Released 10 years ago
Stripped
Macy Gray · 2016
51 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues
Macy Gray's sultry vocals intertwine with soulful instrumentation, delivering a raw and intimate listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Annabelle Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Try — This track showcases Gray's signature raspy vocal delivery paired with poignant lyrics about heartbreak, encapsulating the emotional depth that defines her artistry.
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Redemption Song — Gray's rendition transforms the classic into a soulful anthem of hope and liberation, reinforcing her ability to infuse personal meaning into well-known narratives.
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Sweet Baby — The smooth melody and sweet lyrics create an intimate atmosphere, highlighting Gray's unique ability to blend vulnerability with strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and heartfelt performances, though it doesn't fully break new ground.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo on 'Annabelle' and maintains a relaxed pace throughout, with only slight variations in tempo.
- Macy Gray's vocal delivery is often layered with harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature stripped-down arrangements, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics and Gray's vocal performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady emotional exploration
- intimate late-night listening
- heartfelt vulnerability in vocals
- consistent melodic journey
- reflective moments of solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seek immediate upbeat energy
- prefer standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Re-establishes Macy Gray's voice in soul after experimental projects.
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Stripped marked Macy Gray's return to her roots after a series of experimental projects. This album came nearly fifteen years after her breakthrough debut, On How Life Is, and aimed to reestablish her authenticity in the soul and R&B genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Lauryn Hill· Amy Winehouse
Tracklist
- 1 Annabelle Start here 5:11
- 2 Sweet Baby 5:04
- 3 I Try 4:17
- 4 Slowly 5:17
- 5 She Ain’t Right for You 4:57
- 6 First Time 4:11
- 7 Nothing Else Matters 6:41
- 8 Redemption Song 3:24
- 9 The Heart 5:16
- 10 Lucy 6:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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