Description
Mary J Blige – Strength Of A Women – Double Vinyl Records
Released on April 28, 2017, Strength of a Woman is Mary J. Blige’s 13th studio album, and it arrived at a pivotal moment in her life. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul had always used her music to channel personal struggles into empowerment, and this album was no different—it was born from pain, but ultimately about survival, self-worth, and resilience.
Following her highly publicized and messy divorce from longtime husband and former manager Kendu Isaacs, Blige poured her emotions into this album, creating one of her most emotionally charged and defiant records in years. Strength of a Woman isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about rising above betrayal, reclaiming personal power, and moving forward with confidence. With a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel-infused ballads, the album showcases Blige’s signature raw honesty, making it one of her most impactful releases of the decade.
Musically, Strength of a Woman stays true to Blige’s signature mix of hip-hop-infused R&B, while also incorporating elements of trap, gospel, and lush soul production. Unlike some of her previous albums that leaned heavily into contemporary trends, this record balances modern influences with the classic, emotionally charged sound that made her a legend.
Blige worked with a strong team of producers and collaborators, including DJ Camper, Hit-Boy, B.A.M., and Jazze Pha, ensuring a sonically rich and cohesive listening experience. The album seamlessly transitions from deep, piano-driven ballads to club-ready anthems, reflecting the ups and downs of emotional recovery.
One of the album’s standout sonic elements is its strong hip-hop influence. With guest appearances from Kanye West, Quavo, DJ Khaled, and Missy Elliott, Blige makes it clear that she remains connected to her hip-hop roots while continuing to evolve as an artist.
If there’s one thing Mary J. Blige does better than anyone, it’s turning personal pain into universal anthems. The lyrics on Strength of a Woman are raw, direct, and deeply personal, as she details betrayal, loss, and ultimately, self-empowerment. The album is filled with biting, honest lyrics about love gone wrong. Songs like Set Me Free and Love Yourself take aim at a dishonest, unfaithful partner, with Blige reclaiming her power and self-worth in the process. Tracks like Strength of a Woman and Indestructible showcase Blige’s journey toward healing, proving that she refuses to let pain define her. While some songs dwell on the pain of betrayal, others like Find the Love and Telling the Truth look forward with renewed hope and confidence.
This isn’t an album about staying stuck in heartbreak—it’s about processing pain, learning lessons, and emerging stronger than ever.
Key Tracks: The Emotional Highs and Lows
Love Yourself (feat. Kanye West) – A powerful opening track that sets the tone for the album, emphasizing self-worth and moving forward, featuring an introspective verse from Kanye.
Thick of It – The album’s lead single and one of its most emotionally intense moments, this track captures Blige’s frustration and disappointment in love, delivered over a classic, piano-driven R&B beat.
Set Me Free – A scathing, cathartic track that calls out dishonesty and manipulation, with Blige’s voice soaring in pure frustration and release.
U + Me (Love Lesson) – A smooth, mid-tempo R&B ballad that finds Blige reflecting on a failed relationship, but also recognizing the lessons learned.
Strength of a Woman – The album’s title track is a triumphant anthem, celebrating Blige’s resilience and the inner power of women everywhere.
Glow Up (feat. Missy Elliott, DJ Khaled, and Quavo) – A fun, confident track that shows Blige embracing joy and self-confidence again, featuring Missy Elliott’s signature energy.
Indestructible – A deeply uplifting and empowering song, reminding listeners that strength comes from within.
Strength of a Woman debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, proving that Mary J. Blige’s voice still resonates deeply with fans. The album was widely praised for its honesty, emotional intensity, and classic R&B production, reinforcing Blige’s status as one of the most authentic voices in music.
Critics noted that the album felt like a return to form, with Blige channeling the pain and vulnerability that made albums like My Life (1994) and No More Drama (2001) so legendary. While some felt it didn’t break new ground musically, it was clear that this album wasn’t about chasing trends—it was about telling her truth.
In a world where R&B had become increasingly autotuned and overly polished, Strength of a Woman stood out for its rawness, live instrumentation, and emotional depth.
Strength of a Woman isn’t just an album—it’s a declaration of survival, a journey through pain, and an anthem for resilience. While Mary J. Blige has always been known for her emotional honesty, this album feels especially deeply personal and necessary, arriving at a time when she was facing one of the hardest battles of her life.
For anyone who has ever gone through heartbreak, betrayal, or a painful transition, Strength of a Woman is a source of empowerment and comfort. It’s an album that says: You can fall, you can hurt, but you will rise again—stronger than before.
With this record, Mary J. Blige once again proves why she remains the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul—because she doesn’t just sing about pain, she transforms it into strength.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Love Yourself
Thick Of It
Set Me Free
It’s Me
Glow Up
U + Me (Love Lesson)
Indestructible
Thank You
Survivor
Find The Love
Smile
Telling The Truth
Strength Of A Woman
Hello Father
