By shelz.

Many times, fans (and critics) are blinded by the legendary status that some artists carry.  Once they are bestowed with a title, whether it is King of Pop, Prince of Rock and Roll or even Queen of Hip Hop Soul, we ignore their missteps and even damn to hell anyone who would speak against our urban musical royalty. This creates an environment where people are either afraid to give a negative opinion of this artists work because fans can get scary when riled up, or they end up arguing with stans that won’t allow them to accept that their favorite singer ain’t perfect. 

Well, I’m going to strap on the Kevlar and take that leap.  Before you pull out the knives, understand I’m not saying that this album is bad.  It’s not.  However, it’s inconsistent and at times, boring.

*ducks*

Mary’s path as an artist and as a person has been well documented through her music.  We knew when she was searching for love.  We knew when she found it.  That love turned dark, as did her life, and we rooted for her as she fought to make the demons unhand her and we cheered and shared in her triumph when she kicked all of the drama to the curb.  Stronger with Each Tear finds her reflective.  She takes a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly that came together to craft the person she is now. While this type of introspection brings out the most thoughtful in many other artists, for Mary J it provides some good songs.  Unfortunately, it also provides some flat material that lacks the emotional punch we have gotten used to from her.

The lead song is the mid tempo, Konvict music tagged, head nodder, “Tonight.”  The Runners production is smooth and somewhat nostalgic as it will remind you of a few earlier Mary J songs.  The production lays down a simple backdrop for lyrical fare about love, lust and what’s going to happen when you get behind closed doors.  Mary’s calm communication of her feelings is a confirmation of the strength of her love for her man. Nice open, but nothing special.

Next is lead single “The One.” Similar in tempo to opener, the Drake-assisted club track about being the one he needs is well…a bit dull.  Rodney Jerkins production is meh at best and the use of the auto-tune is oddly placed and really unnecessary.  “Said and Done,” Ryan Leslie’s production contribution is, again, forgettable.  The song ushers in some love problems as Mary bares her pipes a bit more on this one and discusses moving on from problems encountered in a relationship. 

The album picks up with “Good Love.” It has a serious bassline wrapped in horns, hand claps, and synths topped off with a playful and frisky feature from T.I. It’s a nice change from the previous three songs that probably shouldn’t have been placed together anyway. Mary’s delivery on this one is upbeat and pretty as she requests some of that good good from the man in her scope.

“I Feel Good” is about that night when you know you’re looking extra fancy.  The piano helmed track is beautiful, as is Mary’s delivery, but must people continue to say swagga?  I’m just saying.  The song is a smooth, feel good anthem about being awesome and folks trying to break your spirit when you’re feeling at your best, which ladies we all know, is damn near impossible.

Then we move into some more personal lyrics and more verdant production.  “I Am” is the second single and for good reason.  The Stargate produced, Johnta Austin penned song about the realization people have when they are done roaming the streets looking for something they already have at home is one of the best on the album.  “Each Tear” and “I Love You” have more impressive deliveries than some of the other songs, but the former fails to really connect.  The latter, with its whiney synth and two step drum might get some folks out on the dance floor though.  “Hood Love” with Trey Songz is wonderfully lush and it’s great until the Trey Songz feature.  His delivery is a bit nasal and stuffy-nosed. Mary sounds great though.

The album draws to a close with “Kitchen” an amusing song about how allowing your female friends too close to your dude is a major no-no if you don’t want static. You know how these single women can get sometimes.  Hey, I didn’t say it.  Mary did. “In the Morning” is a soulful, almost bluesy ballad which is very similar in theme to “Said and Done” and “I Can See in Color” is the track from the movie Precious.  Raphael Saadiq kills the writing and production on this song.  Honestly though, I’m not too happy with Mary’s delivery.

*ducks*

She’s pitchy from the start and it seems to get worse as the song progresses. I see how she was attempting to handle the delivery as she needed it to be overwrought with sadness, but she just didn’t make it happen for me. It’s still a beautiful song though.

So the bottom line is, it’s okay.  It wouldn’t be a waste of money but it’s far from her best.  She has faced and slain the demon and has celebrated that accomplishment with her true love.  We got to experience all of that through her music.  However, as she celebrates all that has made her who she is with Stronger, she may be running out of emotional fuel and settling down into a calmer existence.  While that might not bode well for the excitement Mary is capable of laying down on a track, it definitely speaks volumes about how comfortable she is in her life.  Can’t be mad about that.

3.25 out of 5

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