I was geeked off of the classic (in my opinion) album Macy Gray on How Life Is for a long time. Even after “I Try” got played to death and Macy lost her way commercially, I remained on board.
As she’s transitioned into the independent world (following a streak of really inconsistent major label albums,) it seemed as though she was kind of floundering. A covers record was followed by another covers record (although, in somewhat novel fashion, it focused on a singular album-Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book.) Neither of those albums was very good because a) covers albums generally suck and b) no one wants to hear Macy Gray singing karaoke.
Macy’s eighth (!) album, entitled The Way, arrives October 7th. The first single from it is a frisky number entitled “Hands” that speaks to why people still enjoy Macy. Sure, her voice is an acquired taste, but when paired with the right song, that voice is perfect. “Hands” is cute and fun without being cloying. Hopefully the rest of The Way sounds this good.