"God does not promise us a calm journey, but a safe arrival." That tile wisdom, formerly found in the living room of many Christian families, does apply to Mary J Blige. The unhappy life of the 'Queen Of Hiphop Soul' was widely reported in the music press for years. On this album, Blige seems firmly to leave all the misery behind. In the soulful opening song Therapy, she sings inspired by how
… psychotherapy now helps her every day. The best news is that the past hassle has had no effect on her voice. As one of the few r & b singers, Mary J Blige was able to link vocal acrobatics with a lived blues feeling. Luckily she does that at The London Sessions. British producers and co-writers (including Disclosure and R&B talent Sam Smith) bring out the best in Blige. She sings just as easily on a soul, R&B or even house track. With the young guard at her side, Blige once again manages to transform her setback into inspiring soul music. (PdK)more