Big (CD - 2007)

On her first two albums Macy Gray proudly inherited the R&B freak flag previously flown by Betty Davis in the 1970s. Unlike Davis, however, Gray has managed to hang around after her initial goosing of the pop establishment. While it's not quite accurate to call BIG a comeback album, Gray was more often seen on the big screen than heard on the radio following 2003's THE TROUBLE WITH BEING MYSELF. And the fact that Gray called in pop music script doctor Will.i.am to produce also gives one the sense that she's thinking, well, BIG.

Thankfully, Willi.i.am puts Gray's greatest virtue, her voice, front and center, and expertly splits the difference between old-school soul jams and space-age dancefloor funk. The album is as much a testament to Will.i.am's restraint and adaptability as a producer, as it is a forum for Gray's distinct take on soul music. The people want certain things, though, and Will.i.am and Macy aren't above the game, as superstar cameos including Fergie and J.T. abound. Still, you could do a lot worse than the clever JB-sampling groover "Ghetto Love" and the synth-pop stomp of "Everybody" when it comes to making hits. minimize