The Trouble With Being Myself

On "My Fondest Childhood Memories" she sings of being 10 and catching the babysitter "sexing" her father, then at 12 a plumber "plunging" her mother, while on "Screamin'" she admits to "Crying because I miss my father" before hollering "All my troubles go away when you are on top of me".

Unusual collaborators include Beck, who provides guitar and (uncredited) backing vocals on the marvellous Prince-meets-rap splendour of "It Ain't the Money". "Happiness" finds Macy's kids (one of whom is named Happy) lending vocal support. Unhinged and swinging freely, The Trouble with Being Myself trembles with harmonious heartbreak, seething soul and furious funk. Following the mixed reception of her second album, she now seems musically on track, emotionally out there and up for the long haul. --Christopher Barrett