<p>Fulfilling the title, Monica proves she’s still standing fifteen years after “Miss Thang” on this album, her sixth studio effort. More than anything however, the “Everything To Me” singer seems to have honed in on her strengths and left the tricks to youngsters unlike the 2006 effort “The Makings Of Me”.</p><p>Filled with songs about getting to love, appreciating a significant other, being at a crossroads in a relationship and even getting out of a bad one, Monica leaves no stone unturned when it comes to relationships on “Still Standing”.</p><p>Kicked off with the title track “Still Standing,” Monica taps Ludacris for the album’s lone collaboration, leaving listeners with an empowering and truthful account of her past, singing “see this is more than just a song to me ‘cause I been up against the ropes, everything you’re going through I been there before”. While the record was first heard early 2009, it is still one of the album’s stand out songs, catching Monica near her best as a strong songstress telling an empowering story. That theme, which fits Monica well, can be heard on another standout track titled “Believing In Me”.</p><p>The final track on the album, “Believing In Me” features Monica finding the strength to leave a one way relationship, meaning the man she fell in love with does not love her the same way. Produced by Stargate, “Believing In Me” is both relatable yet fitting for Monica who sings “didn’t know that I was selling my soul to someone who didn’t care at all,” before delivering the words “I’ve moved on and I’m strong. I’m going back to the place where I know I belong.. cause I’m right and you’re wrong, this time I’m believing in me…. I’m never letting go of my dreams.”</p><p>While Monica spends time taking a stance on songs like “Still Standing” and “Believing In Me,” the majority of the album is spent adoring the love of her life. Before we get there however, she takes a detour with Ne-Yo and Polow Da Don on “Here I Am” and “Stay or Go”. Unfortunately, both songs should “GO”! The latter of the two especially, “Stay or Go” is surprisingly the least attractive song on the album, which is even more surprising with Ne-Yo credited. On the song, Monica sings “You either wanna be with me or you don’t. Let me know what you’re going to do cause I’m not waiting”. “Here I Am,” as seen on the reality series “Monica: Still Standing” is credited to Polow Da Don. While the song, like “Stay or Go,” starts out well and is more ‘contemporary’ than others, it fails as the seconds roll on with lyrics like “Why don’t you come and pick me up and take me to the crib and do the things that I have told you he won’t,” followed by “boy stop tripping cause it’s just me and you”. Neither are horrible songs however, just not the best. These songs, along with the Missy Elliott produced 80s like track “If You Were My Man (Betcha),” are simply okay, not thrilling or songs you would run and share with a friend.</p>