Set Me Free (Mary J. Blige song)

"Set Me Free"
Single by Mary J. Blige
from the album Strength of a Woman
ReleasedJuly 19, 2017 (2017-07-19)
Length3:29
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)DJ Camper
Mary J. Blige singles chronology
"Love Yourself"
(2017) 		"Set Me Free"
(2017) 		"Only Love"
(2018)

"Set Me Free" is a song recorded by American singer Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Jr., and Charles Hinshaw for her thirteenth studio album, Strength of a Woman (2017), while production was helmed by Camper. The song was released as the album's fourth single on July 19, 2017, and peaked at number eight on the US Adult R&B Songs.[1]

Critical reception

The reception to the song has been generally positive, with Entertainment Weekly calling it a "fiery kissoff."[2] The Guardian called the song "pleasingly understated" with "D'Angelo vibes,"[3] while The New York Times wrote that Blige sounds "ecstatic and free."[4]

Commercial reception

"Set Me Free" became Blige's 22nd top-ten hit on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, tying the record for most top-10 hits on that chart.[5] It also became her third top-ten hit on that chart from the Strength of a Woman album.

Charts

Release history

Country Date Format Label Ref.
United States July 19, 2017 Digital download Capitol Records [9]

References

  1. ^ "Mary J. Blige selects "Set Me Free" as new promotional single". Hamada Mania Music Blog. 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  2. ^ "Mary J. Blige Is Above Hateration on 'Strength of a Woman': EW Review". EW.com. 2017-04-27. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  3. ^ Hutchinson, Kate (2017-04-27). "Mary J Blige: Strength of a Woman review – R&B star conjures some of her old magic". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  4. ^ Caramanica, Jon (2017-04-26). "For Mary J. Blige, Pain Leads to Beauty". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  5. ^ "Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna's 'Loyalty.' Hits No. 1 on Rhythmic Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
  6. ^ "Mary J. Blige Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  7. ^ "Mary J. Blige Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  8. ^ "2017 Year End Chart: ADULT R&B SONGS". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  9. ^ ""Set Me Free"". July 19, 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2017-09-26.