Just Fine

Dear Readers, In recent weeks I felt a bit dull, especially when it came to blogging. I wasn’t feeling it, nothing excited me. Now, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m talking about an inspiring interview, which I’ve read today.

Mary J. Blige talks to MTV about her new album, Growing Pains (due Dec 18), and the first single, Just Fine (couldn’t resist highlighting):

“So many people are like, ‘I’m perfect.’ I’m so imperfect, that’s why I’m able to let everything out and let people see everything. ‘Cause I’m just a mess like every other person that’s a mess out there. (…) So as long as I’m a human being and I’m not perfect, I’m able to say I’m having some growing pains. Because in order to sustain where you are once you made such a breakthrough that everyone is looking at you, now everyone is like, ‘Ooh, is she gonna make a mistake?’ Yes, I’m going to make a mistake. Yes, I’m still gonna do things. And that’s what Growing Pains is about, it’s about finally not whining about the pain, Mary J. Blige, and accepting the pain that comes with growing.”

“‘Just Fine’ was written based on me having a good day,” Blige explained. “You know, I can have 30 or 40 [bad days]. I can have as many bad days as anyone. But I choose to say, ‘I’m just fine.’ Right now. You know those days when your hair looks good, you’re not sitting in traffic, your man’s not acting like an idiot. You’re just fine. So it’s OK to have those days. So instead of coming with something ungrateful to the universe, how about I come with something first that’s says, ‘You know what? It’s OK. Enjoy this day if you’re having a great day.’ ”

“Feel Like a Woman” (…) she said, is based on the idea that it’s OK for women to receive gifts from men and that they shouldn’t be called gold diggers for it. “Sometimes you got to enjoy him splurging on you,” she said.

Just Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine, was produced by the The Dream and Tricky Stewart, the team responsible for Umbrella Ella Ella. Makes Sense? It doesn’t stop here, the videos to both songs are directed by Chris Applebaum. The video to Just Fine had its premiere today.