Grammy award winning, 15 million album selling, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, one of the most unique and original artists to emerge in recent times, has her brand new single, “Lately” released on June 14th through Concord Records/Island Records.
The single is taken from “The Sellout”, released a week later on June 21st, the artist’s first new album in over three years.
“The Sellout” features 12 new songs and was co-written and executive produced by Gray in Los Angeles throughout 2009. The album was mixed by four-time Grammy Award winner Manny Marroquin and collaborators on the album include Bobby Brown, The Bodyrockers’ Kaz James and Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum formerly of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver.
It’s clear from the opening moments of the record’s first single, the irresistibly anthemic “Beauty In The World”, that The Sellout is the work of an artist who has reconnected with the essence of her creative gifts after a long, soul-numbing journey through the music biz’s star-making machinery.
"The Sellout tells the story of how I found my salvation in just being myself instead of who other people thought I should be,” said the striking singer. “I had got to a place in my career where I tried everything that was asked of me and in doing so I lost sight of who Macy Gray really is. I spent over a year making this album without any pressure or opinions and being able to choose the co-writers, producers and artists that felt good to me. As a result, it really reflects my true identity. I feel like I have finally made the album I was capable of and that my fans wanted. These are some of my favorite songs that I’ve written.”
Sparkling melodies and personal lyrical insights dazzle throughout The Sellout, an authentic and confidently delivered statement from one of contemporary music’s most creative forces. The highlights are rich and plentiful including the alluring, soul-pop groove of “Lately”, “That Man” a mouth-watering slice of Ting Ting’s inflected 80’s new-wave, the Joan Jett meets T- Rex thump and screaming Slash guitar of “Kissed It”, and the beguiling, “Still Hurts”, a vulnerable, emotion filled ballad, just to name a few.
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