Work That
The album starts with an upbeat number filled with drums and a heavy bass line. Mary sings about 'working what you got' and basically not caring what others think of you: echoing the message of 'Take Me As I Am' from 2005´s 'The Breakthrough'. Whether you're a lady or not, whether you're self-concious or not, this track is gooooooood!
Grown Woman feat. Ludacris
Mary kicked off the live show for this album with this track and it is easy to see why. 'Work That' may be a stomper but it gets trampled all over by this! Mary is singing about the benefits of Grown Women over the youngsters and sells herself well! Another great track. The end of the song sums it up well, Mary has got her mojo back with this one.
Just Fine
'Grown Woman' winds up seamlessly into the lead single from the album. Given the other songs she had to choose from, this seems a bit of a weak track to launch the album with but it is a definite grower; another up-beat song about Mary feeling comfortable in her own skin and encouraging others to do the same. She says herself that it took her so long to reach this place so it is understandable that this is a recurring theme on this album. When she's down, she sings it like it is (My Life) and when she's up, she churns out dance floor fillers like this. If you caught this tour, I am sure you still whoop all through the chorus!
Feel Like A Woman
The pace of the album (which has been relentless so far) slows down a little so that Mary can bang home the message about what she wants from her man. Heavy on the drums, this is a track that will have you nodding your head, ultimately in appreciation
Stay Down
The pace slows down a little more and this is the first song on the album that can easily be overlooked. The lyrics are quite deep, talking about a more real aspect of being in a relationship with someone. If the opening tracks are for letting yourself go, this one is for listening to. Stick with it and you will like it. That's a promise!
Hurt Again
Mary is upfront about her past and things that happened to her in previous relationships. This is another mid (erring on the slow) tempo track about being scared to let go with a new partner and allowing past relationships affect the one that you are in (à la brilliant 'Baggage' from 'The Breakthrough'). As per the lyrics, we've all 'been there' and 'done that' so everyone can relate to this. Mary showcases some of her smoother vocals here, which can only be a good thing.
Shake Down feat. Usher
This is the one song on the album that I don't quite get. I like Usher and on paper, this should be something special. It isn't and may be it is that disappointment that affects my judgement. With a similar tempo to 'Hurt Again' the song talks about Usher robbing Mary for her love and vice versa.
Till The Morning
The tempo begins to increase again with this one but it is neither a slow jam nor an up tempo track. It doesn't quite sit anywhere. The backing vocals grate and this song gets skipped from time to time. Possibly didn't make the cut when it came to putting the album on the i-pod.
Roses
If you were thinking of giving up on the album, shame on you! Relationships 'ain't all roses' and that is what this song talks about. I say talk as Mary does narrate part of the track and the result is blinding! Mary pulls no punches and that is why we love her. Even if you're not going to get the album, get 'Roses'.
Fade Away
Not content with being the Queen of Hip Hop & Soul, Mary ventures into Dance territory with this one. It is not all glow sticks in the air, however; it's a classy, smooth track that sings about how 'invisibility would be great' when things go wrong for no reason other than your own insecurities. We've all wished that the earth would swallow us up at some point but the only hole you'll want appearing is on the dance floor. This song is for dancing to.
What Love Is
Love is..... Possibly inspired from the 80s/90s cartoon characters, Mary sings about how love is the best and worst thing going. You have to admit it, it's true. It's also true that in songs you either hear how it is all roses (!) or how bad it is. Never that it can be and usually will be good and bad. The song builds and builds and the strings at the end are beautiful.
Work In Progress (Growing Pains)
There are some really weird sound effects in the background to this song. They are hard to describe, water drops in reverse may be? Either I have just nailed it and they are meant to be tears that have been spent in the past drying up or I am way off, I don't know. Consequently, I am not sure if I like this or not. I think Growing Pains is a good album title but as a title track, this song lacks something.
Talk To Me
A slow song with fast singing in which Mary, true to form, tells it like it is. A song to her partner, Mary says, 'I ain't gonna force you but you're gonna Talk To Me'. A great track.
If You Love Me?
The song carries on nicely, not a stand out track but not just a filler. I like how it screeches to a halt in a verse where Mary says 'wait' as well as the cello in the bridge. In a nutshell, the message is that the way you get your partner is the way to keep them and a warning not to let standards slip.
Smoke
We're reaching the finale of the album now and the penultimate track has soft verses and big choruses. It sounds a little clumsy in places and the best thing about it is the very last word (face) that takes us straight into....
Come To Me (Peace)
The second single and a good end to a good album. This is a softer track than the others with those smooth vocals one more. A little reminiscent of the last track on Janet's Velvet Rope but a lot less rubbish! An accapella section in the middle and the haunting background vocals sit well together. A great song.
All in all 'Growing Pains' continues the return to form that 'The Breakthrough' saw and, even if you are not a fan of Mary's earlier stuff, this album gets the theywantmusic seal of approval. Buy it!
Mary J. Blige's Official Website: www.mjblige.com
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