Mary J. Blige, “Gratitude.”

Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige has released her 15th album, Gratitude, coming on the heels of her October induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Blige has been busy. She won an Emmy—along with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar—for their Super Bowl LVI halftime show. She recently wrapped STARZ series “Power Book II: Ghost,” and soon she’ll release her second collaboration with designer Giuseppe Zanotti. Her production company, Blue Butterfly, has struck TV deals with Lionsgate, BET and Lifetime.

Gratitude follows 2022’s Good Morning Gorgeous, and with it, Blige continues her signature blend of R&B and hip-hop, the title expressing her current station in life.

“Breathing” starts off the album with Fabolous providing the intro and first verse, which were repurposed from—and a tribute to—Notorious B.I.G.’s “Kick in the Door.” Also sampled is Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You.” While it’s a nostalgic callback to 1990s hip-hop, Blige’s powerful vocals are mismatched with the distracting beat. Released in August, the track hit no. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay Chart, which only shows that nostalgia is a hell of a drug. It’s not a bad song; it just sounds like it’s trying too hard.

“Need You More” is a solid addition with a driving beat and groove reminiscent of ’90s hip-hop. Its harmonies sound like a ’80s new wave reimagining of En Vogue’s “Never Gonna Get It.” While Jadakiss’ vocals aren’t on par with Blige’s, his rap verse doesn’t detract from the quality.

Fun-infused hip-hop drives the empowering “Beautiful People.” The lyrics are reassuring for anyone worried about not living up to some ideal. “Coming back to me to make it right/ To feel all right/ Sometimes it’s too much pressure/ But I don’t stop ’til I know I get it right/ I’ll be all right,” Blige sings.

Single “You Ain’t the Only One” is the album’s standout song, possessing the same delightful energy as 2022’s “Good Morning Gorgeous” and 1992’s “Real Love.” Co-written by Blige, Angelo “Doc” Velasquez, Bryan Jones and Patrick Kelly, it boasts an upbeat rhythm that combines hip-hop and modern dance with a four-on-the-floor beat. With another underlying tempo, the lyrics might come across as dark rather than optimistic. “We all have pain, been through some things in my life/ Why complain ‘cause the world don’t care?/ Life is a game, just play the hand you’re dealt/ So the sun will shine through the rain,” Mary J. Blige sings.

“Never Give Up on Me” starts off with a genre-defying beat. Is it funk? Is it rooted in country? The song glides into disco territory for the chorus and bridge. With horns, strings and a four-on-the-floor rhythm, its vibe is infectious.

While 2014’s The London Sessions included a track titled “Nobody But You,” the one on Gratitude is not a reworking. Not only are they independent songs with different personnel, but both perfectly illustrate that Blige’s vocals can handle any genre. The elder “Nobody But You” married contrasting lyrics and rhythm (trance), while the newer is melancholic and soulful, with an acoustic hook, and sounds like an homage to Toni Braxton. Blige’s musical prowess is undeniable.

“Here I Am” is a another soulful ballad, hooking listeners with mellow piano licks. Blige’s vocals are the most solid and sound like a cross between Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, two of her influences.

“You know there comes a time in every woman’s life/ Where she should be celebrated/ And at that time, she should have all the flowers/ You understand what I’m saying?” Blige asks on hip-hop-infused ballad “Superpowers.” It’s empowering, with a message implying that if a woman feels celebrated, she’ll, in turn, reciprocate: “Boy, I want all the flowers (that’s right)/ Because of my superpowers/ And I can make your heart dance/ Make you feel like a Superman.”

While “Can’t Wait for You” would be at home on Blige’s 1992 debut, What’s the 411?, it boasts a more mature, modern sound. If its smooth groove reminds you of H.E.R., it’s because the Vallejo icon co-wrote it.

The album concludes with two hip-hop tracks brimming with nostalgia, “God’s Child” and “I Got Plans.” Both exude Blige’s signature sound, while rappers Fat Joe and A$AP Ferg excellently complement her style.

Gratitude continues Blige’s evolution of maturity and independence that Good Morning Gorgeous began. It’s not as solid as its predecessor, for its less commercial sound and weaker features. But vocally, Blige has never been stronger, and her creativity has evolved to new levels. Gratitude, indeed.