Album: The Trouble With Being Myself

Introduction
"The Trouble with Being Myself" is the 3rd studio album by American singer-songwriter Macy Gray. Released on July 8, 2003, by Epic Records, the album includes a mix of R&B, soul, and funk that showcases Gray's special, scratchy voice and her skills as a songwriter. Produced by Gray, Victor Indrizzo, and Jeremy Ruzumna, the album got crucial acclaim, although it did not take pleasure in the very same commercial success as her previous albums "On How Life Is" (1999) and "The Id" (2001).

Background and Production
After the success of her very first two albums, Gray took her time to develop the product for "The Trouble with Being Myself". The album was produced by Gray herself, along with Victor Indrizzo, a multi-instrumentalist who has actually dealt with artists such as Alanis Morissette, Damian Rice, and Sheryl Crow, and Jeremy Ruzumna, a seasoned keyboardist and member of the alternative rock band Imperial Drag. The trio strived to produce an album that took components from Gray's previous releases while integrating new noises and designs.

Styles and Lyrics
The album title, "The Trouble with Being Myself", represents Gray's journey in understanding and accepting her real self, in spite of the pressures of fame and expectations of others. In the album, Gray looks into various themes such as love, vulnerability, self-acceptance, and self-questioning.

Her lyrics show a maturity and depth that she has actually established considering that her debut, with tracks in which she uses her heart on her sleeve and discusses personal concerns that have actually affected her life. For instance, "She Ain't Right for You" has Gray prompting a pal to leave an unhealthy relationship, while "Things That Made Me Change" expresses a refocusing on personal development and finding out to like oneself.

Music and Style
Making use of influences from traditional R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary city soundscapes, "The Trouble with Being Myself" boasts a diverse and interesting collection of tracks. Gray's unique, scratchy voice is highlighted throughout the album, and her singing style has drawn comparisons with artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Janis Joplin.

The album opens with the breezy "When I See You", a feel-good tune filled with horns and lush consistencies, showcasing Gray's natural capability to combine contagious tunes with heartfelt lyrics. Standout tracks consist of the cool "Come Together", which deals with styles of unity and conquering difficulty, and the sultry, string-laden "Screamin'", a ballad that highlights Gray's powerful voice and psychological depth.

Reception and Legacy
Regardless of getting favorable evaluations from critics, "The Trouble with Being Myself" failed to achieve high business success. It peaked at number 44 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and number 37 on the UK Albums Chart, which was a substantial drop in sales compared to her previous albums. Nevertheless, Gray's talent as a songwriter and performer appears throughout the album.

"The Trouble with Being Myself" stands as a testament to Macy Gray's creative development and her dedication to checking out brand-new musical territory. In the years following the album's release, Gray continued to release brand-new music and work together with different artists, showing that her special voice and creative expertise would remain appropriate and prominent in the years to come.