Big
Macy Gray
(Geffen)
She may have corralled a pack of musical assistants into the studio, but Macy Gray is still her inimitable self on Big, her fourth studio album.
With her trademark rasp, quirky sense of humour, odd phrasing and clever hooks, she immediately demonstrates how's she's different and why she manages to stand out beside stronger vocalists such as Natalie Cole (who provides harmonies on Finally Made Me Happy). On that opening track, Gray sings about her husband doing the right thing at last by walking out the door.
Background singer Dawn Beckman contributes similarly on the bouncy Treat Me Like Your Money, which samples Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and features Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, who is the main reason Gray sought the creative input of friends. Another key contributor is Justin Timberlake, who co-produced the funky Okay and Get Out.