Queen Alone
| Queen Alone | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio albumby | ||||
| Released | September 23, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2014–2016 | |||
| Studio | The Diamond Mine (Queens, New York) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 34:53 | |||
| Label | Big Crown Records | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Lady Wraychronology | ||||
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Queen Aloneis the secondstudio albumby American singerNicole Wray,released on September 23, 2016, by Big Crown Records.[2]This is her first solo album in 18 years since her last albumMake It Hotand her first under a new name, Lady Wray.[3]
Background and development
[edit]In 2009, Wray formed a musical duo called Lady, with English R&B singerTerri Walker.[4]In 2012, the duo toured as the background vocalists forLee Fields and the Expressionsduring his international tour. During the tour, Lady recorded their self-titled album and released it in March 2013 onTruth and Soul Records.Heavily influenced by late-'60s and early-'70s soul music, their album spawned three singles: "Money", "Get Ready", and "Good Lovin'".[4]After Walker left the duo during their tour in mid-2013, Wray retitled the music act "Lady, the Band" and continued on with the addition of two background singers for the conclusion of the tour.[4]After the roster move from Truth and Soul Records to Big Crown Records, Wray adopted the stage name Lady Wray.
Recording and production
[edit]Lady Wray began recording the album in 2014. The album was recorded at The Diamond Mine, a private recording studio founded byLeon MichelsandThomas BrenneckinQueens, New York.[5]Continuing the sound ofLady,her album with Terri Walker,Queen Alonecontains a mix of contemporary R&B and 60s/70s retro soul.[1]Each song was written by Wray and produced by Leon Michels and Tom Brenneck.[1]
"Smiling" was the first song recorded for the album.[5]Wray originally wrote "Do It Again" for Lee Fields' albumSpecial Nightbut retained the song after being encouraged by Michels and Brenneck.[1]"Do It Again" would go on to serve the lead single, released on June 10, 2016.
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "It's Been a Long Time" | 2:59 |
| 2. | "Do It Again" | 3:59 |
| 3. | "Smiling" | 3:19 |
| 4. | "Guilty" | 3:34 |
| 5. | "In Love (Don't Mess Things Up)" | 2:17 |
| 6. | "Make Me Over" | 2:24 |
| 7. | "Cut Me Loose" | 3:27 |
| 8. | "Underneath My Feet" | 2:39 |
| 9. | "They Won't Hang Around" | 3:53 |
| 10. | "Bad Girl" | 2:43 |
| 11. | "Let It Go" | 3:39 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits forQueen Aloneadapted from album liner notes.
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References
[edit]- ^abcdMitchell, Gail (September 9, 2016)."Lady Wray Brings Sultry Soul on 'Queen Alone'".Billboard.RetrievedSeptember 22,2016.
- ^"Lady Wray: Queen Alone".iTunes.Retrieved18 July2016.
- ^"Graded on a Curve: Lady Wray, Queen Alone".20 September 2016.
- ^abc"Lady Biography AllMusic".Allmusic.December 8, 2021.RetrievedDecember 8,2021.
- ^ab"From Missy to Lady Wray: How Nicole Wray Rode Out a 20-Year R&B Roller Coaster".Village Voice.December 8, 2021.RetrievedDecember 8,2021.
