Sneak Peek Review of Mary J. Blige's Growing Pains

Grammy award winning R&B superstar Mary J. Blige is non-stop the past several years. In 2006, she was nominated for eight Grammy awards, making her the most nominated that year. That very night she performed with legendary rock band U2, singing a cover of their hit "One" which was released by the pairing in the U.K. Since then, Mary has been working hard to keep her profile high and the work flowing. She is dubbed the "Queen of Hip-hop Soul," and for good reasons as her career began in 1992 with her debut release What's the 411?. After a tour in support of her of her album Breakthrough, she is back with a new album titled Growing Pains.

The record opens with what is to become her second single, "Work That." The single is a familiar tune to many as she and the song are featured on one of iTunes recent commercials. The song is a great opener for the disc as it speaks of working with what you have and working hard for what you earn. In an industry ruled by superficial celebrities, Blige's smooth R&B vocals encourage us to be ourselves regardless of what others are saying behind your back.

Following into "Grown Woman," MJB brings in a guest to help her make a statement of tasteful sexiness. She sings of covering herself and respecting herself as a woman. In recent years where Britney and Paris expose their private parts and flaunt their sexuality, Mary cleans it up proving a woman can be sexy and desirable without showing too much skin. Ludacris joins Mary in the woman anthem.

The third track is her current single "Just Fine" that is topping Billboard's Top Ten. Currently at No. 7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs (Hot charts consist of airplay, sales and digital on-demand streaming), the song follows along Mary's ability to be comfortable in her own skin. "I'ma still wear a smile if it's raining/ I'm gotta enjoy myself regardless/ I appreciate life I'm so glad that it's mine/ So I like what I see when I'm looking at me when I'm walking past the mirror.." she sings.