Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 19:40, 18 January 2025

"Breathing" is a song by American singer Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige along with Patrick "Pat" Kelly, Jezus Rose, and Angelo "Doc" Velasquez for her fifteenth studio album Gratitude (2024), while production was overseen by Kelly, Velasquez, Aidan Brody and Will Campbell. The song was released by Mary Jane Productions Inc. and 300 Entertainment on October 18, 2024 as the album's lead single and became Blige's tenth chart topper on the US Adult R&B Songs chart. It has also reached number 18 on Billboard's US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

Background

"Breathing" was written by Mary J. Blige along with Patrick "Pat" Kelly, Jezus Rose, Angelo "Doc" Velasquez for her fifteenth studio album Gratitude (2024). Production on the song was overseen by Kelly, Velasquez, Aidan Brody and Will Campbell. In an interview with People at the evening of her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Blige commented on the song: "I listen to a lot of stories that my fans talk to me about. I've been through a lot, but sometimes you listen to other people's stories, and you say, 'Wow, I'm just complaining' because their stories is worse than yours. Everyone has something that they're dealing with and that they're suffering through. The single is basically saying, 'You're not alone. You're not the only one out here dealing with life. Life is not life-ing for you only'."

Critical reception

Vibe editor Mya Abraham called "You Ain't the Only One" an "uptempo, relatable groove where provides reassurance to listeners dealing with life’s ebb and flows," while Essence editor Okla Jones described the song as a "powerful anthem, offering comfort and solidarity through relatable lyrics." Edward Bowser, writing for Soul in Stereo, called it a "one-two punch of empowerment" that reminded him "of something from an 80s sitcom, and that's not a diss – sure, the song's themes are a bit heavy, but the upbeat lyrics provide a lot of hope, and Mary has always danced through her pain." Devin Morton from HotNewHipHop found that "You Ain't the Only One" was "quintessential adult contemporary R&B. Blige sounds at home over the beat, and the beat itself is an upbeat one. Lyrically, the track talks about the ups and downs of life, saying that if you've ever felt down, "you ain't the only one." She reminds listeners to go through life by remembering your goals and what you've already achieved, and to "play the hand you were dealt"."

Chart performance

Released on October 18, 2024 as the second single to precede parent album Gratitude, "You Ain't the Only One" debuted at number 43 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in the week ending January 18, 2025. It has since peaked at number 18 in the week of October 26, 2024. The same week, the song also reached the top spot on Billboard's US Adult R&B Songs chart, becoming Blige's tenth number-one hit as well her third consecutive number-one single on the chart. With nine Adult R&B chart toppers, "You Ain't the Only One" moved Blige into a tie with singer Charlie Wilson for the third-most number-one hits only after Alicia Keys and Toni Braxton.

Music video

A music video for "Breathing" was directed by frequent collaborator Eif Rivera. The visuals were released through Blige's official YouTube account on October 21, 2024.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of "Breathing."

Charts

Release history

References

1. ^ Breathing (Media notes). Mary J. Blige. 300 Entertainment, Mary Jane. 2024.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
2. Mona, Breanna (October 22, 2024). "Mary J. Blige Wants Fans to Know They're 'Not Alone' in 'Dealing with Life': 'Everyone Has Something' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
3. Abraham, Mya (October 18, 2024). "Ari Lennox, Jennifer Hudson, Zyah Belle, And More New R&B For Those Smoke Breaks". Vibe. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
4. Jones, Okla (October 18, 2024). "Best New Music This Week: Coco Jones, Ari Lennox, Mary J. Blige And More". Essence. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
5. Bowser, Edward (November 19, 2024). "Album Review: Mary J Blige, Gratitude". Soul in Stereo. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
6. Morton, Devin (October 18, 2024). "Mary J Blige Keeps Her Spirits High On "You Ain't The Only One"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
7. ^ "Mary J. Blige – You Ain't the Only One". Spotify. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
8. ^ "Mary J. Blige Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
9. ^ "Mary J. Blige Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
10. ^ Anderson, Trevor (January 14, 2025). "Mary J. Blige's 'You Ain't the Only One' Is No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
11. ^ Inman, Demicia (October 22, 2024). "Mary J. Blige Spreads Joy In "You Ain't The Only One" Music Video". Vibe. Retrieved January 18, 2025.

• 2024 singles
• 2024 songs
• Mary J. Blige songs
• Songs written by Mary J. Blige