cletta1201's Full Review: No More Drama [US Bonus Tracks] by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige has been through a lot. Drugs, alcohol, and abusive relationships – you name it and she’s been there and done that. I’ve hesitated a long time in picking up Mary’s 5th album (of all new material) No More Drama for several reasons, one was that I didn’t like the way she looked on the cover (I know that’s SO damn stupid) and two because all of the things that I had heard were that she was changing, not “old Mary” but new happy Mary. If anybody is familiar with her work you know that most of her good stuff stems from heartbreak and pain, it’s essentially what made her so good. So, after all of my reluctance – I finally picked up (in the new 2002 repackaged version, lol). Essentially what I know now is that I have cheated myself out of months of really good music (which Mary helped write, she either wrote or co-wrote almost all of the songs) and I love this album so much that it’s going in my cd changer where I keep all of my really good music.
The album begins with Love which sounds like it could have been done by Ruff Ryder producer Swizz Beats (it wasn’t). This song finds Mary showcasing a throaty yell and screaming out ”L-O-V-E”. We also find a new Mary showing us that if she couldn’t sing – that should get maybe get a gig as a rapper as she drops a few bars for us and doesn’t sound half bad at all. Family Affair is the infectious club banger produced by Dr. Dre. Mary is kind enough to add some new words to the English language with hateration and holleration. It’s nice that this song was the lead single because it showed a new and more optimistic Mary. The Neptunes show up on yet ANOTHER album and put their stamp on Steal Away. Bad part of the song – one of The Neptunes (Pharrell) sings and a rap by Marshane Smith (whoever he is) that kind of messes with the continuity of the song and I could have done without. Good part of the song – the hook and chorus, which is to be expected from any Neptune joint.
Mary is also pretty famous for her woman empowering songs (I’m Going Down and Seven Days). He Think I Don’t Know is one of those also. This song is easily my favorite track on the album. Mary sounds exquisite and there is really good guitar usage within the track. Plus the song just speaks to you: ”I don’t know what gets me more/ ‘Bout your two hour trips to the store/ How they never have/ What you went there for/ Yet you say to trust you more/ Or is it the fact that you believe/ That your girl is just so naďve”. Mary says she aint no sucka! When I heard that there was a song called PMS, I thought for sure it would be a big joke. Surprisingly enough, it’s not and I (as all women) can relate. This song is very simple – a simple beat, a guitar and Mary. Also, making this song EVEN better is that the beautiful guitar showcased on this song is played by my rock and roll sex symbol Lenny Kravitz. An excellent tribute to a horrible affliction (smile).
The albums title track No More Drama is another of my favorites. Simply because its so heartfelt. You really feel that Mary has resolved herself to be happy and triumphant and you respect her fro that. This track also ”embodies portions” of the Young & The Restless the theme music from the soap opera by the same name. On the chorus she sings (and you feel it)” No more pain (no more pain)/ No more game ( no more game messin with my mind)/ No drama (no more drama in my life)/ No one's gonna make me hurt again/ No more tears (no more tears, I'm tires of cryin everynight)/ No more fears (no more fears, I really don't wanna cry)/ No drama (no more drama in my life)/ I don't ever wanna hurt again/ Wanna speak my mind, wanna speak my mind”
Mr. 2001 guest appearance and always on the television himself Ja Rule rears his ugly singing voice on Rainy Dayz. I’m forced to ponder at this point why singers are letting Ja Rule onto their albums. If someone knows, please leave a comment. Even though the track features Ja, it’s semi-infectious, and I don’t skip it. Where I’ve Been features the self-professed pit bull in a skirt aka Eve dropping by. This song is an inspirational song for those who struggle (everybody). I wouldn’t have pegged this one as being produced by Swizz Beats which I think is good, because he sound was starting to get redundant.
Dance For Me featuring rapper Common is another noteworthy track. Cleaver production, nice guest appearance. Just good. The “he he he haw” girl Missy Elliot lends a helping hand on Never Been. I never want to hear Missy singing lead vocals but as background harmony with Mary – I don’t mind this one. It’s kind of sexy and Missy is a good producer, this one works. Funny thing is that I could have just as easily pictured this one sung by the late, gone too soon superstar Aaliyah.
Forever No More – Poem written by Mary about her past, present and future is really raw on emotion and a very candid look at a hard life. The poem leads right into the final album track Testimony, sounding like a little contemporary gospel (think Mary Mary), it’s a good note to end an excellent album on.
I feel with this album more than any other that Mary has staked her claim as ”The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul”. This album is proof positive that happiness can make songs just as meaningful as pain and sadness. Here’s to having No More Drama in all of our lives.
Track Listing
1. Love
2. Family Affair
3. Steal Away
4. He Think I Don’t Know
5. PMS
6. No More Drama
7. Rainy Dayz f/ Ja Rule
8. Where I’ve Been f/ Eve
9. Beautiful Day
10. Dance For Me f/ Common
11. No More Drama (remix f/ P.Diddy) Bonus
12. Flying Away
13. Never Been
14. 2 U
15. In The Meantime
16. Forever No More (poem)
17. Testimony
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