My Life is extraordinary because it expresses elation, desperation, affection and depression—often in the same moment. The album’s songs refer to different segments of soul music history. “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” blends elements of the Mary Jane Girls and Teddy Pendergrass; “You Bring Me Joy” samples Barry White; the title track borrows from Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”. The lyrics were penned entirely by Blige, and the album’s story of a relationship at its end is told in her performance. She conveys emotion with such nakedness and intensity that it often feels like we are sharing her experiences in real time.