Mary J. Blige is a legend of our time. She has battled many bumps in her road to be deemed the reigning Queen of Hip Hop and R&B to many. She's returned to the music scene time and time again showing the ability to stay fresh and a adapt a bend but don't break attitude when it comes to what's hot. While I questioned her recent rapping on several tracks, I can't deny that that one addition (or mistake) added to her game won't make or break her in the people's eyes.   With that said I have finally given myself the time needed to review her album and do it with a perspective needed for a good balance of perception and reality. Let's get into the review and she what kind of GeoGlobe representation this latest album The Breakthrough gets.

Mary talks to her listeners about her latest and greatest love on "No One Will Do". The married Blige has had her share of broken hearts over the great career we've been blessed to see and now it seems that she's finally happy with her situation. This song is just a example of this and you get to hear all the rifts and praise for her man you could imagine. Oh, this song can also be for that special love in your life at the time because Mary is a giver like that!

Rodney Jerkins brings a Darkchild cut on "Enough Cryin" as Mary does her thing talking about an abusive relationship that she's trying to bring the surface for herself and for others. This track is a club banger and embodies the Hip Hop and R&B mix that Mary is great at!

Will. I. Am of the Black Eyed Peas comes through on "About You", a track that once explains the power and enthusiam of her love! A heavy drum and piano and Nina Simone sample does do their thing and add to the feeling of urban joy! This is for the ladies with the nice shoes and hand bag swinging confidently.

"Be Without You" is the first single and the mainstay on the radio airwaves! The song talks about the development of a strong relationship. Very hot track and very wedding song sounding! This will be around for a long time. Classic material.

I like the message on "Gotta Breakthrough", a track about fighting and preservering through whatever is the obstacle. Whether the obstacle is a person, place or thing. Positive thinking is a great thing and it shows in Mary's willingness to add a few bars to the song. This is a feel good song and the beat is upbeat and mixes old with new school.

Mary is an inspiration to many people from all walks of life but especially the women. She knows and embraces this fact and always speaks to them on her albums. "Good Woman Down" is one of those songs and you can relate to what she's saying. The lyrics in the song talk about not being afraid and standing up for your ideas and expectations.   That's what change is about.

"Take Me As I Am" uses elements Jay-Z made known to many as Dead Presidents I and II and Mary talks about being herself and not succumbing to others expectations. She says take her as she is or nothing at all.

"Baggage" is about going on to the next person and still having issues from that last person. A track we can all relate to especially the women. Upbeat and explainatory this song is good all to hear although often in reality many aren't willing to hear this as an excuse or explaination at all.

Mary J. Blige steals Jay-Z from Beyonce (in the studio, of course) on the cut destined for a night club called Can't Hide From Luv. These two stars are on the track but if you expect a Jay verse you will be disappointed on this album! S.Dot just adds a few rifts on this cut but it's ok because Mary was established before Jay and can do her thing just fine.

"Hate or Love It" had a remix with MJB on it and now Mary takes the song and makes it her own on "MJB Da MVP". She takes the listener through the game of her life and music career and also gives props to her fans, friends and supporters. Oh, and she couldn't forget about the haters too!

Other great tracks include her cut with Raphael Siddiq the 60's inspired "I Found My Everything", "Father In You", a track where she gives props to those who step up and provide for those who need that Fatherly touch in their lives but often don't have one, "Alone", a nice duet with David Young and "One", a duet with Bono of U2 and a remake of U2's smash!

Overall, this was a great product from the lady who came out with What's The 411 over a decade 13 years ago and I'm glad to finally listen to this album. To me this album is her best since My Life , which is from a totally different time period in her life.  

She says now she can truly consider herself a queen and it sounds like it. I'll give The Breakthrough 5 GeoGlobes.