Spring Break
CD Review: Macy Gray comes up Big on album
Jeremy Carmona
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Entertainment
04/06/07 - A statuesque figure of R&B and soul is back with a new album. Macy Gray comes back to share the snippets of her life that consist of heartbreak and building one's self-confidence so high that aliens can take a piece.
People may think Macy Gray might be a bit off her rocker because of her peculiar appearance and straggling voice. They don't realize that Gray is a Grammy winner, proving that she shines with greatness and talent even if others choose not to believe it.
Look at Bjork and Erykah Badu, who make statements about what they believe by their appearance and beating reporters at airports. They are respected for their creativity by invoking Icelandic and African roots.
Macy Gray on the other hand seems to be humored rather than respected.
On this album, Gray experiments with her vocals and tries to reach ranges higher than she can regularly handle. On the first song, "Finally Made Me Happy," Gray sounds as if she's struggling or killing a fawn.
If you've ever heard either a deer or fawn scream, it's a sound that closely resembles a crying baby, but multiply that by 24 and you have Gray singing about love.
As I listen and write, I'm not sure if the remainder of this musical compilation is going to be deafening to the ears. I continue on and brace myself for either more disastrous animal calls or the Gray that was once Grammy worthy.
On "Strange Behavior," rather than using her God-given talents, Gray tells a story about a couple in need of money.
To sum up the story: woman sees man, man waves gun at woman, woman gets scared, somehow gets the gun and shoots man.
So why would a married couple kill one another? According to Gray, the reason is because they both had very high health insurance bills. Good for Gray for thinking outside the box.
One song that shows off the better side of Gray's voice is "Get Out." This song is one of empowerment and self-righteousness.
The chanting of "I don't love you no more," and her mentioning that she's as high as the clouds in the sky, is either a reference to her self-confidence or the college mindset of being high.
The neo-soul background singers play as a treat alongside Gray's vocals.
This album has an adult feeling, and it might not be as appealing for younger audiences, excluding those with an old spirit. Or if in your past life you grew up in the Black Renaissance.
Macy Gray may have a somewhat intimidating appearance, and she might sound similar to a former American Idol, but on Big she shows she has heart and deals with issues just like you and I.
When people come into my room or car and hear what's playing normally, they don't quite understand why I would torture myself with that.
Macy Gray is different then this, and that's what makes her good. The uniqueness of her voice is something that takes time to get used to, but once this happens, maybe you can have a soft spot in your heart for good ole Gray.
People may think Macy Gray might be a bit off her rocker because of her peculiar appearance and straggling voice. They don't realize that Gray is a Grammy winner, proving that she shines with greatness and talent even if others choose not to believe it.
Look at Bjork and Erykah Badu, who make statements about what they believe by their appearance and beating reporters at airports. They are respected for their creativity by invoking Icelandic and African roots.
Macy Gray on the other hand seems to be humored rather than respected.
On this album, Gray experiments with her vocals and tries to reach ranges higher than she can regularly handle. On the first song, "Finally Made Me Happy," Gray sounds as if she's struggling or killing a fawn.
If you've ever heard either a deer or fawn scream, it's a sound that closely resembles a crying baby, but multiply that by 24 and you have Gray singing about love.
As I listen and write, I'm not sure if the remainder of this musical compilation is going to be deafening to the ears. I continue on and brace myself for either more disastrous animal calls or the Gray that was once Grammy worthy.
On "Strange Behavior," rather than using her God-given talents, Gray tells a story about a couple in need of money.
To sum up the story: woman sees man, man waves gun at woman, woman gets scared, somehow gets the gun and shoots man.
So why would a married couple kill one another? According to Gray, the reason is because they both had very high health insurance bills. Good for Gray for thinking outside the box.
One song that shows off the better side of Gray's voice is "Get Out." This song is one of empowerment and self-righteousness.
The chanting of "I don't love you no more," and her mentioning that she's as high as the clouds in the sky, is either a reference to her self-confidence or the college mindset of being high.
The neo-soul background singers play as a treat alongside Gray's vocals.
This album has an adult feeling, and it might not be as appealing for younger audiences, excluding those with an old spirit. Or if in your past life you grew up in the Black Renaissance.
Macy Gray may have a somewhat intimidating appearance, and she might sound similar to a former American Idol, but on Big she shows she has heart and deals with issues just like you and I.
When people come into my room or car and hear what's playing normally, they don't quite understand why I would torture myself with that.
Macy Gray is different then this, and that's what makes her good. The uniqueness of her voice is something that takes time to get used to, but once this happens, maybe you can have a soft spot in your heart for good ole Gray.
