By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-19 19:39:18 | Updated at 2024-11-23 15:59:14
3 days ago
Mary J. Blige released her 15th studio album Gratitude this week - and some fans aren't impressed.
Listeners on social media platforms like X have not only complained about the production, but have also questioned whether or not Blige, 53, still has her signature soulful vocal chops.
'Y'all know this is my girl forever but, this album ain't good at all. It's flat and vocally, she's straining,' one fan wrote in a post that has since been viewed more than 176,000 times.
He later added, 'Her voice took a major decline and it’s not what I wanted from her. But we love her down.'
Most of the responses to the post agreed, with one person writing, 'I'm listening to it now and her voice isn't the same at all! The music sounds like there was no creative effort.'
'I don't understand what happened, it's like overnight. Her voice changed. She sounds like a Mary impersonator in recent years. I hate that for her, because we love Mary,' another added.
A fourth added, 'I love her music. I noticed the decline in her voice with her last 2 albums, but for the most part didn't pay it any mind. This album…. It's almost unlistenable.'
One fan offered a theory behind why Blige's voice may no longer be what it once was.
Mary J. Blige released her fifteenth studio album Gratitude this week and some fans aren't impressed with her vocal performance on the record
'She lost her voice during the divorce due to excessive touring. She did, like, 3-4 tours during 2 years, sang live for 2 hours, & overworked her throat,' they said.
Despite the backlash, a number of fans have also taken to social media to praise Blige's latest record.
'Listened to this masterpiece all last night. I'm thankful for you and your music that's helped me through so much in life. Thank you Mary,' one gushed.
'Amazing album! Filled with positive affirmations and jams all throughout! Every time I feel like giving up, her music just keeps me going!' another wrote.
DailyMail.com has contacted Blige's representative for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Blige previously told People magazine that Gratitude was 'probably my last studio album.'
The album's lead single, Breathing, featuring rapper Fabulous failed to crack the mainstream music charts, but it did reach No. 1 on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Promotion for Gratitude has been minimal so far, with Blige's only major TV appearance being The Tamron Hall Show since the album's release on November 15.
Listeners on social media have not only complained about the production, but have also questioned whether or not Blige still has her signature soulful vocal chops
The album, along with Blige's vocals, have been criticized by fans on social media
Outside of music, Blige is focused on her successful acting career.
She recently wrapped up Power Book II: Ghost after four seasons on the hit show and recently starred in the drama film Rob Peace.
Last month, she was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
'I'm grateful that I'm loved, and I'm capable now to give love. When I said I wanted to be happy, I really meant that,' she said in her speech.
'And I'm not talking about just the happiness where you're delusional and think everything is okay. I'm talking about the happiness where you know there will be trials, but you're going to smile anyway, because you believe you'll get through it.'
