On How Life Is
Studio album by
Macy Gray
ReleasedJuly 1, 1999 (1999-07-01)
Studio
Genre
Length44:55
Label
ProducerAndrew Slater
Macy Gray chronology
On How Life Is
(1999) 		The Id
(2001)
Singles from On How Life Is
  1. "Do Something"
    Released: June 21, 1999[1]
  2. "I Try"
    Released: September 27, 1999[2][a]
  3. "Still"
    Released: March 13, 2000[4]
  4. "Why Didn't You Call Me"
    Released: July 24, 2000[5]

On How Life Is is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Macy Gray. It was released on July 1, 1999, by Epic Records and Clean Slate. Produced by Andrew Slater, it became Gray's best-selling album to date, selling 3.4 million copies in the United States and seven million copies worldwide.[6][7]

The album's second single, "I Try", became an international success, topping the charts in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand,[8][9] while reaching number five on the US Billboard Hot 100.[10] The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001.[11]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[12]
Chicago Sun-Times[13]
Robert Christgau[14]
Entertainment WeeklyB[15]
The Guardian[16]
The Independent[17]
Los Angeles Times[18]
Muzik[19]
Q[20]
Rolling Stone[21]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[22]

On How Life Is was met with highly positive reviews from music critics upon its release, with many praising Gray's songwriting and vocal performance. Q rated the album four out of five stars, calling it a "confident, bluesy soul debut [...] with a lived-in sound – as if Rod Stewart were a girl."[20]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Macy Gray. All tracks are produced by Andrew Slater

No.TitleMusicLength
1."Why Didn't You Call Me"Jeremy Ruzumna3:14
2."Do Something"
4:57
3."Caligula"
  • Gray
  • Swann
  • Ruzumna
4:38
4."I Try"
  • Gray
  • Ruzumna
  • Jinsoo Lim
  • David Wilder
3:59
5."Sex-o-matic Venus Freak"
  • Ruzumna
  • Murdock
3:57
6."I Can't Wait to Meetchu"
5:18
7."Still"
  • Ruzumna
  • Bill Esses
4:15
8."I've Committed Murder"
4:59
9."A Moment to Myself"
4:00
10."The Letter"
5:38
Australian and Japanese edition bonus track[23][24]
No.TitleMusicLength
11."Rather Hazy"Gray3:10

Sample credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of On How Life Is.[25]

Musicians

Technical

Artwork

Charts

Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[70] 4× Platinum 280,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[71] Gold 25,000*
Belgium (BEA)[72] Gold 25,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[73] 3× Platinum 300,000^
Denmark — 59,134[74]
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[75] Gold 20,496[75]
France (SNEP)[76] Gold 100,000*
Germany (BVMI)[77] Gold 250,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[78] Gold 50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[79] 4× Platinum 60,000^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[80] Platinum 50,000*
Sweden (GLF)[81] Gold 40,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[82] Platinum 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[83] 4× Platinum 1,200,000^
United States (RIAA)[84] 3× Platinum 3,400,000[7]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[85] 2× Platinum 2,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Label Ref.
Japan July 1, 1999 Sony [24]
United States July 27, 1999 Epic [86]

Notes

  1. ^ In Japan, "I Try" was released as a double A-side with "Do Something" on July 23, 1999.[3]

References

  1. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting 21 June, 1999: Singles". Music Week. June 19, 1999. p. 27.
  2. ^ "New Releases – Week Starting 27 September, 1999: Singles". Music Week. September 25, 1999. p. 25.
  3. ^ "メイシー・グレイ" [Macy Gray]. Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Archived from the original on February 12, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  4. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting March 13, 2000: Singles". Music Week. March 11, 2000. p. 27.
  5. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting July 24, 2000: Singles". Music Week. July 22, 2000. p. 25.
  6. ^ "Macy Gray – Biography". VH1. Archived from the original on May 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  7. ^ a b Peters, Mitchell (August 13, 2013). "Macy Gray Signs with APA". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  8. ^ "Macy Gray – I Try". australian-charts.com. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  9. ^ "Search the charts". The Irish Charts. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  10. ^ "Macy Gray Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  11. ^ Skanse, Richard (February 22, 2001). "Steely Dan, U2 Top Grammys". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  12. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "On How Life Is – Macy Gray". AllMusic. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  13. ^ DeRogatis, Jim (August 8, 1999). "Macy Gray, 'On How Life Is' (Epic)". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  14. ^ Christgau, Robert. "Robert Christgau: CG: Macy Gray". robertchristgau.com. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  15. ^ Weingarten, Marc (August 2, 1999). "On How Life Is". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  16. ^ Cox, Tom (July 9, 1999). "Irresistible sister". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  17. ^ Perry, Tim (July 3, 1999). "Album Reviews". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  18. ^ Nichols, Natalie (July 25, 1999). "Echoing '70s Soul, in a Voice That's All Her Own". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  19. ^ Braddock, Kevin (August 1999). "Macy Gray: On How Life Is (Epic)". Muzik. No. 51. p. 82. ISSN 1358-541X.
  20. ^ a b Harron, Sarah (August 1999). "Macy Gray: On How Life Is". Q. No. 155. p. 105. ISSN 0955-4955. Archived from the original on January 29, 2000. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  21. ^ Walters, Barry (August 19, 1999). "Macy Gray: On How Life Is". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved February 2, 2007.
  22. ^ Randall, Mac (2004). "Macy Gray". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp. 344–45. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8.
  23. ^ "Macy Gray On How Life Is + Bonus Track". JB Hi-Fi. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  24. ^ a b c オン・ハウ・ライフ・イズ/メイシー・グレイ [On How Life Is / Macy Gray] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2009.
  25. ^ On How Life Is (liner notes). Macy Gray. Epic Records. 1999. 494423 2.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  27. ^ "ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 12th February 2001" (PDF). The ARIA Report (572): 18. February 12, 2001. Retrieved August 3, 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
  28. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  29. ^ "Ultratop.be – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  30. ^ "Ultratop.be – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  31. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 9814". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  32. ^ "Macy Gray Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "R&B : Top 50". Jam!. May 22, 2000. Archived from the original on May 23, 2000. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  34. ^ a b "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17, no. 18. April 29, 2000. p. 9. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  35. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  36. ^ "Hits of the World". Billboard. Vol. 112, no. 16. April 15, 2000. p. 57. ISSN 0006-2510 – via Google Books.
  37. ^ "Macy Gray: On How Life Is" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  38. ^ "Lescharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  39. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  40. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 16, no. 49. December 4, 1999. p. 13. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  41. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  42. ^ "Charts.nz – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  43. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  44. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17, no. 13. March 25, 2000. p. 13. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  46. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  47. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  48. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  49. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  50. ^ "Macy Gray Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  51. ^ "Macy Gray Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  52. ^ "Year in Focus – European Top 100 Albums 1999" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17, no. 1. January 1, 2000. p. 11. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  53. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 1999". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  54. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 2000". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  55. ^ "Jahreshitparade Alben 2000". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  56. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2000 – Albums" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  57. ^ "Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2000". Jam!. Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  58. ^ "Års Hitlister 2000" (in Danish). IFPI Denmark. Archived from the original on December 20, 2002. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  59. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2000". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  60. ^ "Year in Focus – European Top 100 Albums 2000" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17, no. 52. December 23, 2000. p. 9. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  61. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts – 2000" (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  62. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2000". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  63. ^ "Swiss Year-End Charts 2000". swisscharts.com. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  64. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2000". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  65. ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year End 2000". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 26, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  66. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2000". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 8, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  67. ^ "Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2001". Jam!. January 8, 2002. Archived from the original on November 22, 2002. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  68. ^ "UK Year-End Charts 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. p. 6. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  69. ^ "Decade End Charts – Billboard 200 Albums". Billboard.biz. 2009. Archived from the original on March 8, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  70. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 18, 2008.
  71. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in German). IFPI Austria. March 17, 2000. Retrieved April 18, 2008.
  72. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2000". Ultratop. Hung Medien. April 21, 2000. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  73. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Music Canada. October 22, 2001. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  74. ^ "Hitlist 2000". Hitlisten. IFPI Denmark. Archived from the original on December 20, 2002. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  75. ^ a b "Macy Gray" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved April 19, 2008.
  76. ^ "French album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. July 6, 2000. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  77. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Macy Gray; 'On How Life Is')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  78. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved November 22, 2021. Enter On How Life Is in the "Artiest of titel" box.
  79. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Recorded Music NZ. July 9, 2000. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  80. ^ "IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  81. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2000" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. March 27, 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  82. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('On How Life Is')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  83. ^ "British album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  84. ^ "American album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is". Recording Industry Association of America. September 8, 2000. Retrieved April 18, 2008.
  85. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2000". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  86. ^ "Macy Gray: On How Life Is". Amazon (US). Retrieved December 1, 2018.
Categories