On her spirited single “Only Love,” Mary J. Blige eschews pain in favor of lacing up her dancing shoes, and basking in the sheer jubilance of love. Throughout a truly illustrious career, the Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter has worn her emotions on her sleeve. Pain has been her middle name, executed marvelously through numerous hits. Along with singing about her own respective hardships, she’s also showcased uplifting, spirited moments, serving as a rebound from the unfortunate. “Only Love” exemplifies her rebound.
On the catchy, vibrant chorus, she sings, “Only love / It will build you up / Bring you down / Only Love!” While she acknowledges love’s ability to destroy, it’s her enthusiastic, optimistic approach that’s incredibly inspiring, considering her own struggles faced prior to releasing the single. Specifically, she went through a messy divorce with husband and manager, Kendu Isaacs, only finalized in June 2018. This sunny, nostalgic contemporary disco joint, sampling the soul music of old, easily separates itself from the R&B music of present. Furthermore, Blige’s expressive, seasoned vocals allow you to truly experience and channel the joy with which she sings in the aftermath of the storm.
You can learn more about Mary J. Blige here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
