Albums to watch

The London Sessions

Mary J Blige

The London Sessions

Album number thirteen from the New York City R&B singer includes contributions from Disclosure, Naughty Boy, Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith

ADM rating[?]

6.9

Label
Universal / Island / Capitol
UK Release date
24/11/2014
US Release date
02/12/2014
  1. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    There are generic clubby moments but that mighty voice keeps things classy
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  2. 8.0 |   The Observer

    Collaborations between US R&B royalty and UK acts have become relatively common but it’s hard to think of one as heartfelt and classy as this
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  3. 8.0 |   Q

    Witnesses the reawakening of one of modern soul's most durable sirens. Print edition only

  4. 8.0 |   Exclaim

    One of her best efforts in recent years
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  5. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Perhaps her finest since 2001's No More Drama. Print edition only

  6. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    On tracks like the Emeli Sandé collaboration "Whole Damn Year" – a classic MJB ballad – Blige brings a little bit of Yonkers to the U.K
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  7. 7.0 |   Pitchfork

    Even if the surroundings change, Blige can wring emotion out of her voice like very few people on Earth
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  8. 7.0 |   NME

    The Disclosure brothers lend a hand on the R&B icon's dance-ready endeavour
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  9. 7.0 |   The Music

    Is best when it goes house, particularly when the Disclosure boys come into play
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  10. 7.0 |   Spin

    A few more sessions like this — with a more refined musical direction — and Ms. Mary could once again carve out her own path rather than following in the footsteps of lessers
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  11. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    Blige has the vocal charisma to lift up several piano ballads, and when genuine infusions of the current London scene occur it neatly refreshes her sound
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  12. 6.0 |   Slant Magazine

    Announces itself in its very title as a jaunt outside of Blige's comfort zone
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  13. 6.0 |   The Irish Times

    An album of bold, expressive and occasionally downright exciting tracks
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  14. 4.0 |   PopMatters

    Too often does this Mary J. Blige record not actually feel like a Mary J. Blige record, and compounding that fundamental issue is the mere reality that so many of these songs piggyback the hottest genre of music in the world right now
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