Credits:Macy GrayDescription:MacyGray'sthroaty,somewhatstrangledgrowlwasalargereasonwhylistenerswerecaptivatedbyherdebutalbum.Theyalsolovedthewaytheclassicistsongwritingwaswrappedinfresh,colorfulgroovesandanidiosyncraticpersonality,sexyinitsbohemianfunkiness.OnHowLifeIsbecameaword-of-mouthsmashasmuchwiththetraditionalurbanR&BaudienceasitwaswithsuburbancollegekidsandNPRlisteners,whichleftherwiththefreedomtodowhatshewantedonhersecondrecord,TheId.Here,MacyGrayletsherfreakflagfly,almosttothedetrimentofeverythingelse.Layersofoverdubsarepiledontotherecord--endlessbackingvocals,bubblingdrummachines,loops,glisteningsynths,andgurglingguitars--givingtherecordtheappearanceofawidescreen'70ssoulfantasiafilteredthroughpostmodernhip-hop.Unfortunately,it'smoreappearancethanreality,sincethere'snotenoughstructuretosupportwhattherecordwantstobe.Itoftensoundsgood,oftenlikeabright,contemporarytakeonRiot-andFresh-eraSlyStone,butplaysbetterinsmalld