For her first album of originals released on her new label—Happy Mel Boopy Touring Co.—Macy Gray offers a tougher, rawer sound that greatly benefits her material. She double-tracks her vocals on the powerful “Bang Bang” and sounds like she’s having a serious good time on “Stoned.” The legendary Booker T. Jones plays on and coproduces the magical “First Time.” Tracy Nelson and Ledisi contribute vocals, though the dense mixes downplay individual contributions for a group sound. “Hands,” “I Miss the Sex,” and “Life” keep the party and artistry going with touches of Memphis and Philly soul, modest funk, and all things Macy.