It was written by Johntá Austin, Bryan Michael Cox, Jason Perry, and Blige for her seventh studio album, The Breakthrough (2005).

Ranking among the most played songs on US radio in the year 2006, it was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2007.

"Be Without You" is a contemporary R&B and hip hop soul song written in the key of D minor with a tempo of 73 beats per minute.

It’s a stunning vocal showcase amid a litany of lyrical vows that capture the ecstasy of the honeymoon phase,"[3] while Alexis Petridis from The Guardian called it a "wonderful song: luscious, dramatic, with Blige bringing her patent edge.

[7] Antwane Folk from Rated R&B noted that "this power ballad hears Blige inarguably in love, proving her commitment to her man in an arresting singing style that made you believe every word.

"[8] Da'Shan Smith from uDiscoverMusic found that the song "remains one her most powerful performances, with vocal runs for days before she brings it home towards the end.

However even though this track doesn't quite have the youthful exuberance of What's the 411?, it still has the angst and quality of a lady who is still striving and most definitely has her name carved in the music hall of fame.

Having proved very popular, the Moto Blanco remix was featured as a B-side in the UK on subsequent singles "MJB Da MVP" and "Enough Cryin'."

"[20] Though set in New York City, it was largely filmed in Los Angeles on November 8, 2005,[20] with much of the scenes shot in a home originally owned by entertainer Frank Sinatra.

[21] Actor Terrence Howard, fresh from the success of the drama film Hustle & Flow (2005), was consulted to portray Blige's love interest in the video.

[18] The video begins with a black and white cityscape with Blige standing on top of a building as the song starts playing.