Is Stronger with Each Tear a good place to start with Mary J. Blige?

Yes, Stronger with Each Tear is recommended as a starting point for new Mary J. Blige listeners. An uplifting blend of contemporary R&B and soul, infused with powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply. By the time 'Stronger with Each Tear' was released in December 2009, Mary J. Blige was already a celebrated figure in contemporary R&B, having achieved significant commercial success with previous albums like 'The Breakthrough' in 2005. This album marked her ninth studio release, showcasing her continued evolution as an artist as she embraced themes of resilience and personal strength during a period of both professional acclaim and personal challenges.

Who is Stronger with Each Tear for?

Stronger with Each Tear works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and uplifting and empowering vibes.

How many songs are on Stronger with Each Tear?

Stronger with Each Tear has 15 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Stronger with Each Tear

Mary J. Blige · 2009

67 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B

An uplifting blend of contemporary R&B and soul, infused with powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Whole Lotta Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Each Tear — This track encapsulates the album's theme of overcoming adversity, blending emotive lyrics with a soulful melody that showcases Blige's vocal prowess.
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Good Love — With its infectious groove and uplifting message, this song exemplifies the album's celebration of love and positivity amidst struggles.
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I Am — A powerful affirmation of self-identity, this track features a hauntingly beautiful production that allows Blige's vocals to shine through.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends strong vocals with varied tempos but lacks a cohesive narrative across its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower ballads, creating a dynamic contrast.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
uplifting and empowering vibes
contemplative late-night reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in Blige's later career.
Themes: personal resilience· soulful empowerment· emotional healing
Career context: By the time 'Stronger with Each Tear' was released in December 2009, Mary J. Blige was already a celebrated figure in contemporary R&B, having achieved significant commercial success with previous albums like 'The Breakthrough' in 2005. This album marked her ninth studio release, showcasing her continued evolution as an artist as she embraced themes of resilience and personal strength during a period of both professional acclaim and personal challenges.
Stylistic neighbors: Lauryn Hill· Alicia Keys· Erykah Badu