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CD reviews

Alex Price

Macy Gray

The Trouble With Being Myself

(Sony)

As they used to say in the corny television adverts, if you liked the last album, you'll love this one.

The Trouble With Being Myself is a sweet-shop full of eclectic styles and flavours. Vocal and musical influences abound: there's an (obligatory) nod to Aretha Franklin, a definite wink at Janis Joplin, a passing wave to Dylan, a friendly hello to Stevie Wonder and, on track eight, My Fondest Childhood Memories, what sounds like a salute to The Spiders.

Gray's as exuberant as ever in voice, without ever showing off. Unlike so many other divas, she doesn't try to ram her talent into our ears, preferring to transfix us with subtlety. There's also an infectious infusion of happiness - fuelled by dry humour - evident throughout the album.

Macy sings merrily about keeping her parents' marriage intact by killing all would-be lovers and suitors, and, later, that her family's insane but that's okay because the world is gonna end. She's funkier than on her last outing, the id, with plenty of rolling 70s bass lines behind her, but that husky, girlish voice stays instantly recognisable.

All in all, this is a great way to beat the blues: funny, funky, sexy and warm. Put it on as you get ready to go out.

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