The Breakthrough
by Mary J. Blige
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 20, 2005
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Slant Magazine
    60
    Whether or not her risks work, it's taking chances that pays dividends, not placing safe bets.
  2. Village Voice
    60
    The Breakthrough improves on 2003's Diddy-helmed misfire Love & Life but lacks the character of 1999's eclectic Mary.
  3. musicOMH.com
    60
    Like a lot of her previous albums, The Breakthrough is overlong and spoilt by too many producers sticking their oar in.
  5. Urb
    60
    All in all, it seems like the diva needs a little drama to get it percolatin'. [Mar 2006, p.123]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 58
  3. Negative: 4 out of 58
  1. TylerM
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    I loved the album. tons of great inspirational songs that touched me in the right way! haha! I love it! Go Mary!
  2. viggyr
    Mar 20, 2006
    10
    MAry J. Blige is so good! Be without you is one of my three favorite songs and it probably will be for a long time. She is really the queen of soul.
  3. Finnnnn
    Feb 28, 2022
    9
    What an iconic and beautiful album. Take Me As I Am and Good Woman Down might be some of my favourite songs ever.
See all user reviews »