
“The Sellout”
(Concord, June 22)
After a three-year absence, Macy Gray returns with a new album and label. And for the first time since her 1999 breakthrough, “On How Life Is,” the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter says “The Sellout” reflects her true identity.
“I went in the studio and recorded the album I wanted to do,” Gray says. “Over the last several years, I’ve been at the mercy of other people’s opinions of what they wanted me to do and lost sight of who Macy Gray really is. I wasn’t signed at the time, so making this album was very liberating.”
Gray‘s free reign is present on each of the 12 new songs co-written and executive-produced by her and mixed by Manny Marroquin (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jay-Z). Highlights include the anthemic first single, “Beauty in the World”; the soul-baring title track; and the ’80s new wave-vibed “That Man.” Guests include Bobby Brown, the Bodyrockers‘ Kaz James and Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver alumni Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.
Previous album and sales: “Big,” 111,000 (according to Nielsen SoundScan)
Video below: Music video for Macy Gray’s new single, “Beauty In The World,” off her upcoming album.