Image Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP Images
There’s already a lot of Oscar buzz for the creators and stars of the upcoming big-screen adaptation of best-selling novel The Help. And now you can add another possible nomination to the list: A Best Original Song nod for Mary J. Blige‘s single “The Living Proof,” penned for the movie’s soundtrack.
Blige, fresh off a triumphant performance at the Essence Festival in New Orleans over the weekend, is in full clutch-your-heart-and-brace-yourself-on-the-piano mode here, eschewing any sort of R&B trickery in favor of a belt-heavy torch song about overcoming the odds.
Give it a listen after the jump (her vocals kick in about a minute in, in case you’re impatient).
Is it me, or is there a little bit of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” in the strings that dance around the piano? (That’s a compliment, by the way; more people should steal things from Kate.)
What do you think of “The Living Proof”? Will it earn her the O in her EGOT? And how does it compare to “The Living Daylights”? Shout your opinions to the heavens (or simply type them into the comments below).
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I’m a MJB fan, and I can say this is a depressing song that should win the Song of The Year at the Academy Awards. I dunno why this movie is even opening in the summer, cause it looks like its Oscar bait. This song is hard to listen to when I’m in the midst of making fun upbeat summer playlists…don’t expect this to be some monster radio smash off the bat, but IF there is a better original offering song of the year at thbe Academy Awards, I will be shocked (and we’ve still got half a year to go…kinda like how long it felt like this song has been playing…sigh).
Nice song. Mary J. doing what she does best.
i guess it’s middle of the road. but i love Mary. i wish “Not Gon Cry” was nominated…along with most of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack.
about just making the easy stuff. That is what hapneped to me, too, but not because of kids. At least you have a legitimate excuse! I know what you are dealing with, though, because I was actually the LUNCH LADY at the Bush School here in Seattle several years ago. We cooked for kids K-12 and even though we made some awesome homemade stuff it was chicken strips, tacos, and hamburgers that always sold out. I am not a nutritionist, but I know there are some who believe loading up on protein before bed can help avoid something called catabolism (a fasting stage your body goes into while sleeping). I believe it is a common practice for body builders eat protein before bedtime for this reason. Personally, I would weigh 300 lbs. if I tried that! I think if you are worried you should check with your son’s pediatrician. My guess is he is okay if he feels good and isn’t gaining too much weight. I am so glad you like the blog!!
I would love to see Mary perform at the Oscars, she turn that place out! I thought I would see this when the song she did with Aretha from the film `Bobby`. That would have been AMAZING!
mary + oscars = awesome
could’nt hear kate bush’s this womans work (strings) but i could hear her song “moments of pleasure” tune thru out the whole song instead
Amazing Mary, just amazing.
Yeah the Oscars aren’t ready for Mary, or this book turned Movie. But they are both deserving believe me.
I knew Mary as a child. I really did. I have waited until now to tell her how proud of her I am!!!!! THIS IS HER BEST YET!!!!!!! LOVE YOU MARY.
Just Mary keeping it real. Sing it girl !
Good song, Great vocal. In my opinion, when she stays away from songs produced by Diddy and his ilk, she is the person who should inherit Tina’s, Aretha’s and Gladys’ crowns.
Mary is amazing!! She is singing her true testimony. Love it
Intervals on the bike trainer this AM. 8x 2min/1min. rec. since that is the enoglst in would take me for 1k. Yestreday’s S&C after school. Pistols felt pretty good; felt a little more stable on left foot. Left arm was definatly harder for TGU. Circuit- 300 Singles sub for DU’s -8:39 min. Felt pretty good today.
This song touched my heart – both as a song for THE HELP but as a story of my own Living Proof of what God has done in my life this summer. Thank you Mary! I can’t wait to hear it in the theater.
Awesome gave me the goose bumps!!!
I love this song makes u sit and really think about life and the things, around you each and every day . Wish that it was a ring tone cause I would listen to it over and over again thanks Mary you have done it once more.
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