Album: The Id

Introduction
"The Id" is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Macy Gray, released on September 18, 2001 by Epic Records. The album comes as a follow-up to Gray's seriously well-known and commercially successful launching album, "On How Life Is" (1999). Including aspects of soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop, and rock, "The Id" features guest appearances from significant artists such as Erykah Badu, Sunshine Anderson, and Angie Stone. Despite its combined reviews from critics and being eclipsed by the 9/11 attacks and their after-effects, "The Id" debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Background and Recording
After the success of her debut album, Macy Gray went back to the studio to deal with her sophomore effort. Influenced by her individual experiences, Gray began composing and taping brand-new tracks that would ultimately become "The Id". The album was produced by Rick Rubin, Damian Marley, and Trackmasters, among others. The recording took place during the year 2000 and early 2001, with Gray try out different noises and designs, consisting of a higher use of live instrumentation compared to her previous album.

Music and Lyrics
Similar to "On How Life Is", "The Id" functions components of different categories, such as neo-soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop, and rock, showcasing Macy Gray's varied musical influences. The album opens with the lead single "Relating to a Psychopath", a memorable and energetic track that sets the tone for the remainder of the record. Other standout tracks include the sensual "Hey, Young World, Part 2", featuring a guest appearance from rap artist Slick Rick, and the funky "Sexual Revolution", which talks about styles of sexual empowerment and liberation.

Lyrically, "The Id" is deeply individual, with Gray attending to subjects such as psychological health, self-acceptance, love, and relationships. The track "Gim me All Your Lovin' or I Will Kill You" showcases Gray's dark funny bone and distinct writing design, while songs like "Freak Like Me" and "Oblivion" explore themes of desire and emotional vulnerability. Meanwhile, the wholehearted ballad "Sweet Baby", which includes Erykah Badu, stands as one of the album's most memorable minutes.

Release and Reception
"The Id" was released on September 18, 2001, coinciding with the after-effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Subsequently, the album struggled to gain traction and received less promo than expected, impacting both its initial sales and vital reception. Nonetheless, the album debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling around 93,000 copies in its first week.

Critics offered blended evaluations of "The Id". Some applauded Gray's distinct voice and stylistic versatility, while others felt that the album stopped working to match the success of her launching release. Wanderer described "The Id" as "rich, difficult and often amusing", whereas AllMusic kept in mind that the album "does not rather gel" however still included "fantastic minutes".

Legacy
Although "The Id" may not have actually achieved the industrial success or critical praise of Macy Gray's debut album, it remains an important part of her discography and serves as a testament to her innovative adaptability and skill. Twenty years after its release, the album continues to be celebrated by fans for its vibrant, speculative sound and deeply individual lyrics that reflect Gray's unique voice and viewpoint.