Music Details
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Love & Life (by Mary J. Blige, R&B)

common sense media says

Soul Queen covers a range of emotions about life.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Mary's message careens from girlfriend solidarity to racial pride to giving up way too much for love. There's some God stuff in there, too. In a way, the songs cancel each other out. Younger listeners might have a question or two.

Positive messages: Some powerful self-image-boosting material juxtaposed with lyrics like "I'll do what you want if you don't hurt me" (in "Ooh!") make the overall message confusing.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Suggestive sexuality --lots!-- but very little that's explicit.
Language: A "s--t" and "N" word here and there, but not all that often.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: There's "a fifth by my side" in "Don't Go." Love as an addiction is a whole other story......

More on Love & Life

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about artists singing about their personal lives. Do you like it when singers divulge details of their good and bad times? Do you think personal stories add to a song? In what way?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Mary J. Blige does herself--and her girlfriends -- proud on this stunning CD. The dramatic beginning -- a moody synthesized instrumental leading into the artist's answering machine greeting--might be over the top, as are the rapped accolades by P. Diddy and Jay-Z. But once Mary herself enters the scene, the production and arrangements are interesting, tasteful, and beautifully executed. Especially notable on LOVE & LIFE is the texture of the background vocals, and the way they complement and enhance Blige's well-delivered leads.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The songs are interesting throughout the CD, though occasionally cringe-worthy. The socially conscious "Finally Made It (Interlude)" delivers a strong "If I could do it, so can you" message. Then "Ooh!" follows, with "I do what you want if you don't hurt me--I'll cook and clean, I'll make you happy." We could all live without more of this particular message in music. But overall, Mary J. Blige covers a range of emotions about life, love, pride, and prejudice with style and beauty -- and with great backup vocals to match.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: August 19, 2003
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: R&B

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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shadow0896
teen, 15 years old
 
i love mary she is so cool.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age