Santa Monica, CA (Geffen Records) – Geffen Records will release Mary J. Blige's seventh album, 'The Breakthrough,' on December 20, 2005. 'The Breakthrough' delivers Mary's fan-pleasing, trademark, straight-up messages to players, cheaters and fools with serenity, conviction and compassion. Mary's prior multi-platinum hit albums include such classics 'No More Drama', 'What's the 411,' 'My Life,' 'Share My World,' 'Mary' and 'Love & Life.' On 'The Breakthrough,' Mary showcases this considerable talent, all while displaying a newfound spiritual growth.
The songs on 'The Breakthrough' are evidence of Mary's journey from her childhood in the projects of Yonkers, New York, to her early successes plagued with drama, to her current breakthrough. 'Yes, she's gotten lost, she's done this and that and she's been trying to figure it out,' Mary admits in her typically forthright manner. The album takes the listener on a journey through its 14 tracks. Essential stops on this trip are the album's debut single, 'Be Without You;' an inspiring duet with Bono on U2's 'One;' 'MJB Da MVP,' with Mary's vocal over The Game's 'Hate it Or Love It;' and 'Can't Hide From Love,' a track that received early airplay due to a version leaked to radio.
Nobody tells it like Mary. Over the course of 14 years, with a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your-diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished three-time Grammy Award winning recording artist known for her electrifying live performances and dramatic videos.
Mary is known for her innovative studio productions with a veritable who's-who of musical talents from Elton John to Dr. Dre. On 'The Breakthrough,' Mary continues to work with a hot-list of producers. Helming this album's musical journey is an all-star cast of producers including Bryan-Michael Cox, Rodney Jerkins, the Black Eyed Peas' Will I Am, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dre & Vidal, Raphael Saadiq and more.
Beyond giving to the world through song, Mary is committed to helping through deed. In addition to filming anti-drug PSAs, Mary has worked with various education groups and received Rock the Vote's highest honor, the 'Patrick Lippert Award.' She is a tireless fund-raiser for people with AIDS. Most recently she has joined the Crest Healthy Smiles campaign to bring awareness to the oral health care epidemic and provides children in underserved communities with necessary tools for preventive care, education and low or no cost dental services.
Whether pouring her heart out in a recording booth, on a concert stage, or privately learning how to love herself and help others, Mary has discovered something powerful: The music that she makes, the songs that have brought so much joy and solace to so many, have also been her own salvation. When you think of perseverance, strength and commitment, you think of Mary J Blige.
