Mary J. Blige, Macy Gray: The ladies of R&B

Because of superstars like Michael Jackson, R & B is often thought of as the domain of male artists. But if you will reflect on these past few decades or so, you will start believing that the ladies have now reached the top of the heap. There is of course the great Aretha, always an exciting presence. There are the divas of the first order like Diana and Dionne. Among the younger batch it is Janet who rules the roost although Whitney never fails to enchant. Currently tops among the groups is Destiny’s Child. And then there are the more recent arrivals like Pink, Erykah Badu, Macy Gray and Mary J. Blige.

Although her song Family Affair has dropped to number two in Billboard’s Hot 100 tabulation, Mary J. Blige should still have no reason maintaining the momentum of her latest album. Blazing Hot is the description on the cover blurb and this is one case where both words come across as the truth. No More Drama is a mind-blower, thanks to Blige’s decision to make it a collaborative effort with some of today’s top R & B producers. Mary has already proven a competent producer in several albums in the past and allowing others to take the helm for this album brought a fresh approach to her work.

Then, of course there is her trademark writing. Mary, who is known as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, doesn’t just write lyrics, she makes confessions. Her songs lay bare sins, dreams, emotions that are so deeply personal. In truth, it is a blessing that she coats them with R & B rhythms for they would sometimes be too painful to listen to otherwise.

Family Affair produced by Dr. Dre is the top choice, but I am sure many listeners will instantly relate to the determined title track No More Drama produced by Terry Jam and Jimmy Lewis, the blissfully romantic Flying Away produced by Kiyamma Griffin and the heart-wrenching Never Been, which was written and produced by another great lady of R & B Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot.

Other songs in the album are Love, Steal Away, Crazy Games, PMS, Keep It Moving, Destiny, Where I’ve Been featuring Eve, Beautiful Day, Dance for Me, 2U, In the Meantime, Forever No More and the poem Testimony.

Mary rolled out the first hit, nearly 10 years ago in 1992 with the sensational Mary album. Since then she has done My Life, Share My World, a live album and No More Drama, all of which turned out to be big sellers. Her face, or should I say her lips, endorse MAC’s Viva Glam III. Proceeds from the sale of this lipstick goes to AIDS education and research.

The Id

Expect big things too from Macy Gray’s latest album The Id. Gray’s incredible voice is her strongest asset. Its tonal quality harks back to Billy Holiday and Nina Simone. It is the versatile kind that can go from sweet Motown ballad a la Diana Ross to Jennifer Lopez’s kind of dance music. I remember a time when I would listen to her just to find out how she would take on each particular song. She also has this unique ability to incorporate assorted music types and to filter the best out of a variety of influences. As a result Macy Gray, like her show-stopping looks, has a sound that is like no other.

The Id is a conglomeration of sounds. Boo, the second cut is easily an infectious winner. The frenzied Sexual Revolution gets you off to the dance floor. Think of a singing pied piper when you hear Hey Young World and allow yourself to be carried off to the realm of bluesy ragtime with Gimme All Your Lovin’ or I Will Kill You.

The other tunes included in The Id are Relating to a Psychopath, Sweet Baby featuring Erykah Badu; Harry, Don’t Come Around, My Nutmeg Phantasy, Freak Like Me, Oblivion, Forgiveness and Blowin’ Up Your Speakers.

Billboard Hot 100 listing

The Billboard Hot 100 listing is as follows: U Got It Bad by Usher; Family Affair by Mary J. Blige; How You Remind Me by Nickelback; Hero by Enrique Iglesias; Turn Off the Light by Nelly Furtado; Get the Party Started by Pink; Differences by Ginuwine; Livin’ It Up by Ja Rule featuring Case; Whenever, Wherever by Shakira; and I’m Real by Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule.