Reflections

International pressing of this 2006 collection from the R&B diva features three additional songs not available on the U.S. pressing: 'One ' (with U2), 'As' (with George Michael) and 'MJB Da MVP' (featuring 50 Cent). Mary J Blige has done it again. Reflections: The Journey is the ultimate collection of her greatest hits and previously unreleased tracks. Showing the journey from her reign as the Queen Of Hip Hop and Soul and taking us into her evolution as a legend. Island.

Mary J. fans are about as likely to put up with chain-pulling as the queen of hip-hop soul herself--which is why a good many of them have been quick to point out that this disc, exceptional as it is, doesn't quite equal a greatest hits package. Where among these favorites are biggies such as "Love @ 1st Sight," "You Remind Me," "Your Child," and "Dance for Me"? The answer is it doesn't much matter. Because Reflections, as its name suggests, is a mere dip in the Mary J. memory pool--a meatier hits package is likely on the way. There's no time like the present, then, for rolling with the latest on offer from R&B's reigning bruised-hearted lady. Threaded through evergreens like "Family Affair," "Not Gon' Cry," and "No More Drama" are four new tracks, not a one of which is a throwaway: "We Ride (I See the Future)" coasts on attitude and a hand-clappy beat; "King & Queen," a duet with John Legend, seems spun from some ecstatic fantasy; "You Know" breaks itself down to a dizzy-headed disco vibe; and opener "Reflections (I Remember)" is a proud look back on a lifetime of heartbreak and healing. It may not be as definitive a disc as some would like, but in determining whether to buy it, take a cue from Mary J.: don't hold back. --Tammy La Gorce