A woman who's influences are listed as Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, her evolution has taken her far beyond their soul style to create a hip hop genre that led the way for the likes of everyone from Eva to Alicia Keys.

At the beginning of the 90s, Blige was the only woman in a lad's game. Signed to Uptown Records, she was their first and only female singer. But rather than dissuading her she learnt to fight hard - holding her own against the upcoming Sean Combs – who became one of her most successful professional partnerships.

Moving from traditional Power Ballad soul through dark, moody and earthy fair, Blige has spent her 20 year career in a state of constant musical experimentation and change.

She overcame the drug addictions and depressive relationships that have all but destroyed Whitney Houston, and she's come out the other side to bring 'Growing Pains' - her ninth album - out on the heels of a 2006 awards season that saw her pick up three Grammies for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album for 'The Breakthrough.'

So what to expect from her latest? Well, as would be suggested from the title Blige is still style changing.

However, on first listen it strikes as somewhat of a disappointment. While lyrics hint at the 'heart on her sleeve' notion the album's title suggests, it's all overlaid by slow double beat rythms and 'magic rain' synthesisers that give it a feel reminiscent of 90s girl band 'Eternal.'

With a voice like Blige's you really want her to be belting them out - as she's proven she can do – to send shivers down your spine.

But the R&B aspect of her style is by far the most dominant, and while her lyrics might confirm the strong independent woman she had long been established as, her new found swaying and 'over-feminised' R&B is a little sickly.

Singing : "Get over yourself for me, I'll get over myself for you, let's get over ourselve's for us" while her backing singer's croon "talk to me" doesn't help matters – though the bass lying underneath 'Talk to me' does demonstrate some seriously talented mixing that is present throughout the album.

'Hurt Again' is a fantastic track – rising back up to Blige's previously high set standards – and mixing styles and harmonies throughout to create an aching dreamy track that shines out from a alightly inferior creation.

And 'Come to Me (Peace)' manages to end the album on a highlight as Blige finally showcases her voice in a straighter, less forced ballad. While a little saccharine, it feels far more organic than her heavily mixed tracks.

Blige is an unbelievably talented musician – she has left an indelible mark on the world – and in an industry very much of the attitude 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' she deserves to reap kudos for her continual evolution. With that in mind – it's hopeful that 'Growing Pains' is only a slight misstep in her continuing success.

This CD is available to buy now at Woolworths.