R&B, Jazz, Funk and blues all describe this new collaboration of hits from Macy Gray. Then again, doesn’t that describe all her songs? This album brings together some of her previous hit singles such as “I Try,” and the newest one, “Walk This Way.” Having been compared to a combination of post-war Billy Holiday and Bob Dylan, Gray’s music and lyrics are all unique. What can one expect from “The Very Best of Macy Gray?” Well, she has featured some artists such as Erykah Badu and Pharoahe Monch.
This CD starts out with the radio-hit “I Try” and works its way through with some jazzy beats and great instrumentals mixed into the songs. The lyrics to some songs such as track three, “Still” discuss the hardships of her relationships with lyrics such as “In my last year with him there were bruises on my face / In my dawn and new day / I finally got away/But my head’s all messed up and he knows just what to say.” The rest of the song goes deeper into these hardships using similes such a “melting like a burning candle.”
The CD does have some great up-beat numbers, such as “Sexual Revolution,” which make one feel like they are in a disco in the seventies giving it a retro feel. This is definitely a song that can be described as funky. Gray does an amazing job collaborating with Erykah Badu. Their voices blend together so smoothly and beautifully. This song is a must-listen-to for Badu fans as well as Gray fans.
We move into the rest of the album with another artist collaboration, Pharoahe Monch, who mixes a bit of hip-hop lyrics and some funk. Sound weird to you? Well check it out! Guaranteed, one listen and the lyrics will get one to think. Everyone has heard a few different variations of “Walk This Way” however, listen to this one too and you will definitely get another kick out of this. When you listen to this you will be able to picture Gray wearing some funky colorful outfit singing and dancing! Along side of her hit songs from other albums, this CD included four bonus tracks, one of which is a nice ballad, and the other three being remixed versions of songs from this album.
Overall, this album was well-put together including a mix of ballads, some funky tunes, and some new stuff. It is a definite must-hear album. Good collaborations, some good beats and some great jazzy tunes.
-Nidhi Mahendroo
