The Very Best of Macy Gray

Macy Gray catapulted into the limelight around the beginning of 2000 with the unusual, but certainly captivating, single "I Try," leading to critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations for her debut record. While "unique" is a word too often used to describe R&B vocals, Gray's raspy, dramatic singing style and coy, lilting inflections are truly unlike any other (Kelis may be the only performer even in her neighborhood). Gray's originality carries over to her songwriting, which is peppered with angular sonic phrases intermingled with acute observations on life, love, and society. "Do Something," which seamlessly interpolates about four different musical themes into an enrapturing message-oriented song, is a prime example.

Over three albums, Gray gained a sizeable following, while scoring periodic hits. Only five years after her debut, she captured enough fancies to earn a best-of collection. THE VERY BEST OF MACY GRAY gathers her finest moments from these records (including the smooth "Sweet Baby" and the hip-hop flecked "It Ain't the Money"), along with two new songs, most notably an exceptional revision of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," and three inventive remixes, including a deft Gang Starr take on "I've Committed Murder."