Mary J. Blige, You Ain’t The Only One | Song Review 🎵

Decorated R&B artist Mary J. Blige delivers encouraging, positive vibes on “You Ain’t The Only One,” the second single from her 15th studio album, Gratitude. 

Question: “You ever feel so low that all you feel is doubt? / You’re so lost you can’t find your way out?” Well, guess what? According to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, “You Ain’t The Only One”! “You Ain’t The Only One” is the encouraging, positive, and uplifting second single from the decorated musician’s 15^th  studio album, Gratitude (arrives November 15, 2024). Blige, Angelo Velasquez, Bryan Jones, and Patrick Kelly penned “You Ain’t The Only One.” Velasquez, Kelly, Aidan Brody, and Will Campbell produced.  The results are top-notch.

From the beginning, “You Ain’t The Only One” suits Mary J. Blige.  It starts with the old-school, hip-hop soul beat that anchors the song.  Beyond that, there are other fabulous musical touches, including rhythm guitar, keys, organ, and horns.  Blige, who is a ‘young’ 53 years old fits perfectly with this grown-folks, adult contemporary R&B/ soul backdrop that hearkens to the past. Thematically, Blige sings about the universal experience of pain and hardship, as evidenced by the chorus but she doesn’t stay there.  What does my girl do? She encourages us! “Why complain ‘cause the world don’t care?” she sings in the second verse, continuing, “Life is a game, just play the hand you were dealt / So the sun will shine through the rain.” Yes, yes, yes! She also encourages herself and affirms being proud of how far she’s come: “The things that I seen in my dreams turn into reality / I’m so proud of me.” Is “You Ain’t The Only One” the top of the MJB catalog? No.  Mary has long proven herself with timeless, unforgettable hits.  However, this song should hold a special place in anybody’s heart who needs to be lifted up and believe in themselves and life’s possibilities.

Mary J. Blige // Gratitude // 300 Entertainment / Mary Jane // 11.15.24

Mary J. Blige, You Ain’t The Only One [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; 300 Entertainment / Mary Jane; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]