Collaborations between US R&B royalty and UK acts have become relatively common but it’s hard to think of one as heartfelt and classy as this. Blige’s co-writers, including UK-to-US success stories Disclosure, Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith, find striking ways to frame Blige’s voice without distracting from its richness and emotional range. Naughty Boy delivers the record’s upbeat highlight, marrying Blige’s vocals to clarinet, garage beats and euphoric piano chords, but Sandé collaboration Whole Damn Year is no less impressive, exploring the aftermath of sexual and emotional trauma.
