With an eye on long-term romantic commitment, the singer promises honesty, love and sensitivity (“Flying Away”), demands exclusivity (“Never Been”) and offers to help her man weather life’s storms (“In the Meantime”). Blige is happy to be alive on the delightfully upbeat “Beautiful Day.” Other songs speak reverently of God’s guiding hand (“Testimony”), and try to tune out worldly voices and hear the Lord’s will (“Destiny”), however . . .
The worldly voices are winning. The singer’s boyfriend suggests that they “Steal Away” and relieve stress with sex (there’s also talk of marijuana and marital infidelity). The party on “Dance for Me” features large quantities of pot and alcohol. Despite its social conscience, “Where I’ve Been” employs the s-word several times. In fact, Blige and various guest rappers use profanity and racial slang liberally. An ode to the artist’s monthly cycle, “PMS” blurts the f-word and talks about “feelin’ really b–chy.” The dance hit “Family Affair” recommends loosening up with a drink.
Known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Blige has roots in the church. But she’s confused. Profanity, sexual immorality and drug use have no place in the artistic expression of a sold-out Christian (she also says she studies the Bible with her live-in fiancé). Try Out of Eden instead.
