The London Sessions

Recorded over the course of one month at RAK Studios in London, this 2014 release represents a significant sonic pivot for Mary J. Blige. Following a successful collaboration with Disclosure on 'F for You,' Blige relocated to the UK to immerse herself in the local scene, working with a 'who's who' of British talent including Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé, and Naughty Boy. Executive produced by Rodney Jerkins, the album moves away from the sample-heavy hip-hop beats of her earlier career in favor of UK Garage, House, and refined British pop-soul. Critics, particularly at AllMusic, praised the project as a successful late-career experiment that revitalized her sound without sacrificing her signature emotional honesty. The album is notable for its thematic focus on 'Therapy' and mental wellness, marking a mature shift in her lyrical perspective. It stands as a unique entry in her discography, bridging the gap between American R&B traditions and the vibrant electronic landscape of 2010s London.