“Let’s get crunk ’cause Mary’s back,” the queen of hip-hop soul commands on the first single from her upcoming album. And fortunately the tune’s bass-pounding funk, crafted by the good Dr. Dre, makes her order easy to obey. Lyrically, the song celebrates such party virtues as dressing up and hitting the dance floor. But Blige’s bluesy vocal grit adds depth to the track, hinting at the everyday hardships that make partying so rejuvenating and worthwhile.

Grade: A-