Macy Gray returns with her first new album in four years, released on April 2nd through Geffen Records who signed her late in 2005. The album ‘Big’ will feature performances from such modern day luminaries such as Will.I.am and Fergie and apparently a ‘mystery guest’ whose name we are not privy to at the moment.

As a prelude to the album Macy releases a single digitally on the same day as the album with a physical release to follow a fortnight later. The track ‘Finally Made Me Happy’ is no great departure for Gray who it would appear has still not learned to clear her throat. Still if you like your soul with a thumping great string section tacked on the back and a lyric for affirmation that comes courtesy of the end of a bad relationship then this could be the thing for you.

If you like your production a little more contemporary and urban in flavour then Ciara releases her new single ‘Like A Boy’ again on April 2nd with an album The Evolution to follow on April 9th through Jive Records. The single has more than a hint of the Beyonce’s about it, innocuous enough if not life changing and the production would so love to be Timbaland but for me doesn’t quite cut the mustard.