Mary J. Blige version
In 1992, American singer and songwriter
Mary J. Blige recorded a rendition for her debut album, ''
What's the 411?'' (1992). It became Blige's third top 40 on the US
Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 28. In addition, it marked Blige's first entry on the
New Zealand Singles Chart. Blige also performed the song live on the eighteenth season of
Saturday Night Live on March 13, 1993.
Critical reception Daryl McIntosh from Albumism stated that Blige's "savory rendition" of the
Rufus song "helped provide depth to her groundbreaking album". Stanton Swihart from
AllMusic described it as "
gospel-thrusted", stating that songs like "Sweet Thing" "are and will remain timeless slices of
soul even after their trendiness has worn off".
Larry Flick from
Billboard magazine said the singer's version is "a faithful rendition of the
Chaka Khan & Rufus classic. A shoulder-swaying rhythm base firmly supports an appealing, diva-style vocal and familiar
funk guitar chords." He added, "Watch this one glide onto pop and urban playlists within seconds." The Daily Vault's Mark Millan noted that "Sweet Thing" "is probably the most "pop" of all the songs on offer here. It's another love song and Blige softens her tone a little to keep everything sweet."
Havelock Nelson from
Entertainment Weekly named it "a jazzy remake".
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the ''What's the 411?'' liner notes. •
Sean "Puffy" Combs –
executive producer • Charlie Davis – executive producer •
Mark Morales –
producer •
Mark C. Rooney – producer • Kurt Woodley – executive producer
Track listing •
US cassette/7" vinyl single • "Sweet Thing" – 3:44 • "Slow Down" – 4:30 •
US CD promo • "Sweet Thing" (live) – 3:45 • "Sweet Thing" (album version) – 3:44 • "Sweet Thing" (TV) – 4:45 •
US 12" vinyl promo :A1. "Sweet Thing" (live version) – 3:45 :A2. "Sweet Thing" (album version) – 3:44 :B1. "Sweet Thing" (Daddy Hip Hop) – 5:05 :B2. "Sweet Thing" (Daddy Hip Hop TV) – 4:45
Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts ==Other cover versions==