Queen Alone
| Queen Alone | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 23, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2014–2016 | |||
| Studio | The Diamond Mine (Queens, New York) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 34:53 | |||
| Label | Big Crown Records | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Lady Wray chronology | ||||
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Queen Alone is the second studio album by American singer Nicole Wray, released on September 23, 2016, by Big Crown Records.[2] This is her first solo album in 18 years since her last album Make It Hot and 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 singer Terri Walker.[4] In 2012, the duo toured as the background vocalists for Lee Fields and the Expressions during his international tour. During the tour, Lady recorded their self-titled album and released it in March 2013 on Truth 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 by Leon Michels and Thomas Brenneck in Queens, New York.[5] Continuing the sound of Lady, her album with Terri Walker, Queen Alone contains 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' album Special Night but 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 for Queen Alone adapted from album liner notes.
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References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Mitchell, Gail (September 9, 2016). "Lady Wray Brings Sultry Soul on 'Queen Alone'". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- ^ "Lady Wray: Queen Alone". iTunes. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
- ^ "Graded on a Curve: Lady Wray, Queen Alone". 20 September 2016.
- ^ a b c "Lady Biography AllMusic". Allmusic. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
- ^ a b "From Missy to Lady Wray: How Nicole Wray Rode Out a 20-Year R&B Roller Coaster". Village Voice. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
