Covered cover

Covered

Macy Gray · 2012

44 min · 16 tracks · rhythm and blues

Macy Gray's soulful renditions breathe new life into classics, intertwining her distinct voice with a playful yet poignant interpretation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Here Comes the Rain Again Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Creep — Gray's rendition transforms this alternative rock anthem into a soulful ballad, showcasing her emotive vocal delivery that adds depth to the original's themes of alienation.
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    Nothing Else Matters — Her version of this Metallica classic reimagines the song as a heartfelt reflection on love, with Gray’s signature rasp giving it an emotional gravity distinct from the original.
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    Sail — In this cover, Gray captures the haunting essence of the original while infusing it with her soulful flair, making it an evocative highlight of the album.
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    The Power of Love — Gray's interpretation channels raw emotion through her powerful vocals, adding a fresh layer of vulnerability to this timeless love song.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

38 /100
Lowland
Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Macy Gray's unique interpretations but lacks strong cohesion due to its skits and varied styles.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Love Lockdown / Buck', which shifts from a slow groove to a more upbeat section.
  • The sequencing includes three skits that break up the flow of the music, creating a conversational tone between the covers.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
4/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with interludes
  • nostalgic interpretations of classics
  • soulful reinventions that surprise
  • playful skits enhancing experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, single tracks
  • seek instant gratification and energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Showcases Gray's unique interpretations, appealing to dedicated listeners.
Career context
Released in 2012, Covered marks Macy Gray's return to the spotlight after a three-year hiatus following her album The Sellout. This collection of covers showcases her artistic resilience and willingness to reinterpret songs while navigating a changing music landscape, highlighting her enduring influence in rhythm and blues.
Stylistic neighbors
Erykah Badu· Lauryn Hill· Amy Winehouse

Tracklist

  • 1 Here Comes the Rain Again Start here 3:44
  • 2 Creep 4:18
  • 3 You Want Them Nervous (skit) 1:12
  • 4 Smoke 2 Joints 2:48
  • 5 La La La (Teaching the Kids) 0:25
  • 6 Teenagers 2:56
  • 7 The Power of Love 0:41
  • 8 Nothing Else Matters 5:42
  • 9 Sail 4:27
  • 10 I Try Is Cool and All, But… (skit) 1:29
  • 11 Maps 2:51
  • 12 Love Lockdown / Buck 3:59
  • 13 Mel Rap 0:33
  • 14 Bubbly 3:11
  • 15 Wake Up 3:52
  • 16 Really? (skit) 2:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata