Macy Gray is in a class all by herself. She’s not quite R&B, too edgy for Pop. and a little too smooth for Hard Rock. Her voice and style of music is unlike anything I have ever heard before. She has still managed to dodge conformity even after two decades in the music business. Don’t think so? Just check out her Stripped jazz album. Now, she’s back with a shiny new piece called Ruby. 

Macy Gray isn’t afraid to let loose and show her witty, lighter side on the album’s lead single,” Sugar Daddy”. She switched up the old cliche here and instead uses it to explain a sweet, addictive love affair that she can’t quit. Ruby’s opener, “Buddha” is a softer, triumphantly introspective number with strings and cautionary lyrics. Although it seems oft put to begin the album with, it’s one of the best tracks Ruby has to offer. “Cold World” compensates its simpler lyrical content with theatrical production. However, “Over You” is one that will have you hitting repeat. It’s a folksy, big band, feel good bop that finds Macy Gray in her best element: strung out over love. 

“White Man” is one of the album’s most interesting tracks. It sounds like a deep, southern time capsule that enfolds you in its militant arms. Once again, she proves here that she has one of the best songwriting pens in the music business. “Tell Me” explores the jitters of a new love. This song could have easily fit well in the company of Stripped. Macy Gray tries her hand at production on the clever jealousy tune, “When It Ends” (“I see your Instagram/She’s such a toe jam”). 

“Just Like Jenny” is a declaration for a need to getaway, with an infectious melody. “Jealousy” is another lighthearted take on a couple’s mutual jealousy about each other’s flirtatious ways. It’s not necessarily one of my favorites, but it’s still a great addition to the album. Then, there’s “Shenanigans”. The die hard Macy Gray fans know all about her sexual liberation. This is easily the catchiest song on the album that brings a whole new meaning to patty cakes. Listen to see if you recognize the Duck Tales esque “who-hoos” sprinkled throughout the chorus. There’s an underlying message here that also suggests the natural attraction to those things that seem taboo. 

“But He Loves Me” is a painfully beautiful ballad that sits at the same table as her early classics like “Still” and “She Ain’t Right For You”. Somebody please deliver Macy Gray from this never ending cycle of toxic love affairs. The reggae tinged “Witness” closes out the album on a whimsical note. Twenty years in and Macy Gray still shines as brightly as she did from the very beginning.