No More Drama
by Mary J. Blige
  • Record Label: MCA
  • Release Date: Aug 28, 2001
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. E! Online
    100
    Injecting the album with plenty of soul, gospel and throwbacks to that old-school Motown sound, producers like the Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and guests like Eve help round out what's possibly the best R&B album this year.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    The multiproducer arrangements are expansive yet warm, and Blige's pushy rasp has never sounded better.
  3. Spin Cycle
    100
    Pulling it all together is her beautifully rough voice, which has grown more precise without losing any of its raw, bluesy power.
  5. The A.V. Club
    80
    In the past, that voice has conveyed untold worlds of pain and anguish, but on Blige's fifth studio album, No More Drama, it's put to good use mining the foreign terrain of happiness, contentment, and other emotions seemingly antithetical to the soul singer's tragedy-filled milieu.
  6. Sonicnet
    80
    Because her samples are so shameless, so out in the open, what No More Drama sounds like in the end is Blige singing along to the radio: equal parts fan and artist.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    In 2001’s current crop of R&B singers, Blige’s voice is truly inimitable. It’s husky, strong, soulful and full of maturity. Make no mistake, though, this lady can still flow like no one’s business...
  8. Village Voice
    80
    This is Blige's most rhythmic album ever, and even the ballads that can drag r&b down here bristle with bumping beats.
  9. Q Magazine
    80
    A record that occupies the exact mid-point between the ghetto sass of her Puff Daddy-produced debut and 1999's poised, soulful Mary. [Oct 2001, p.117]
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  10. Launch.com
    70
    Other than "PMS," a misguided Lauryn Hill cop, the album also gets stronger as it plays, concluding with an impressive trio of songs that show off Blige's gospel roots.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Blige's best yet...
  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    At first, she sounds almost tepid in comparison to her older work, but this is music that grows in depth and feeling with each listen.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best Album of 2001
75
#75 Most Discussed Album of 2001
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 6 out of 35
  1. cjones93
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    This Album got better once it was release. No More Drama was a world needed word that enough was just that with tears falling and relationshipThis Album got better once it was release. No More Drama was a world needed word that enough was just that with tears falling and relationship fading No More Drama was Mary at her best after escaping the madness Never Been Touched Family Affair Rainy Days. This cd reminds fans of a once Young And Restless in heart that we all share… Full Review »
  2. AutumnB
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    Ilove all of Mary J. Blige albums all them touch my life and relationship. i can't wait to see her in concert.
  3. TinaK-S
    Mar 24, 2004
    10
    Love it more each time I listen. Fills me with emotion. Sometimes it fits too well with my mood. Scary. She is something else.
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