What makes I Try by Macy Gray notable?

This track became a significant hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Macy Gray Grammy Awards for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its success not only introduced her to mainstream audiences but also set a precedent for the resurgence of soul and R&B influences in late '90s pop music. 'I Try' was released as Macy Gray's debut single in 1999, marking her entrance into the music industry. At this time, she was still establishing her identity as an artist, with this track helping define her signature sound characterized by a unique vocal style and genre-blending influences.

How many songs are on I Try?

I Try has 4 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

I Try

Macy Gray · 1999

16 min · 4 tracks · rhythm and blues

A soulful blend of heartfelt lyrics and smoky vocals that captures the essence of personal longing and emotional vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Try — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of heartache and resilience, showcasing Gray's distinctive raspy voice that conveys deep emotion.
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Rather Hazy — This song features an introspective narrative that explores feelings of confusion and longing, further highlighting Gray's lyrical depth and vocal expressiveness.
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Do Something (Black Apple Mix Edit) — With its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against reflective lyrics, this track emphasizes Gray’s ability to merge soulful melodies with contemporary production styles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong emotional delivery and solid production but lacks full cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow tempo with a prominent use of piano and strings, creating a lush backdrop for the vocals.
Macy Gray's vocal delivery is characterized by a raspy tone that conveys deep emotion, particularly in the chorus.
The extended mix of 'I Try' includes additional instrumental sections that emphasize the song's melodic hooks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single established Macy Gray's reputation and brought her wider recognition.
Career context: 'I Try' was released as Macy Gray's debut single in 1999, marking her entrance into the music industry. At this time, she was still establishing her identity as an artist, with this track helping define her signature sound characterized by a unique vocal style and genre-blending influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Erykah Badu· Lauryn Hill· Amy Winehouse