS) ARE THE BOMB!
Globalaza Beautiful cd cover that promises sophistication, quality and a certain regality. Some of the tracks deliver, most don't. Now, I am a big MJB fan. In fact, I have just about every cd she has done since "What's the 411?" days. But, this cd, like so many others fools me with one or two songs I just can't get enough of put on a cd that I consider largely forgettable.
The track "I Found My Everything" is a haunting, soulful, masterpiece of a song that is reminscent of the days of Aretha Franklin in the late 60s and 70s. NO one will be unmoved listening to this song. It is a superb in its souring vocals, short and focused background singing, and amazingly expansive instrumentation. If only it were one of many.
Unfortunately, none of the other songs appeal as much. It is not a disappointment to die hard MJB fans, but it is doubtful this cd will bring new fans. It is not truly a Breakthrough.
Entitled to be called "The Queen of HipHop Soul" MJB is just so inspiring and soulful. I listen to her all the time. So emotional hearing her voice and listening to the words. MJB is a class act for sure.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
