Mary J Blige "The Strength of a Woman"

The Strength of a Woman is not determined by the quality of her music, nor is it determined by the length of her career. Longevity? A classic album does not bolster. I am not an avid fan nor hater, yet I respect and appreciate her.
The beginning not only finds itself as one brassy and serotonin-inducing opener, but is an important step in preparing oneself to love and be loved by others, to improve upon the foundation of one's soul, it also features an appropriate guest, but to truly love others, you must  first "Love Yourself." A feel good introduction to this next chapter in her career, before we find ourselves in the "Thick of It."
The strength will not falter, even amidst deceptive prospects for "The One" ("Set Me Free"), or failed realization of potential ("Glow Up"). In fact, it can prove to be "Indestructible," which  doesn't have her preaching but can serve as a unisexual message to know one's worth and prevent the closing of one's heart.
While some of the lyrical content was written in pain, there is positivity present, and sometimes it shines, like a "Smile" will often lighten our hearts, and once you "Find the Love" you need and seek, you will find strength, but it may come from within, or without. The strength of another may not be revealed all at once, as it has many facets. The album has much to give, as the title track will reveal.

Yellowcard's Second Swan

While the general consensus concerning first impressions ring true, when it comes to music, I find how you end a career more important than a debut. While, the album was a fauxnouement, the Paper Walls that constructed the origami swan were incredibly sturdy, The album was energetic. earnest, and engaging; a testament to their growth, in merely a year. The Lights and Sounds were merely a preparation for something greater.
I could not answer the rhetorical question that their return had set in motion, but I was able to ask "What Happened?" after listening to the sounds of Southern Air. It sounded like a document of a band scratching the studio itch, when interest for a follow-up was virile; recording when they possessed the energy, intent, and motivation, yet not the heart or the patience for the best or most creative ideas, but this is where I find it difficult to critique an artist's work because I am not sure where they were coming from, nor do I know how they truly felt in spite of it written on paper; it was a good album, just not my favorite.
The eponymous album, is another chance to make a statement as to who you are as a collective, or an artist, to where you stand, or at least give an example of how you believe that you should sound. They manage to score in the final period, without even a hint of a yellow card. They manage to show their range, rawkin' riffs or somber keys, sometimes even in the same song. "like Air?"  Yes, but it did not seem as forced as the songs on that album were, and the instrumental accompaniment, fresher; at least in this context. As for favorites, you "Got Yours," and I have mine; such as the aforementioned and "Savior's Robes." I could name every song, yet some are more apparent. The hurt is gone, especially after releasing an album such as this one. You have succeeded, and may you rest in peace.