Top 10 Best Mary J. Blige Songs

The third single from Blige’s third album is an ode to a love that is unconditional and all-encompassing. It was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, perhaps best known for their work with fellow R&B star Janet Jackson. The track incorporates samples from the likes of The Stylistics and James Brown, but the true draw are the lyrics. Mary’s songs often focus on heartbreak and personal struggles, but in this case the mood is positively joyful. If the track isn’t beautiful enough on its own, one need only check out the Hawaiian scenery in the Hype Williams-directed music video.

Mary’s incorporation of soul samples is part of what made her music so pioneering. But arguably the most distinctive sample in any Blige song can be found in her incredibly intimate sophomore album. Although not released as a single, the title track has become a fan-favorite deep cut, and for good reason. It interpolates Roy Ayers’s “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” borrowing a piano riff and vocal parts, among others. Blige has spoken of this 1976 song as the very first that resonated with her as a child, and we aren’t surprised that her interpretation is downright soulful. With total vulnerability, Mary uses Ayers’s musical ideas as a springboard for a frank discussion of depression and perseverance.

Mary is certainly known for slow to mid-tempo R&B jams. But this ode to a positive mindset is easily one of her most catchy and danceable numbers. It was co-written by the same pair responsible for Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” so it should come as no surprise that it succeeded on the radio. But it also achieved critical success, nabbing multiple Grammy noms. Of her inspiration for the lyrics, Blige told MTV: “I can have as many bad days as anyone. But I choose to say, 'I'm just fine.” It may be about the star’s own attempts to find happiness, but the infectious song has undoubtedly spread joy to fans too.

One of Mary’s most fruitful team efforts was with fellow New Yorker Lil’ Kim. The famously raunchy rapper’s unmistakable delivery perfectly complemented Blige’s smooth and layered vocals. But these two weren’t the only talent involved in producing this hit. MJB’s own sister LaTonya co-wrote and provided backing vocals, while production was handled by R&B mega-producer Darkchild. “Share My World”’s first single, “Love Is All We Need,” marked a departure from Blige’s dramatic earlier catalogue. But with lyrics about a painful love triangle, “I Can Love You” showed that the singer hadn’t lost her touch for portraying moodier themes.

Although a prolific writer, there’s no question that Mary can absolutely nail a cover. For proof, look no further than the devastating and dramatic second single from “My Life.” Originally performed by R&B group Rose Royce and featured in the film “Car Wash,” the song is a tale of an apparent breakup and the sorrow that follows. While fans already knew Mary to excel over a hip-hop beat, this more straightforward soul track was the perfect vocal showcase. She may not have been on the ups on this song or in its mournful, black-and-white video - however, they certainly helped propel her to even greater heights.

When it comes to songs practically everyone has heard at least once, “Be Without You” is definitely up there. The track makes use of a memorable piano riff and some dramatic strings to tell a classic Mary tale of heartache. It’s relatable and personal all at once, and the star’s vocals grow more impassioned throughout her performance. The song won two Grammys and was nominated in even more categories, and its chart success is nothing to balk at either. In fact, in 2017 “Billboard” declared it the most successful R&B/Hip-Hop song of all time. Clearly, she isn’t called the queen for nothing.

When considering Blige’s contributions to the music industry, her involvement in movie soundtracks can’t be forgotten. Perhaps the most notable of these is a heartbreaking R&B ballad first released on the soundtrack to this romance film. Thematically, “Not Gon’ Cry” relates to the story of Angela Bassett’s character, a woman dealing with a cheating husband. A tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and strength, the song is one of the saddest in a catalogue chock-full of heartache. However, it’s also one of her most successful, having peaked at number two on the “Billboard” Hot 100 and achieved platinum status.

Who knew the theme to the long-running soap “The Young and the Restless” could make for a radio hit? That composition’s distinctive piano intro was repurposed by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis into a new classic about relationship conflict. Just as memorable as the song is its accompanying video. Telling disparate tales of life’s complex dilemmas and struggles, the clip also happens to feature tabloid mainstays of the time Mariah Carey and Sean Combs, A.K.A. Diddy. The number was perhaps a way of indicating to fans the difficulty of being in the limelight. But even if Mary was over personal conflict, it didn’t mean she couldn’t bring the drama to her vocal performances.

What exactly is “this dancery”? We may never know, but we can safely say that “hateration” and “holleration” are not welcome there. Mary has precious few songs about having fun in the club, but this smash hit is a major exception. The Dr. Dre-produced tune is her only song to hit number one on the “Billboard” Hot 100. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how much there is to love about the track. Its inventive lyrics have now become iconic, and its looping melody is totally infectious. As one of the biggest hits of the 2000s, it marks a major accomplishment for MJB.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“All That I Can Say” (1999), “Mary” (1999)
Lauryn Hill Penned, Produced, & Sang Backing Vocals on This Lead Single

“Be Happy” (1994), “My Life” (1994)
A Curtis Mayfield Sample Became an Epic Tale of Seeking Contentment

“Mary Jane (All Night Long)” (1995), “My Life” (1994)
This Classic Album Opener Even Features Mary Scat Singing

“U + Me (Love Lesson)” (2017), “Strength of a Woman” (2017)
Mary Showed She Hasn’t Lost Her Gift With This Heartbreaking Ballad

“Sweet Thing” (1993), “What’s the 411?” (1992)
Covering Rufus & Chaka Khan Is No Easy Feat, But Mary Made the Classic Her Own

This wasn’t Mary’s first-ever single, but it was arguably the one that launched her to mainstream success. The song combined a hip-hop sample from Audio Two’s “Top Billin’” with the singer’s soaring pipes, a pairing that felt absolutely fresh and helped define hip hop soul. With utter confidence, Mary nailed wordy verses and chorus high notes alike, cementing herself as one of the best vocalists of her time. Plus, she introduced the world to her yearning and passionate approach to the topic of finding her true love. If that weren’t enough, the number also got the remix treatment with a then-obscure The Notorious B.I.G.