Released August 18, 2009 Recorded 2009 Length 4:08 | Format Digital download Genre R&B
soul Label Geffen | |
"Stronger" is a song performed by American R&B singer—songwriter Mary J. Blige, with writing from Ester Dean, Dwayne Dalton, Jamal Jones, Chauncey Hollis and Chris Brown, who provides backing vocals. Recorded by Blige, it was featured on the soundtrack for the LeBron James documentary film More Than a Game, and included on the international version of her ninth studio album, Stronger with Each Tear (2010). It was released as the first single from the soundtrack to iTunes and Amazon on August 18, 2009. Additionally it was sent to US radio on September 8, 2009.
Contents
Blige performed the song on Good Morning America on September 11, 2009. She also performed it on the Late Show with David Letterman on September 23, 2009.
Background and release
The song deals with issues surrounding people standing by one another through the difficult times. Blige sings "Now we're stronger... stronger... stronger..." referencing that relationships have more strength once they have been tested and people stand by each other. The song was produced by Polow da Don and Hit-Boy especially for the Music Inspired by More Than a Game which is the official soundtrack album to the film More Than a Game. Stronger was confused as the second single from Stronger with Each Tear in August 2009, but this proved false as the song was not included on the U.S. version of Blige's ninth album because her label chose not to include it. However, the single was included on the international version of the album, first released on March 15, 2010.
Music video
The music video, which premiered on August 21, 2009, features Blige singing in a quarry and amidst clouds. Footage from More Than a Game is interspersed throughout, and the video begins and ends with quotations by LeBron James. The video was directed by Anthony Mandler.