When it comes to originality – and history – there are only a handful of entertainers who can claim that they were responsible for creating an entirely new genre.
However, Mary J. Blige, the undisputed “Queen of R&B;,” has done exactly that in a career that is rapidly approaching two decades in the music industry.
Four of Blige’s 10 albums have reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and she has also won three Grammy awards.
Incredibly, like a fine wine, Blige seems to get better with time. Her latest album, “The Breakthrough,” may prove to be the most successful yet. It debuted at No. 1 and sold more than 700,000 copies in the first week alone, the biggest opening week ever by a female R&B; solo artist.
I could go on and on listing Blige’s numerous accomplishments, but then this would turn into a 1,500-word article. So, I’ll keep it short and sweet and select my top 10 songs by the woman who is credited with merging R&B;, rap, pop rock and even jazz, into a unique blend all her own.
1. Seven Days (1998)
This song certainly isn’t Blige’s biggest hit ever, but it is unequivocally my favorite song from the highly entertaining songstress. This song only achieved mild success in the U.S. (I don’t know why) but is a great slow song that anyone over the age of 25 can easily relate to.
2. Real Love (1992)
This song, from her 1992 album, “What’s the 411,” is undeniably one of Blige’s biggest hits ever. This song isn’t actually my second favorite song by Blige, but I felt that dropping this song any lower on the list would be a huge disservice – especially since it reached No. 7 on the U.S. Hot 100 and No. 1 on the U.S. R&B; charts. Simply put, this is one of the songs that put Blige on the map and established her as a genuine force to be reckoned with in the R&B; genre.
3.You remind me (1992)
This is the other song form Blige’s “What’s the 411 album to put her on the map. This original score was also a bonafide hit, reaching No. 29 on the U.S. Hot 100 and No. 1 on the U.S. R&B; charts way back in 1992.
4. Enough Cryin’ (2006)
This song, from her latest album “The Breakthrough” represents the very best of Mary J. Blige. If you haven’t heard this song before, you don’t know what you’re missing and I suggest you go out immediately and purchase the album. Simply put, there has never been a female R&B; singer who could combine an ingenious rap with a string of revealing lyrics like Mary J.
5. You’re All I Need (featuring Method Man)
This is actually one of my favorite songs by Mary J. Blige. And the fact that Method Man joins her in this rousing rendition only makes it that much better. This “old school” hit is still as powerful as it was when she initially recorded it over a decade ago.
6. No More Drama (2001)
This song from her 2001 album of the same name represented a change in the tumultuous lifestyle that Blige was previously living. However, lifestyle change or not, Blige continued her hit-making ways with this song, which reached No. 15 on the U.S. Hot 100 and No. 16 on the U.S. R&B; charts.
7. Rainy Dayz (featuring Ja Rule) (2002)
This song was another big hit for Blige and the accompanying video with Ja Rule was downright incendiary.
8. Family Affair
This song is arguably Blige’s biggest hit ever, reaching No. 1 on three charts, the U.S. Hot 100, R&B; and Dance charts as well No. 8 on the U.K. Singles Chart. This upbeat song is definitely a must have on any party play list.
9. Be Without You (2005)
This mellow song by Blige off her latest album, “The Breakthrough” was one of Blige’s biggest hits ever, reaching No. 3 on the U.S. Hot 100 and No. 1 on both, the U.S. R&B; and Dance charts.
10. Love No Limit (1993)
I had a tough time with my tenth pick but ultimately selected this song, which, once again, was another hit for Blige, that reached No. 44 on the Hot 100 and NO. 5 on the U.S. R&B; charts.
