Album: Strength of a Woman

Introduction
"Strength of a Woman" is the thirteenth studio album by legendary American vocalist and songwriter Mary J. Blige, launched on April 28, 2017. The album came after a troubled period in her personal life, including a divorce from her husband and manager, Kendu Isaacs. Following 3 years after her previous album, "The London Sessions", "Strength of a Woman" is a testimony to Blige's amazing resurgence, along with a nod to her development, improvement, and perseverance.

Background and Recording
"Strength of a Woman" was recorded between 2015 and 2017, a period in which Blige dealt with different individual concerns and challenges. Most notably, she had actually filed for divorce from Isaacs in 2016, after 13 years of marriage, leading to a highly publicized separation and a bitter fight relating to spousal support. This occasion ended up being a main style and inspiration for the album, as Blige directed her discomfort, aggravations, and psychological experiences into her music.

The recording and production of the album involved a number of prominent partners, including DJ Camper, Hit-Boy, Jazmine Sullivan, Kanye West, and Missy Elliott, to name a few. These collaborations enabled Blige to combine her signature soulful noise with modern R&B, hip-hop, and electronic elements, even more expanding her musical scheme and orchestration for a deeper psychological connection with listeners.

Lyrics and Themes
"Strength of a Woman" is unapologetically raw and truthful with its lyrics, much of which revolve around distress, betrayal, and determination in the face of misfortune. The album is both a love letter to her fans and a rallying cry for women all over to find strength within themselves during challenging times. Blige's lyrics are infused with knowledge, vulnerability, and hope, producing an empowering, relatable, and restorative release for listeners.

Notable tracks on the album consist of the lead single "Thick of It", which reflects on Blige's struggle to come to terms with her stopping working marriage and face her feelings. "U + Me (Love Lesson)" delves into the lessons gained from heartbreak, acknowledging the significance of self-love and healing. The cooperation with Kanye West on "Love Yourself" is an anthemic track, motivating self-empowerment and embracing one's worth. "Set Me Free" acts as a plea to free oneself from a toxic relationship, while "Smile" includes an uplifting message of hope and happiness in the face of challenge.

Industrial Performance and Reception
"Strength of a Woman" debuted at number 3 on the United States Billboard 200 chart, making Blige her highest-charting album in over a decade. The album received usually positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its raw emotion, introspective lyrics, and contemporary sound. In addition, the album's styles of female empowerment resonated with listeners, acquiring Blige a new age of support and appreciation.

The album made Blige two Grammy Award nominations in the categories of Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance for the tune "Set Me Free". It likewise went on to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for its sales and streaming achievements.

Conclusion
With "Strength of a Woman", Mary J. Blige has when again shown her resilience and talent as she channels her individual discomfort and experiences into an artwork. The album serves as a powerful declaration for her long-lasting existence and importance in the music market and a rallying cry for female empowerment. Its raw, genuine, and emotive tracks resonate with listeners, enabling them to recover and discover their strength together with the artist. In a profession spanning over 25 years, "Strength of a Woman" is a testament to Blige's unbelievable ability to connect with fans through both her music and her message.