Macy Gray, the ubiquitous soul sista, made a name for herself back in 1999 with the Grammy winning single "I Try." Close to a decade later, Gray's proving that she's more than a niche voice atop a boisterous personality. Her new adventure Big is a testament to her powerhouse vocal ability and love for music.
It's evident on Big's first single "Finally Made Me Happy" (with backup vocals by Natalie Cole) that Macy has finally landed in her comfort zone with highly expressive lyrics, emotional and well-produced sound and classic soul vocals with a sound on its own. Macy's back and she's doing it with a capital B-I-G!
It's evident on Big's first single "Finally Made Me Happy" (with backup vocals by Natalie Cole) that Macy has finally landed in her comfort zone with highly expressive lyrics, emotional and well-produced sound and classic soul vocals with a sound on its own. Macy's back and she's doing it with a capital B-I-G!
Who Wins?
- Music lovers who are tired of today's talentless studio sound. Tracks on Gray's Big are reminiscent of old soul production. Noteworthy tracks: "Okay" and "Get Out" produced by will.i.am and Justin Timberlake, "Shoo Be Doo" and the Natalie Cole backed "Finally Made Me Happy".
- Fans that look for the intensity of the music to match the complexity of the lyrics.
- Those who love will.i.am and Justin Timberlake. Their work, as the collaborative JAWbreakers production, is all over this album and it shows.
- Long-time Gray fans that enjoy her traditional wit and signature sound.
Who Loses?
- iPoders that wrote Gray off after On How Life Is.
- Possibly Macy Gray. The niche that launched her career, may keep her in that same box if the industry doesn't recognize her growth as an artist.
Trivia
- Macy Gray was born September 6, 1967 in Canton, Ohio, USA.
- Macy stands 6 feet tall.
- In 1999, she won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single, "I Try."
- Macy has two children from divorced spouse Tracy Hinds.
- Her debut album On How Life Is sold more than 7 million copies worldwide.
- BIG is the first collaboration between will.i.am music group and Geffen Records.
- Macy Gray established the M. Gray Music Academy in North Hollywood.
- Macy Gray established an organization called One by One to help Hurricane Katrina victims.
Buying Information
BigRelease Date: 3/27 (CD) (2007)
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: R&B - Contemporary R&B
