The London Sessions by Mary J Blige are deep and soulful

I loved this album. It was such an eclectic mix of tracks, that each time I played a new song I felt like it was coming from a different artist. To be honest reminded me of something between blues and motown in several places,  but also played on the R&B scene of the '90s. The deep beats and the soulful singing keeping me pumping throughout my workday. I loved it.



 Mary J Blige is a staple in my household already, her beautiful voice accompanying me through my teenage years, all the way to the end of my twenties.

This album is no different.



 According to Capitol Music Group Chairman Steve Barnett, “Mary J. Blige created a one-of-a-kind blend of hip-hop and soul that has excited fans for more than 20 years, making her one of the most successful and acclaimed artists in any genre of music. The London Sessions is a fantastic album; another step forward for this great and enduring artist, and I am thrilled that she is now an important member of our Capitol Records family.”

 It is fantastic. I loved every bit of it.  From the deep bluesy "Therapy,"  all the way to the soft piano pieces like, "Not Loving You." Each track feels like a completely different experience.


Track Listing
1. Therapy
2. Doubt
3. Not Loving You
4. When You're Gone
5. Right Now
6. My Loving
7.Long Hard Look
8. Whole Damn Year
9. Nobody But You
10. Pick Me Up
11. Follow
12. Worth My Time

Where to Buy

* iTunes: http://bit.ly/MJBLondon
* Amazon: http://bit.ly/MJBLS 

Other Links

*Official Mary J Blige Website: www.maryjblige.com
* Twitter - @maryjblige
* Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maryjblige
* YouTube - http://bit.ly/MJBVIDEO

I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.  

Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes: Review

Holiday Wishes is a sweet album filled with classics, old and new, as well as her own original song “December Prayer”. This easy listening album would be great for a christmas get together, while cooking your Christmas Cookies, or doing the chores that happen around the holidays. It is very Christmas-centric despite the title of “Holidays” so it may not work for those of you celebrating Chanukah, or Kwanza.


We all know Idina Menzel from the instant classic, Rent. Oh, and of course from her show stopping performance as Elphaba in the broadway musical Wicked. Some of you dont? Okay, okay she is probably most widely known for her role as Elsa in the Disney motion picture, Frozen. Which has seemingly taken the country by storm. Ice Storm.

Okay, I’ll show myself out.

Idina Menzel is known for her clear crisp voice. It is high quality, makes me wonder why she hasn’t released more studio albums. Her voice is beautiful and perfect for that contemporary crowd. The kind that love Michael Buble (who does a duet with her in Holiday Wishes).

Holiday Wishes Track Listing:

Do You Hear What I Hear

The Christmas Song

Baby It’s Cold Outside (Duet with Michael Buble)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

All I Want For Christmas
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
December Prayer

When You Wish Upon A Star

Silent Night

River

Holly Jolly Christmas

White Christmas

Despite saying “Holiday Wishes” almost all of Idina’s musical selections are Christmas tunes with a few exceptions for holiday tunes. I had hoped there would be a few more exceptions on there, for example, Jewish songs that encompass the time of year.

My favorite two songs on the album are Joni Mitchell’s “The River”, and the only original song, “December Prayer”. They are hands down the best sung pieces, beautifully done. Tasteful and in an arrangement that makes you want to hit repeat over and over again.

That is not to say that any song is less than good, Idina’s voice is amazing and she brings her talent to each and every classic, or new classic song. From “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” To “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Listening to this album reminds me of the kind of music my Granny would have loved, and it brings back all those memories of family Christmas. If she were still here with us, it is certainly a gift I would give her.


Holiday Wishes is a great compilation with a talented voice behind it.

Pick it up today!

Where to Buy:

* iTunes: http://bit.ly/IMHolidayWishes
* Amazon: http://bit.ly/IDINAHOLIDAY

Social Media: 

* Official Idina Menzel website: www.idinamenzel.com
* Twitter - @idinamenzel
* Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IdinaMenzel
* YouTube - http://bit.ly/IMHWVID