Mary

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Mary was released on 17 August 1999 on MCA Records. It was Mary J. Blige's fourth album, and as on Share My World she was executive producer. She let go of the obvious hip hop influences of her earlier work and opted for classic soul, with smooth productions reminiscent of the 1970s. This surprised many fans and critics. She worked with, among others, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Eric Clapton, Elton John, K-Ci and George Michael. I'm In Love, As and Let No Man Put Asunder are covers of The Gap Band, Stevie Wonder and First Choice.

The album entered at number two on the Billboard 200 and produced five charting singles. The reviews were glowing. Spin heard blues moans, gospel and jazz, and Q praised her transitions from bravado to vulnerability. Soren Baker felt the strength lay above all in how she sings the songs.

Listening

Track list

1. 1All That I Can Say5:30Apple Music ↗
2. 2Sexy (feat. Jadakiss)4:48Apple Music ↗
3. 3Deep Inside (feat. Elton John)5:26Apple Music ↗
4. 4Beautiful Ones5:59Apple Music ↗
5. 5I'm In Love4:50Apple Music ↗
6. 6Time5:06Apple Music ↗
7. 7Memories4:39Apple Music ↗
8. 8Don't Waste Your Time4:12Apple Music ↗
9. 9Not Lookin'5:27Apple Music ↗
10. 10Your Child5:34Apple Music ↗
11. 11No Happy Holiday5:19Apple Music ↗
12. 12The Love I Never Had6:49Apple Music ↗
13. 13Give Me You (feat. Eric Clapton)5:05Apple Music ↗
14. 14Let No Man Put Asunder4:24Apple Music ↗
15. 15As (Bonus Track)4:42Apple Music ↗
16. 16Give Me You (Nino Radio Mix) [Bonus Track]3:34Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗