New Macy Gray album showcases experimentation, skill

Macy Gray is a one-hit wonder. Don’t believe it? Just try naming one song of hers besides, “I Try” (1999). (And no, the theme song for the TV show “As Told By Ginger”  (2000 - 2006) does not count). However, though Gray has only produced one chart-topper, her style and tone have been supremely influential to today's music landscape. After weathering a sordid career and little publicity, Gray has pushed through to release her eighth studio album, “The Way,” on Oct. 7. This album, littered with interesting production and overflowing with Gray’s unapologetic gravelly tones, is a triumph for the artist whose fame seemed to wane year after year. Though by no means pop pleasers, the tracks on “The Way” are interesting enough to draw listeners and breezy enough to calm even the most stressed college students.

Gaining fame in 1999, earlier in her career Gray was surrounded by countless pop tracks, songs that were characteristically formulaic and predictable in their production. “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera and “(You Drive Me) Crazy” by Britney Spears, both released in 1999, represent the sonic scene into which Gray was catapulted. Enter: “I Try,” a somber track exploding with tremendous heart and shockingly honest lyricism, two qualities she had severely lacked. Gray’s voice, distinctive and strangely soothing, was a stark reminder that songs require more than a great hook and expert instrumentation; they need a soul. Bringing R&B squarely back into the hearts of minds of many listeners, Gray received a lot of well-deserved attention for “I Try.”

After this initial burst of fame, however, Gray seemed to fade into the background. Despite releasing studio albums and touring, she became little more than a memory of what music used to be like at the start of the 2000s. Yet the echoes of her style made waves in the wider pop community. It’s impossible to hear artists like Joss Stone, Corrine Bailey Rae and even Amy Winehouse without sensing the ghost of Gray’s signature vocal and musical style. Regardless of what Gray’s legacy is or ought to be, her latest album “The Way” shows another side to this one-hit wonder, and will give any attentive listener pause to think, “Macy Gray is actually (still) really good.”

Notably, "The Way" is full of adventurous chord progressions and a sampling of diverse musical styles that the singer/songwriter fronts boldly. For such a seasoned veteran, this dedication to experimentation is rare and, what’s more, Gray’s apparent mastery of these different styles is nothing short of impressive. What’s really appealing about the album as a whole, however, is Gray’s ability to tell a story.

Opening with lighthearted tracks, the album then details the rise and fall of a relationship, ultimately ending with a frank and intense look at what it means to be alive. “The Way” has something else that many albums these days seem to lack: intention. Gray is saying something substantive with her music, and it’s a message worth taking the time to hear.

Noteworthy tracks include the album's opener, “Stoned,” which introduces a cool, easy vibe and tongue-and-cheek subject matter, opening up a simple and lovable doorway into “The Way.”

Meanwhile, “I Miss the Sex” -- the fourth track on the album -- seamlessly incorporates both old-timey brass and modern synth. The production and style of this later track are highly reminiscent of the production on Solange’s 2013 EP “True." Although Gray may be taking a leaf from Solange’s book, however, her signature style still shines through.

Potentially the most interesting song is the album’s title track, “The Way.” Unabashedly strange and touting some truly unconventional percussion, “The Way” is compelling and attractive, much like the album as a whole.

All in all, “The Way” combines all the best parts of Gray’s golden years while still including some exciting new innovations from the artist. It’s well worth a serious listen. It won’t make you choke or stumble. You’ve got to give it a … “Try.”