MACY GRAY - The Way (2014) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After the diverse Covered and a song-by-song of Stevie Wonder's Talking Book, both of which were released by the Universal-distributed 429 in 2012, Macy Gray returned with a set of originals issued through her new label, named (honest) Happy Mel Boopy Touring Co. Compared to The Sellout, her previous album of original material, The Way is significantly less slick -- a no-fuss organic recording that involves some of the personnel from the 429 albums, including multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey "Zoux" Bluestein and guitarist Martin Estrada. There are some notable guest appearances, the most prominent of which comes from Booker T. Jones, who plays on and co-produced the blissful "First Time." Tracy Nelson and Ledisi contribute some vocals, though Nelson's wailing is strangely submerged in the mix of "I Miss the Sex." While the album is brief and was recorded in a relatively simplified setting, there is a wide range of approaches, including romping blues-rock ("Bang Bang"), lively disco ("Hands"), orchestral soul ("Queen of the Big Hurt"), and multiple shades of Southern soul (including the hushed "Stoned," in which Gray purrs, "I've got the giggles, and baby, I'm loads of fun"). The results are approximately as scattered. Gray's obvious comfort level and charm, however, help compensate for the less than ideal quantity of magnetizing material. by Andy Kellman  Tracklist :
1     Stoned 4:05
Tamir Barzilay / Martin Estrada / Ethan Farmer / Macy Gray / Happy Hinds / Mel Hinds / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman
2     Bang Bang 3:43
Andre Brissett / Macy Gray / Jason Hill / Sylvester Jordan
3     Hands 3:44
Uncle Chucc / Macy Gray / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman
4     I Miss the Sex 3:52
Nick Ackerman / Macy Gray / Jason Hill
5     First Time 3:21
Jeffrey Bluestein / Macy Gray
6     The Way 4:01
Macy Gray / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman
7     Queen of the Big Hurt 5:18
Macy Gray / Jason Hill
8     Me with You 4:52
Macy Gray / Tony Hardy / Caleb Speir / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman
9     Need You Now 4:37
Michelle Bell / Jeffrey Bluestein / Uncle Chucc / Macy Gray / Mario James / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman / Phillip White
10     Life 3:05
Sam Barsh / Macy Gray / BC Jean / Adam "Royal Z" Waldman