The Singles Jukebox

Da MVP, back after two years…

[Video][Website]
[6.00]

Alfred Soto: Using a drum and guitar motif reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “Hitch Hike” augmented by a programmed skitter, “Thick of It” is closer to conventional R&B than Mary J. Blige’s largely successful Disclosure collaborations in 2014. But when she talk-sings through psychobabble she’s as compelling as usual. Praise to co-writer Jazmine Sullivan, who achieves mind-meld with her putative influence.
[7]

Thomas Inskeep: Much has been made of the fact that Jazmine Sullivan — arguably one of MJB’s finest disciples — is a co-writer on “Thick of It,” Blige’s return to her R&B home after the ill-fitting Disclosure collabs of The London Sessions, and that’s apt, because this is a very Sullivan-esque single. Which also means it fits Blige like a glove: this, lyrically, is a spiritual cousin to the all-time classic “Not Gon’ Cry.” DJ Camper’s production knows exactly when to step up and when to stay out of Blige’s way, amping up the drama as all of her best singles do. This just hit #1 on the Adult R&B chart in only 4 weeks, the fastest such climb in 21 years, and the reason is simple: this is one of MJB’s best singles in a long time, and precisely what her legions of fans want. Myself very much included.
[9]

Ryo Miyauchi: Mary J. doesn’t ride the staccato flow for very long. She says “fuck it” to stylish, manicured cool to just pour out all of what she’s been holding in. A cut to the chase plays out for the better: she has not been much of a stylist, and so the quicker she can take it to the chorus, the better. The orchestral flourishes befit her more than spacious bass, and that should tell you the half of it.
[6]

Madeleine Lee: A promising intro that inhales and inhales, but never releases it into a groove.
[5]

Jonathan Bradley: The trap drums add little to what is otherwise a rather traditional arrangement, with its muted neo-soul mid-range and analogue hum. That approach gave Mariah’s long-in-the-tooth career a burst of spontaneity a few years back on “#Beautiful” but Blige, now well in her third decade, doesn’t benefit from the same. “Thick of It” is well-sung, but it’s a still-impressive voice laboring over a rather boring tune — one of co-writer Jazmine Sullivan’s all-too-common weaker efforts — and production that’s ultimately neither here nor there.
[4]

Katie Gill: It’s amazing how a song can sound dated and fresh at the same time. The stylings are pure early-2000s R&B slow jam. But as Blige’s voice trills and soars over those notes, she reminds us of why she got big in the first place: she’s just damn good.
[5]