Album Review: Macy Gray - Talking Book

Talking Book is Macy Gray's tribute to the iconic album of the same name by the great Stevie Wonder. It has been forty years since the original release and now we are given a 2012 spin by the singer with the world famous raspy voice.

The hits are all here. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life stays very close to Wonder's version, respectfully so since it was one of the biggest hits off the record.  Her interpretation of the monster song Superstition, however, couldn't be more different. It is probably the most intriguing on the album. It's slower, almost film noir-esque and eerily subdued. Her vocals allow it to work. Gray's voice also shines on Tuesday Heartbreak, with just the right huskiness and tone to convey the emotive lyrics.

Her take on Big Brother is uplifting and Blame It On The Sun is quite stirring. Gray has a way of conveying both pain and hope through her vocals, something which she has managed to do throughout her career. It's a shame she's only really remembered for her mega 2000 hit (and much parodied) I Try cause this lady embodies true soul music. Stevie fans won't be disappointed by this effort.