Raspy voiced Macy Gray, the once and
future queen of R&B, funk, and rock as crowned in 1999 with her
debut album On How Life Is, has returned to the studio to
record her fourth album Big. The album offers the caffeine
jolt equivalent of a cuppa Starbuck's latte – grande, of course.
Big offers a mellowed-out Gray,
her eccentric lyrics and beats filtered through the chill genius of
producer Will.I.Am of the Black Eye Peas, who reigns over the entire
album. Gray and producer strip back Big to soulful lyrics and
cool tracks – with the occasional interruption of crazy Gray lyrics
and an electric guitar; the resulting effect is an album set to win
over legions of new fans.
Guest appearances abound on Big.
Gray is paired with Natalie Cole for the opener “Finally Made Me
Happy”, Nas on “Ghetto Love”, and Fergie, who coos sweetly in
the background of “Glad You're Here”. Justin Timberlake lends a
hand with drums, keys, and backup vocals on “Okay.”
Sweet tracks include “Finally Made Me
Happy” where Gray's lyrics cleverly throw a curve as she sings,
“You finally made me happy...when you walked out that door.”
“Ghetto Love” will make your booty shake. Gray offers another
take on murder as she has done since her debut album on “Strange
Behavior”, where she offers, “We were happily married, until he
waved a gun at me.” Yet, it's her collaboration with Will.I.Am on
“Treat Me Like Your Money” where the lyric hijinks reach new
highs.
XOXO WW