Mary J. Bilge’s newest single, “The Living Proof,†is from the soundtrack to the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling book, The Help.
Given the book’s themes, the title and content of the song certainly seem appropriate; “The Living Proof†is an empowerment ballad about re-finding yourself after a struggle. There is no denying, of course, that Mary J. Bilge has a wonderful voice.
That being said, the lyrics and tunes are fairly generic. Lines like, “It’s gonna be a long, long journey,†and “But I’m ready to carry on,†have been echoed in ballads throughout history. Nothing about the song feels particularly noteworthy or personal. Compared to the ballads of Tori Amos, for example, it feels like a vague, blanket statement that can be applied to everyone.
The music itself takes the right steps, adding quiet string music and piano, but “The Living Proof†still sounds like a generic, mournful/comfort song, the kind that shows up on every episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
Still, it’s pretty enough that fans of Mary J. Bilge and comfort ballads in general should like “The Living Proof.â€
Dupree Dolla$
These are just my thoughts man, Right or Wrong its, Just what I was feeling at the time…
[audio:Mary J. Blige – The Living Proof www.gowherehiphop.com.mp3]
