Mary J. Blige

Throughout her career, Mary J. Blige has transformed her misery into listeners' bliss. But even though her life is happier than it was during the bad old days, her current work benefits from sorrowful experience. On The Breakthrough, her triumphs mean more because they were so hard won. Celebrities have...

By Michael Roberts

January 19, 2006

Audio By Carbonatix

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Throughout her career, Mary J. Blige has transformed her misery into listeners' bliss. But even though her life is happier than it was during the bad old days, her current work benefits from sorrowful experience. On The Breakthrough, her triumphs mean more because they were so hard won.

Celebrities have lined up to be part of Blige's latest; those cameoing include Jay-Z, 50 Cent and, thanks to the miracle of technology, the late Nina Simone, whom Blige is set to play in a forthcoming biopic. Not that she needs the help: The only thing wrong with her unexpectedly scorching cover of U2's "One" is the decision to let Bono sing the first verse. And if "Can't Get Enough" smacks of filler, Blige's majestic pipes and indomitable persona make it undeniably compelling.

Blige's memories of past pain linger. "I'm still with you, my sisters -- my troubled sisters," she declares toward the end of "Good Woman Down," adding, "I still have troubles, too." That's unfortunate for her, but a blessing for the rest of us.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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