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The MF Life Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: The second album for the R&B/soul Canadian singer features guest appearances by J. Cole, B.o.B, John Legend, and T-Pain.
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Top Track

4 AM
Sitting here feeling kinda crazy But not just any crazy It's the kind you feel when you love somebody And I know that my baby Is calling somebody... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 21, 2012
    91
    Slow-burning pathos remain her strongest suit. [23 Mar 2012, p.74]
  2. Mar 22, 2012
    80
    The more beneficial mix of songwriting and production collaborators, including Jack Splash, No ID, Rico Love, and Salaam Remi, helps make The MF Life superior to the debut in every way.
  3. Apr 2, 2012
    78
    It's indeed better the second time around, no matter who's running her down.
  4. Mar 21, 2012
    70
    The Canadian vocalist Melanie Fiona's second disc is a more fully realized and personal set of songs than her debut.
  5. Mar 21, 2012
    70
    Though this album lacks some of the intensity of her debut, "The Bridge," which hit hard with done-wrong vintage-soul updates, it still showcases Ms. Fiona ably.
  6. Mar 21, 2012
    63
    The songs are a bit stronger this time around, but few offer much in the way of great lyrics or real insight as they stick to themes of heartache, heartbreak and the occasional romantic triumph.
  7. Apr 26, 2012
    40
    [The album showcases] her technical precision as a singer but reluctance to colour outside the lines.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Nov 4, 2012
    10
    Um lançamento que ficou esquecido pelo grande público, mas que vale muito a pena conferir é o excelente trabalho daUm lançamento que ficou esquecido pelo grande público, mas que vale muito a pena conferir é o excelente trabalho da cantora canadense Melanie Fiona no álbum The MF Life.

    Segundo trabalho da moça, que ganhou notoriedade em 2009 com o lançamento do seu debut The Bridge, traz uma poderosa cantora de R&B puro em plena forma deixando no chinelo a maioria das suas comtemporâneas que acabam enveredando para outros estilos. Melanie dá vida ao álbum com interpretações louváveis consigo trabalhar sua voz lindamente mostrando habilidades em entender qual seu tom e como usá-lo da melhor maneira possível. Ela não tem a voz que teve Whitney Houston, mas suas maravilhosas performances a colocam alguns degraus acima da massa. Ela é a prova viva que não é necessário ter a maior voz para ser uma ótima cantora. É necessário saber como lidar com o instrumento que tem. A produção multifacetada poderia ser um erro, mas aqui todos conseguem conversar entre si dando o álbum uma cara com personalidade, coesa e coerente. Melanie parece tirar um peso de algum relacionamento passado em The MF Life já que a maioria das músicas falam de decepção amorosa. Talvez ainda falta mais cuidado com o desenvolvimento das composições, pois a maioria parece apenas ir uns dois metros além do seguro. Mesmo assim, é um belo trabalhando conseguindo tirar algumas emoções bem profundas. Na faixa Wrong Side Of A Love Song ela tira lágrimas dos olhos ao revelar que erro muito e pela primeira sabe o que passaram quem ela feriu. Já Gone & Never Coming Back ela descobre que ele foi embora e nunca mais vai voltar. Bones mostra uma Melanie mais old soul clamando que o amor da vida dela a enlouquece. Arrasa no carão em Watch Me Work e logo em seguida busca seu Jack Joshson versão R&B para cantar a linda Can't Say I Never Loved You. E para finalizar na versão deluxe pedindo que o cara escolha rápido o que vai fazer com ela em Rock Paper Scissors. Essas são só as cinco estrelas de um álbum cheio de ótimas músicas e várias participações especiais de peso como rapper Nas e cantor John Legend. Espero que vocês descubram The MF Life. Não vão se arrepender.
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  2. Mar 25, 2012
    10
    After being a fan from her debut 'The Bridge' you wonder how someone with such potential that was overlooked can break out & be their ownAfter being a fan from her debut 'The Bridge' you wonder how someone with such potential that was overlooked can break out & be their own entity in today's disappearing genre of R&B. Melanie Fiona did that with her sophomore effort 'The MF Life'. It's an eclectic blend of R&B beats with hip hop influence with heart wrenching lyrics and crooning vocals to send your emotions into a tail spin. The beginning of the album somewhat drags until you get to 'Wrong Side Of Love'. You can't help but feel like you're in the 1970's as you eyes and heart begin to well up in emotion from the beautiful production to the honest lyrics she's spewing at you that you've probably gone through at least once in your life. 'Watch Me Work' is a sassy tune that empowers females to embrace who they are regardless of how anyone views them. 'Can't Say That I Never Loved You' is an Island heartbreaker that makes you smile as you deal with the reality of your hurt. 'Rock, Paper, Scissor' is just an amazing R&B ballad with beautiful metaphors that resonate with your soul. The song is the epitome of how most PEOPLE feel about the unknown in general. Overall the album is definitely one of the best R&B albums of the year from a new artist that is finally getting the shine she deserves. Collapse
  3. Apr 3, 2012
    10
    What an album! I didn't take her serious on her first album The Bridge, but now I'm a fan of hers. She sang her heart out. I can hear and feelWhat an album! I didn't take her serious on her first album The Bridge, but now I'm a fan of hers. She sang her heart out. I can hear and feel her emotions throughout the tracks. I love it when an album is personal. This album should win a Grammy next year. Good job Melanie. Expand