"Be Without You" is the first single from Mary J. Blige's latest album The Breakthrough. The album contains even greater riches than "Be Without You," but it is a fine introduction to one of the best albums of the past year.
Listen to "Be Without You."
- Mary J. Blige is the master at blending soul and hip hop
- A plea for couples to look deep inside to determine whether to stay together
- Goes down smooth and easy
- Possibly just a bit too restrained - Mary shines when she sets herself free
- Elegant piano-based intro
- Blend of gospel-influenced soul and precise hip hop vocal style
- Midtempo soul beat fits easily across multiple music formats
For "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige hooked up with songwriting and production professionals from Jermaine Dupri's So So Def music group. These are many of the same people who played key roles on Mariah Carey's 2005 comeback including her massive hit single "We Belong Together." While the midtempo soul of "Be Without You" may be vaguely reminiscent of "We Belong Together," the overall sound is all Mary J. Blige.
The song's central plea for couples to look deep into their hearts and stay together if they find true love fits Mary J. Blige like a glove. For 3 albums now she has been urging listeners to drop the drama in life and wrap themselves in the blessings they have been offered in life. She has set a strong example to follow in her own life through her relationship with husband Kendu Isaacs.
The seamless blend of older gospel-influenced soul and contemporary hip hop precision in her vocals sets Mary J. Blige apart from most of her current singing competitors. One moment she may be rivaling Destiny's Child's trademark staccato notes and the next she is proclaiming a la Aretha Franklin. It is this style that is at the heart of her status as reigning Queen of Hip Hop Soul.
