The Spiritual Maximalism of Gray’s Musicianship

A Demand for Live Performance

The musicianship found in Gray’s work is nothing short of spiritually maximalist. With grand, avenue-wide choruses and rapid, whiplash-inducing chord changes, the music floods the senses, creating an experience that begs for live performance. This sonic landscape is the perfect backdrop for a vocalist who exudes the poise of a seasoned artist. Gray’s focus shifted away from external validation and instead centered on her internal world, expressing a desire to explore her soul’s state. Upon the release of On How Life Is, Gray expressed to various interviewers her intention: if she found the success that Epic Records envisioned, she would fulfill her four-album contract and then relocate to France with her children. This perspective is a remarkable stance for a prominent artist during the waning days of the top-down major label era.

The Duality of Love and Lust

A Grown-Up Perspective

While casual indifference permeates the album, love and sexuality are also central themes. Aside from the iconic “I Try,” the album takes a distinctly mature approach. “Caligula” stands out as the most unabashedly sensual track, presenting a shuffling, drunken groove filled with hand-claps and a sultry electronic organ. This isn’t merely a tale of infatuation; it signifies a connection finally realized. Gray’s enthusiastic inquiry, “I could not believe it/Hey, what’s your name!” punctuates the chorus, as cymbals and snares create a tempest of sound. The song captures raw desire, devoid of pretense, encapsulating the sweaty, unfiltered thrill of true lust. This feeling reverberates in tracks like “Sex-o-matic Venus Freak,” which celebrates a partner who awakens Gray’s most liberated self in the bedroom, complete with playful imagery like whipped cream.

The Anthem of Longing

Then comes “I Try,” a track that has come to define Gray’s career since its emergence as the album’s second single. This song resonates as an eternal last-call anthem, a heartfelt torch song that has stood the test of time. In many ways, it serves as a calculated attempt to resonate with listeners and achieve commercial success, aligning with the earnest vibe of late-’90s hits like Everlast’s “What It’s Like” or Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” By trading the album’s rich musicality for a stripped-down arrangement featuring bass, drums, and piano—augmented by strings—“I Try” simplifies Gray’s typically vibrant lyrics. The song shifts the focus from her signature quirky details and emotional depth to a more universal narrative of unreciprocated feelings and longing.

The Irony of “I Try”

While “I Try” is arguably the most straightforward track on On How Life Is, it also represents a poignant irony. Despite its familiarity and mainstream appeal, it reveals a deeper layer of Gray’s persona. This song becomes an origin story, a true reflection of her innermost self. It encapsulates the struggle of wanting to articulate powerful emotions yet feeling unable to share them with the world. Ultimately, when Gray conveys her thoughts through this song, she presents a profound truth about life: it is a series of choices, commitments, mistakes, and redemptions—something undeniably worth living for.

Conclusion

Gray’s On How Life Is masterfully intertwines themes of love, sex, and self-discovery through its spiritually maximalist musicianship. While certain tracks strive for commercial appeal, the album’s richness lies in its exploration of the complexities of human emotion. Gray’s artistry invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences, making her work both relatable and timeless.

FAQs

What is the main theme of On How Life Is?

The main themes of On How Life Is revolve around love, lust, and self-exploration, presented through a lens of emotional depth and musical complexity.

How does “I Try” differ from the other songs on the album?

“I Try” differs in its stripped-down arrangement and straightforward lyrics, focusing on universal feelings of longing, while other tracks showcase more vivid imagery and intricate musicality.

Why did Gray express a desire to move to France?

Gray conveyed that if she achieved the success envisioned by her label, she would fulfill her contract and seek a quieter life in France with her children, reflecting her artistic independence and personal priorities.

What makes Gray’s music suitable for live performances?

The grand choruses and dynamic chord changes in Gray’s music create an immersive experience that resonates deeply with audiences, enhancing the live performance aspect of her artistry.