Growing Pains 08/24/2009 David Kirby

David Kirby

A pop-driven arena rock vibe propels standouts like the Boston-influenced "Tokyo Rose" and "This Is What I Get

"The Brown Stains of Darkeese Latifah Pts

"Liberian Suite Dance No

Growing Pains 08/24/2009 David KirbyIt's no accident that Mary J. Blige is an icon on the urban contemporary scene, in large part because each new album and 2007's GROWING PAINS is her eighth finds her more self assured as a singer, a lyricist, and a person. Like 2005's THE BREAKTHROUGH, GROWING PAINS delivers a mature Mary J., one who's faced down her demons and emerged triumphant. The tough as nails, confessional nature of her work is still what gives it its distinctive stamp, but