Moodring

{{about||the color-changing ring|Mood ring|the American band|Moodring (band)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox album | name = Moodring | type = studio | artist = Mya | cover = Mya - Moodring.png | alt = | released = {{Start date|2003|7|22}} | recorded = February 2001 – January 2003 | studio = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Various}}| * Record Plant (Hollywood, California){{efn|Tracks 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, "Moodring" and "Extacy"}} * Interscope (Santa Monica, California){{efn|Tracks 1–3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 16 and "Extacy"}} * Mirror Image Recorders (New York City){{efn|Track 3}} * Enterprise (Burbank, California){{efn|Tracks 3–5, 8, 13–16, "Moodring" and "Extacy"}} * Triangle Sound (Atlanta){{efn|Tracks 5 and 6}} * The Village (West Los Angeles, California){{efn|Engineering on tracks 7 and 12}} * Studio 24 (Los Angeles){{efn|Tracks 8, 10 and 14}} * Right Track Recording (New York City){{efn|Tracks 8 and 14}} * The Hit Factory (New York City){{efn|name=Track 8|Track 8}} * Majestic (North Hollywood, California){{efn|name=Track 8}} * Sound on Sound (New York City){{efn|name=Track 9|Track 9}} * Pilot Recording (New York City){{efn|name=Track 9}} * Streetlight Music (New York City){{efn|name=Track 9}} * Skylab (New York City){{efn|name=Track 9}} * Omega (Rockville, Maryland){{efn|Tracks 10 and 11}} * Soho Music (New York City){{efn|Track 14}} * Rob Bryton (Toronto){{efn|Track 15}} }} | genre = R&B<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20031005/singer-songwriter-john-mayer-makes-good-with-sophomore-album |title=Singer-songwriter John Mayer makes good with sophomore album |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |date=October 5, 2003 |access-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> | length = 69:15 | label = * A&M * Interscope | producer = * Mýa Harrison * Ron Fair * Clue * Don Vito * Duro * Damon Elliott * Missy Elliott * Jerome "Knobody" Foster * Loren Hill * Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis * Jeff Oakes * Omen * Pino Palladino * James Poyser * Rockwilder * Rich Shelton * Mark Sparks * Christopher "Tricky" Stewart * Ahmir Thompson * Timbaland * Kevin Veney * Diane Warren | prev_title = Fear of Flying | prev_year = 2000 | next_title = Liberation | next_year = 2007 | misc = {{Singles | name = Moodring | type = studio | single1 = My Love Is Like...Wo | single1date = June 9, 2003 | single2 = Fallen | single2date = November 3, 2003 }} }} '''''Moodring''''' is the third studio album by American singer Mya, released on July 22, 2003, by A&M and Interscope Records.

Production on ''Moodring'' was handled by a bevy of producers and songwriters. Mya enlisted the assistance of producers Ron Fair, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Rockwilder, Damon Elliott, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and a handful of others. With this album, Mya wrote "99.9%" of her own lyrics and co-produced many of the album's tracks.<ref name="The Grammys: Mya">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/community/chat/2002-02-20-mya.htm |title=The Grammys: Mya |work=USA Today |date=2005-01-21 |access-date=2010-09-12}}</ref>

The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, with AllMusic praising Mya for coming up with her best and most varied set of songs yet.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/moodring-mw0000598124 |title=Moodring – Mya |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> ''Moodring'' debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 with first-week sales of 113,000 copies, marking Mya's highest debut and first-week sales yet. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has sold 589,000 copies in the United States. ''Moodring'' spawned two singles, "My Love Is Like...Wo" and "Fallen", with the former reaching the top 40 in several countries. To further promote the album, Mya embarked on the Moodring Tour. In August 2005, after five years with Interscope Records, Mya decided to part ways with the label and her management.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rodriguez, Jason|date=2006-09-21|title=Mya Gives Up Grudges And Ego, Picks Up Relationship Wisdom On ''Liberation''|work=MTV News|publisher=VH1|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1541356/20060920/mya.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001063717/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1541356/20060920/mya.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2007|access-date=2007-05-19}}</ref>

In July 2023, to commemorate the album's twentieth anniversary, Universal Music Group released a digital deluxe 20th anniversary edition featuring nine songs and remixes previously unavailable on DSPs.<ref name="MR20">{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Mýa Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Moodring with Digital Deluxe Edition Available Today|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728682986/en/M%C3%BDa-Commemorates-20th-Anniversary-of-Moodring-with-Digital-Deluxe-Edition-Available-Today|location=Los Angeles, California |publisher=Universal Music Group |agency=Business Wire |date=July 28, 2023 |access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>

==Background== Since the singer's 2000 album ''Fear of Flying'', she earned a Grammy for her contribution to "Lady Marmalade" from the ''Moulin Rouge!'' soundtrack and appeared in the Oscar-winning film ''Chicago''. In addition, Mya also served as a pitch woman for Coca-Cola.<ref name="Mya's Mood">{{cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Rashaun |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70355/music-best-fits-myas-mood |title=Music Best Fits Mya's 'Mood' |magazine=Billboard |date=July 1, 2003 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> Speaking about the gap between albums, and her transition from one Interscope-distributed imprint University Music to A&M Records, Mya told ''Billboard'' magazine, "this has been the biggest gap between projects. Not knowing when my album would come, working with someone like A&M Records president Ron Fair and the transition from moving from an independent label to Interscope sort of left us in limbo."<ref name="Mya's Mood"/>

Due July 22, 2003, ''Moodring'' was her A&M debut. Mya's two prior sets, ''Fear of Flying'' and her self-titled debut, were released via then-Interscope-distributed imprint University Music.<ref name="Mya's Mood"/> Consequently, for Mya, who executive-produced ''Moodring'' with Fair, fighting for her single was only one example of the creative control she had on the album. "I took control," Mya commented. "It wasn’t about being a stubborn artist. It was just something that I started on my own by calling up people and gathering musicians together."<ref name="Mya's Mood"/>

In fact, the singer fronted funding for the album at the beginning of the studio process, "to create a playground for Mya," she admits. "There were no expectations, because people didn’t even know I was working on an album."<ref name="Mya's Mood"/> In agreements with the singer, Fair shared with ''Billboard'', "Over the last couple of years, she has really matured. A lot of this growth was on a human level, and she applies it to her work. Once I realized that her ideas were coming from a real place of talent and vision, [she] really began to drive the bus."<ref name="Mya's Mood"/>

==Development== Although ''Fear of Flying'' garnered critical and commercial success, Mya felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied musically and had developed a complex with her last album because it felt more like a concession than her own body of work to her.<ref name="website">{{cite web|url=http://www.myamya.com/news/article_swan.html |title= Mya: Flight Of The Swan|access-date=2018-10-10 |work=Mya Mya |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030618092651/http://www.myamya.com/news/article_swan.html|archive-date=2003-06-18}}</ref> While speaking with ''Trace'', Mya admitted ''Fear of Flying'' was a political war at Interscope Records between her former manager Haqq Islam and CEO Steve Stoute competing with each other.<ref name="website"/> She expressed she was "tired of songs that didn't reveal her vocal capabilities."<ref name="website"/> While acknowledging, that her radio singles were "cool", "nice" and "happy" but didn't really display any of her vocal talent.<ref name="website"/> Mya also bluntly dismissed ''Fear of Flying'' as a whole, commenting, "I wouldn't even have bought my last album off of what I presented! In order to buy my last album, I would want more from Mya!"<ref name="website"/>

Frustrated with label politics, she sought to take full control of her next studio effort.<ref name="website"/> Mya named her next project ''Moodring'' because she felt there were many facets to this album‚ "ever changing moods, and ever changing colors".<ref name="website"/> With ''Moodring'', Mya's objective was to record an album that she could firmly stand by, and be proud of.<ref name="website"/> Pushed by her newfound freedom, she was instrumental in all creative aspects on the album and credited as a co-writer, co-producer along with Ron Fair as well as served as executive producer.<ref name="website"/> Of her contributions on ''Moodring'', Harrison commented, "I found all my songs this time, with the exception of one or two. I didn't have a puppet master looking over my shoulder, telling me what to, and not do."<ref name="website"/> Harrison further explained, "This time if I didn't write the song, then I produced it. With every song I was hands-on -- the structure of the track, bringing in musicians, and wanting it to sound the way I wanted it to sound."<ref name="rs moodring">{{cite magazine|first=Karen|last=Bliss|title=Mya Gets Happy on "Moodring"|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mya/articles/story/5935324/mya_gets_happy_on_moodring|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118193233/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mya/articles/story/5935324/mya_gets_happy_on_moodring|archive-date=2007-11-18|date=July 14, 2003|url-status=dead|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref>

Convinced that ''Moodring'' was her best work to date, she acknowledged she "fronted her own money for studio time, so she could do her own thing. This was the first time in her entire career that she could say that she could breathe."<ref name="website"/> While noting, she took her time with ''Moodring'' because she wanted the music to be a representative of Mya.<ref name="rs moodring"/>

==Recording== {{multiple image | footer = Lloyd Banks (''left'') and Sean Paul (''right'') both make guest appearances each on the album | image1 = Lloyd Banks by Mikey Hennessy (cropped).jpg | alt1 = | width1 = 100 | image2 = SeanPaulIRAWA.jpg | alt2 = | width2 = 108 }} In the beginning stages of her third studio album, Mya booked a lot of her own studio time and invested in equipment on her own. While on the road touring, she would record ideas on her tour bus or in her hotel room, singing to tracks from producers that she'd worked with before and people that she would just run into.<ref name="sf"/> Commenting on the process, she elaborated: "I began to write and book studio time. That's how I came up with a lot of lyrical and melodic ideas. However, they weren't fully produced."<ref name="sf"/> Impressed with the tracks Mya had worked on while on the road, A&M president Ron Fair offered to serve as the album's executive producer. "He'd bring in a lot of musicians or orchestras or bring a hip-hop track to another level", she said of his contributions.<ref name="sf">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Stepping-up-into-divahood-R-B-singer-Mya-shows-2558201.php|title=Stepping up into divahood / R&B singer Mya shows her range and sex appeal|access-date=2018-01-27|work=SF Gate|date=September 7, 2003 }}</ref> Mya reportedly recorded 60 songs for the album; as a result, only the 16 songs were used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Mya/music/reviews/albums/Moodring/2671832.html|title=Moodring|access-date=2018-01-27|work=Hot Press}}</ref> Mya had hoped to work with Shaggy and Prodigy from Mobb Deep, however collaborations failed to materialize.<ref name="The Grammys: Mya"/>

Tentatively titled ''Smoke & Mirrors'', ''Moodring'' was initially characterized as a combination of G-funk, reggae and a little bit of pop rock. Prior to entering a recording studio, Mya had 20 songs already written, produced and mastered before she decided to start recording new material for the album. Admittedly, Mya hoped that the album would show her maturity as an artist. "I've grown up and gone through some things, so I'm expressing what I feel", she noted.<ref name="mtv">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456990/20020812/mya.jhtml|title=Mya Plans 'Lady Marmalade' Reunion on Third Album|access-date=March 14, 2023|work=MTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040704045916/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456990/20020812/mya.jhtml|archive-date=July 4, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> Unlike her second album ''Fear of Flying'' (2000), which addressed somewhat superficial relationship issues, the singer envisioned her new material to be more real and personal, prompting her to pen her own lyrics for this album, according to Damon Elliott, who produced six songs on the disc.<ref name="mtv2">{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/mykc99/mya-gets-real-with-missy-timbaland-and-damon-elliott|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314022036/https://www.mtv.com/news/mykc99/mya-gets-real-with-missy-timbaland-and-damon-elliott|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2023|title=Mya Gets Real With Missy, Timbaland And Damon Elliott|work=MTV|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|date=October 30, 2002|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> Elliott said Mya's lyrical development was not a shock tactic or an effort to keep up with her racy peers – it is more a sign of her own maturation and her interest in being honest and open.<ref name="mtv2"/> Concluding, "Mya can stand on her own", Elliott said. "Her album is gonna be off the chain. It's gonna be off the hook, man."<ref name="mtv2"/>

==Music and composition== Previewed by ''Trace'' magazine, journalist Omar Dubois observed, "thematically ''Moodring'' was more consistently optimistic than ''Fear of Flying'', which he declared was engulfed in adolescent cynicism.<ref name="website"/> Comprising sixteen tracks, ''Moodring'' was viewed as the singer's most personal album<ref name="rs moodring"/> and a sonic indicator of how she was living, loving and creating in 2003 with songs that ranges from emotional to erotic.<ref name="jet">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=urQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60|title=Singer Mya Talks About CD 'Moodring' And Tells Why She's So Open Sex |magazine=Jet |volume=104 |issue=17 |date=October 20, 2003 |page=60 |issn=0006-2510 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="BIO">{{cite web|url=http://myamya.com/myacontroller.html|title=Moodring|publisher=Mya Mya|access-date=April 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204042555/http://myamya.com:80/myacontroller.html|archive-date=December 4, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> An eclectic album, ''Moodring'' encompasses a selection of genres from edgy hip hop flavors to smoothed out soul to banging techno to understated pop and sultry reggae.<ref name="BIO"/> Its production incorporates a grab bag of great beats, well-orchestrated harmonies, throw-away gook, and suggestively seductive vocal hooks.<ref name="TSN">{{cite web|url=https://statenews.com/article/2003/07/mya_offers_diverse_beats_attitude_on_039moodring039|title=Mya offers diverse beats, attitude on 'Moodring'|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=The State News}}</ref> Constructed as a concept record, each track on ''Moodring'' represents a mood in which the singer changes up her tone, her message, and her image from song to song.<ref name="TSN"/> Lyrically open, ''Moodring'' explores a broad range of topics, from bad relationships, to the other woman, to knockin' boots.<ref name="TSN"/>

''Moodring'' opens with the Missy Elliott-produced "My Love Is Like...Wo", a "sexy, no holds-barred" song about a woman in control sexually and emotionally.<ref name="jet"/> It is followed by "Fallen", the titillating mid-tempo jeep-banger which cleverly interpolates the Pharcyde's "Runnin'."<ref name="website"/> Serving as the album's third track "Why You Gotta Look So Good?" tells the story of the singer struggling to leave a bad relationship. Built on strong and soulful deep vibratos, the singer utters admonition against a bad-news lover she cannot leave. G-Unit member Lloyd Banks guest stars on the track, rapping from a male perspective about the same woeful situation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reid |first=Shaheem|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/q3w85u/mya-gets-like-wo-on-new-album|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423202544/https://www.mtv.com/news/q3w85u/mya-gets-like-wo-on-new-album|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2024|title=Mya Gets Like ... Wo On New Album|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=MTV News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Salvino |first=Kylie|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2003/08/22/mya-harrison-moodring/|title=MYA HARRISON: MOODRING|date=August 22, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Abbott |first=Jim|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2003/07/18/mya-picks-style-over-substance-2/|title=MYA PICKS STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE|date=July 18, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> Next up, the hypnotic, drum and keyboard-driven, Timbaland-laced "Step".<ref name="website"/> The album's fifth track, "Sophisticated Lady", previously known as "Cold Blooded", is a funk-baptized, palpitating bedding.<ref name="website"/> On this record, ''Trace'' magazine described Mya as a spunky, seductive, femme-fatale.<ref name="website"/> An ode to Prince and Rick James, Mya explained the concept behind the song, commenting, "I love that pretty s*$%, that pimp s*$%" "That's the s*$% that turns me on when I go to see a stage show. I love Rick like crazy, but Prince is the ultimate of that crazy, feminine, pretty man s*$%! I love it, it's drama! But it's still masculine, because it turns women on! And now, I just flipped it as a female."<ref name="website"/>

The sultry, invitingly delivered "No Sleep Tonight" plays like an X-rated Boyz II Men song, with a sexy old school R&B beat over slinky, sensual vocals and served as the album's sixth track.<ref name="website"/><ref name="TSN"/> Ditto for the hot-flash inducing seventh track "Anatomy 1 on 1," with its slow, deliberate that's beat perfect for nights alone with that special someone.<ref name="TSN"/> Ninth track, the pop soulish Marvin Gaye meets Neneh Cherry choon "Things Come & Go", featured dancehall rapper Sean Paul.<ref name="website"/> It is followed by the album's tenth track, the "heartfelt" ballad "You."<ref name="bbc"/> Complimented with Lamont Dozier's strings and in reminiscent of a 70s soul vibe, "After the Rain" serves as the album's eleventh track.<ref name="bbc"/> A Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis production, the pregnancy-scare narrative "Late" serves as the album's twelfth track.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sanneh |first=Kelefa|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/arts/music-playlist-mya-s-funky-pregnancy-scare-song.html|title=MUSIC: PLAYLIST; Mya's Funky Pregnancy Scare Song|date=July 20, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=The Los Angeles Times}}</ref> A garage-driven number, "Whatever Bitch" was primarily inspired by a gay dance called wagging, and drag queens at the KitKatClub in Berlin.<ref name="website"/> While previewing the album, ''Trace'' noted "Whatever Bitch" had all the potential of being a staple on the club scene stateside, and a contender for the prime position on the European club and pop charts.<ref name="website"/> Unbeknownst to the public, an artist had offered Mya and her label a million dollars for the song.<ref name="website"/> Track fifteen, the soothing, acoustic guitar-laden "Take a Picture" was co-written by former collaborator Pink and initially inteded for her second studio album ''Missundaztood'' (2001).<ref name="mtv2"/><ref name="website"/> As with "Whatever Bitch", ''Trace'' noted "Take a Picture" had the potential to be a "towering cross-over smash".<ref name="website"/> Closing the album is a cover of Tom Petty's Free Fallin'. Arranged to Petty's distinctive chord progression-albeit played on piano, the singer's version is a brand-new entity, a confused story about a lost soul looking to Jesus Christ for direction.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garcia |first=Gilbert|url=https://www.sacurrent.com/music/cover-girls-2268109|title=COVER GIRLS|date=July 24, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2024|work=San Antonio Current}}</ref>

==Release and promotion== {{main|Moodring Tour}} Initially, Mya's third studio album was scheduled for release in November or December 2002 with the album's first single expected to be out in September 2002; however, nothing ever materialized and the release date was postponed to February 25, 2003, then moved to June 24, 2003, before her label settled on July 22, 2003.<ref name="mtv"/><ref name="mtv2"/><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mitchell |first=Gail |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA19 |title=On the Record |magazine=Billboard |volume=115 |issue=21 |date=May 24, 2003 |page=19 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=October 21, 2023}}</ref> Speaking with ''Billboard'', Mya appointed the album's delay due to her transitioning within the Universal Music system from an independent label to A&M Records.<ref name="Mya's Mood"/> After much delay, Interscope released ''Moodring'' on July 16, 2003, in Japan.<ref name=japan/> Five days later, ''Moodring'' arrived in stores on July 21, 2003, in the United Kingdom and the following day in the United States.<ref name="UK">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2003/Music-Week-2003-07-19.pdf|date=July 19, 2003|title=New Releases|magazine=Music Week|page=34|access-date=August 28, 2023}}</ref><ref name="US">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Moodring-Mya/dp/B00009RDE7/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1|title=Amazon.com:Moodring: Mya: Music|access-date=2011-01-21|work=Amazon}}</ref> Subsequently, ''Moodring'' was released on September 8, 2003, in Germany.<ref name="GER">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicline.de/de/product/602498078921///2354215|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010175444/http://www.musicline.de/de/product/602498078921///2354215|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 10, 2012|title=Mya – Moodring – CD|access-date=2011-01-21|website=Musicline.de}}</ref> As strategic marketing, her label, Interscope coupled ''Moodring'' with limited-edition calendars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://barnesandnoble.com/w/moodring-mya/7704547|title=Moodring [Ltd. Ed. w/Calendar] by Mya|access-date=2018-08-12|publisher=Barnes & Noble}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> To kick off promotion for ''Moodring'', Mya appeared and performed "Turn The Beat Around" on ''The Disco Ball''. Taped in 2002, the ABC special aired on January 16, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459426/for-the-record-quick-news-on-audioslave-usher-mop-mya-boot-camp-clik-supersuckers-more/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812115442/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459426/for-the-record-quick-news-on-audioslave-usher-mop-mya-boot-camp-clik-supersuckers-more/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2018|title=For The Record: Quick News On Audioslave, Usher, M.O.P., Mya, Boot Camp Clik, Supersuckers & More|access-date=2018-08-12|work=MTV}}</ref>

In late 2002, The Coca-Cola Company signed Mya to star in their new advertising campaign. Joined by rapper Common, their spot featured the two singing an original song based on the 1960s jazz hook of Eddie Harris' "Compared to What". Interspersed are scenes of each singer casting an amused but skeptical eye on the trappings of celebrity. The 90-second commercial aired during the 30th American Music Awards on January 13, 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last= Sampey |first=Kathleen |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/stars-shine-coke-campaign-60849/|title=Stars Shine in Coke Campaign|work=Adweek |date=January 9, 2003 |access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> During a press conference, Dominic Sandifer, senior VP of strategic marketing for Interscope, Geffen, and A&M at Universal Music Group, explained the motion behind the ideal joint project for labels nowadays, noting the Coca-Cola's campaign starring Mya and Common. He commented, "the beverage company licensed the song 'Real Compared to What' for use in its spots, placed Mya and Common in the ad and ran the campaign to coincide with the July release of Mya's album ''Moodring'' which featured their version of 'Real Compared to What'. The campaign was worth more than $10 million in promotional TV and radio media for ''Moodring''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ault |first=Susanne |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EBEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA51 |title=Labels Now Seeking Strategic Branding |magazine=Billboard |volume=115 |issue=40 |date=October 4, 2003 |page=51 |issn=0006-2510 |via=Google Books}}</ref>

In February, the singer co-hosted CBS Countdown to the Grammys special.<ref name="news">{{cite web|url=http://myamya.com/myacontroller.html|title=News|publisher=Mya Mya|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204042555/http://myamya.com:80/myacontroller.html|archive-date=December 4, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April, for MTV's TRL High School Week, she paid a visit to her old high school.<ref name="news"/> Beginning in May promotion intensified, announced via the singer's website an NBC Mya Concert Special presented by ''Maxim'' magazine was arranged where 200 fans had a chance to be on television and watch Mya perform her new single.<ref name="news"/> On May 3rd, Apple offered consumers an exclusive download of "Fallen" at iTunes store.<ref name="news"/> On May 12, "My Love Is Like...Wo" premiered via the singer's website.<ref name="news"/> On May 27, she performed "My Love Is Like...Wo" live on TRL at MTV Beach House during ''Spankin' New Music Week.''<ref name="news"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myamya.com/news/index.asp?EventDate=all|title=Watch Mya Perform Live on TRL!|publisher=Mya Mya|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030810034559/http://www.myamya.com:80/news/index.asp?EventDate=all|archive-date=August 10, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June, the singer made an appearance at the MTV Movie Awards as a presenter.<ref name="news"/> On the press front the singer graced the cover of several popular magazines which included the June cover of ''Trace'', the Sep./Oct. issue of men monthly ''KING'' magazine, and the January 2004 issue of ''Rap-Up''.<ref name="news"/> On June 26, she performed live at the Virgin Mega Store followed by an autograph session with fans.<ref name="news"/>

On July 13, 2003, she performed "My Love Is Like...Wo" at MTV's ''Carson Daly Bash''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myamya.com/news/index.asp?EventDate=all|title=Watch Mya on MTV's "Carson Daly Bash"!!|publisher=Mya Mya|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030810034559/http://www.myamya.com:80/news/index.asp?EventDate=all|archive-date=August 10, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the album's release week, Mya hosted BET's ''The Center'' all week long beginning July 20 and ''Sucka Free Sundays'' on MTV2 July 21, performed on ''Live! With Regis and Kelly'' as well as made appearances on ''Extra'' and ''Access Hollywood'' July 22, hosted ''106 & Prime'' July 23rd, performed on NBC daytime drama ''Passions'' on July 24 and BET's ''106 & Park'' July 25.<ref name="news"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=194957&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=3903628 |title=Live! With Kelly Episode Guide 2003 – 2003 July 22 |work=TV Guide |access-date=April 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/106-park/episode-3917711/194571/ |title=106 & Park: Top 10 Episode Guide 2003 – Mya Performance; 112 Video Walk-On |work=TV Guide |access-date=April 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Goldstein |first=Toby |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2003/07/13/mya-will-guest-on-passions/|title=Mya Will Guest On 'Passions'|work=Orlando Sentinel |date=July 13, 2003 |access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> In addition, she made in-store appearances at Downtown Locker Room in Maryland and Cisco's Music in Chicago July 25–26 respectively.<ref name="news"/> The following month in August, Mya was featured in the August issue of ''Blender'' magazine.<ref name="news"/> In early August, she performed live on WB's ''Pepsi Smash''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=203721&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=3888916 |title=Pepsi Smash Episode Guide 2003 – Pepsi Smash |work=TV Guide |access-date=April 7, 2012}}</ref> On August 25, she gave a one on one interview and a live performance of "My Love Like Is...Wo" on LAUNCH.<ref name="news"/> On September 13, 2003, Mya performed on the sketch comedy show ''Mad TV''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/madtv/episode-1-season-9/madtv/191630/ |title=Season 9, Episode 1 MADtv|work=TV Guide |access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> She made guest appearances on ''The Wade Robson Project'' September 6 and 19 respectively.<ref name="news"/> In October 2003, Mya performed at Lifetime's fourth annual "Women Rock!" benefit concert. She performed her own rendition of Lena Horne's "Stormy Weather".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/69199/moore-dion-mya-join-women-rock-benefit |title=Moore, Dion, Mya Join 'Women Rock' Benefit|access-date=August 12, 2018|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> She also performed at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.hellomagazine.com/film/2003/10/23/orlandobloom/|title=Orlando leads roster of hunks at GQ Awards|access-date=2018-01-30|work=Hello Magazine|date=October 22, 2003 }}</ref> In November 2003, she was invited to perform at 77th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1480237/for-the-record-quick-news-on-justin-timberlake-jessica-simpson-pearl-jam-arrested-development-iggy-pop-more/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023834/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480237/for-the-record-quick-news-on-justin-timberlake-jessica-simpson-pearl-jam-arrested-development-iggy-pop-more/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2018|title=For The Record: Quick News On Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Pearl Jam, Arrested Development, Iggy Pop & More|access-date=2018-01-30|work=MTV}}</ref> Additionally, in November as well, she was featured on MTV's hidden camera-practical joke show ''Punk'd''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/punk-d/episode-3-season-2/mya-katie-holmes-tracy-morgan/194614/|title=Season 2, Episode 3 Mya, Katie Holmes, Tracy Morgan|work=TV Guide |access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> In December 2003 Mya made an appearance on the ''Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/late-late-show-with-craig-kilborn/episode-4022320/280020/ |title=Episode Guide|work=TV Guide |access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> Filmed in November, Mya performed on the CBS' fifth annual ''A Home for the Holidays'' special which aired in December as well.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/52tunesontv-3-67690/|title=52TunesOnTV|access-date=2018-08-14|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> As part of ongoing promotion, starting in May 2004, snack food Doritos arranged a deal with Universal Music & Video Distribution. Under a deal with Universal Music & Video Distribution, Doritos featured artists from UMVD-distributed labels on 180 million bags of its snack food through the end of the year. The singer was assigned the guacamole flavor with her picture on her respective bag and associated album ''Moodring'' on the back.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Cobo |first=Leila |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/doritos-has-taste-for-umvd-acts-1437711/ |title=Doritos Has Taste For UMVD Acts |magazine=Billboard |date=May 14, 2004 |access-date=October 21, 2023}}</ref>

=== 20th anniversary === On July 28, 2023, the singer re-released her third album ''Moodring'', as a digital deluxe edition on digital and streaming services featuring nine songs and remixes previously unavailable on digital streaming platforms for its 20th anniversary. Among the bonus tracks, it featured three originals from international editions of ''Moodring'' namely "EXtacy," "Little Too Much, Little Too Late," and the title track.<ref name="MR20"/> In addition, it contained four remixes of "My Love Is Like...Wo" — a "Jersey Club" remix produced by DJ Flex, the "AllStar Mix-Main Pass" remix featuring John Doe, "Swizz Mix/Radio Mix with Rap" version featuring Cassidy and another "without rap" as well as two remixes of "Fallen" which features Fat Lip and Tre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/mya-moodring-my-love-is-like-wo-jersey-club-remix/|title=Mya Celebrates 20 Years Of 'Moodring' With Jersey Club Remix Of 'My Love Is Like…Wo'|last=Daily|first=Rhian|date=July 28, 2023|access-date=October 2, 2025|website=UDiscoverMusic}}</ref>

===Singles=== "Get Up," an uptempo track with a party club vibe was initially announced as the album's first single, however the song was eventually re-recorded by labelmate Keyshia Cole and relinquish to the ''Biker Boyz'' soundtrack.<ref name="mtv2"/> Instead, "My Love Is Like...Wo" was selected to be released as the album's lead single. Released and serviced to radio on June 9, 2003, the song became commercial success at mainstream radio, where it peaked at number 13 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 17 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Mya's fifth solo top 40 single. Abroad, it was a moderate success internationally, charting within the Top 40 in territories the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. The album's second and final single, "Fallen," was released and serviced to radio on November 3, 2003. A modest success, it peaked at number 51 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, while reaching number 35 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Things Come & Go" featuring Sean Paul was initially planned as a single as well. Interscope had selected the song as ''Moodring''{{'}}s second international single and commissioned a music video to be filmed in Miami. Interscope's intentions were to push "Things Come & Go" internationally since Sean Paul had achieved recent success, and was keen to make Mya a success in international territories as well. The plans were later scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rnbdirt.com/myas-new-single-revealed/4443/|title=Mya's New Single Revealed|website=rnbdirt.com|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>

==Critical reception== {{Music ratings <!-- Aggregate scores --> | MC = 63/100<ref name=Metacritic/> | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=Allmusic/> | rev2 = ''Blender'' | rev2score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="blender">{{cite web|first=James|last=Hunter|title=Ballads clash with bangers on D.C. ingénue's third release|work=Blender|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=1765|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211170223/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=1765|archive-date=February 11, 2009|date=July 22, 2003 |access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Entertainment Weekly'' | rev3score = B−<ref name=ew/> | rev4 = MTV Asia | rev4score = 7/10<ref name="mtvasia">{{cite web|url=http://mtvasia.com/Review/CD/C20030929001021.html|title=Mya, Moodring |accessdate= February 6, 2026|website=MTV Asia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830144908/http://mtvasia.com/Review/CD/C20030929001021.html|archivedate= August 30, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev5 = ''PopMatters'' | rev5score = 4/10<ref name=popmatters/> | rev6 = ''Rolling Stone'' | rev6score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite magazine|first=Tracy E.|last=Hopkins|title=Album Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mya/albums/album/298999/review/6067892/moodring|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117115855/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mya/albums/album/298999/review/6067892/moodring|archive-date=November 17, 2007|date=July 21, 2003|url-status=dead|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> | rev7 = ''USA Today'' | rev7score = {{rating|3|4}}<ref name="usatoday">{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Jones|title=Brooks & Dunn hit 'Road' to career recovery |work=USA Today|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2003-07-21-listen-up_x.htm|date=July 21, 2003|access-date=June 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727175720/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2003-07-21-listen-up_x.htm|archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> | rev8 = ''Vibe'' | rev8score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="VIBE">{{cite web|first=Dimitri|last=Ehrlich|title=Revolutions: Mya – Moodring (A&M/Interscope)|website=Vibe|url=http://www.vibe.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=62|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041108042936/http://www.vibe.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=62|archive-date=November 8, 2004|date=August 8, 2003|access-date=July 6, 2023}}</ref> }} ''Moodring'' received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 63, based on 9 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".<ref name=Metacritic>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/moodring/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for Moodring at Metacritic|access-date=2011-06-26|work=Metacritic}}</ref> AllMusic editor Andy Kellman gave the album 4 out of 5 stars and wrote that "with all the emotional and stylistic range that an album called ''Moodring'' should present Mya comes up with her best and most varied set of songs yet." He felt that while "the constant changes of direction can be a little jarring on the first couple plays, they eventually become one of the album's charms."<ref name=Allmusic/> Similarly, Lewis Dene of BBC Music declared the album her "most complete and accessible yet", noting that with ''Moodring'' "Mya's set to further remind listeners of her ability to shrewdly bridge the gap between pop/R&B and street-level hip hop."<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|first=Lewis|last=Dene|title=Mya, Moodring: Review|work=BBC Music|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/z925/|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> Sasha Frere-Jones, writing for ''Slate'', called ''Moodring'' the "most consistent R&B album of the year."<ref>{{cite news|last=Frere-Jones|first=Sasha|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/mixing_desk/2003/10/whos_the_next_white_stripes.html|title=Who's the Next White Stripes?|access-date=June 21, 2018|work=Slate|date=October 10, 2003}}</ref> ''Music Week'' felt that Mya was now "successfully recognised as an artist in her own right" and that the album had been "created to support her status as a soulful, funky diva, with a concoction of funky R&B beats, seductive ballads and a plethora of rap contributions".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2003/Music-Week-2003-07-12.pdf|date=July 12, 2003|title=Reviews|magazine=Music Week|page=29|access-date=August 28, 2023}}</ref>

Tracy E. Hopkins, writing for ''Rolling Stone'', called the album an "ambitious third disc" that "reintroduces the former good girl as a sex kitten – a transformation that began with the Grammy-winning 'Lady Marmalade'." She noted that "whatever her emotion, the eclectic ''Moodring'' effectively captures the evolving sensibilities of this rising star."<ref name="rollingstone"/> In his review for ''USA Today'', Steve Jones commenced that Mya "has matured nicely since her debut nearly five years ago. She shows no fear of flying off in new, creative directions."<ref name="usatoday"/> ''Vibe'' editor Dimitri Ehrlich noted that though Mya "doesn't add any real depth to her artistic sack, she captivates by revealing another stage in her development – as a woman."<ref name="VIBE"/> ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'s}} writer Neil Drumming gave the album a B&minus; rating, commenting that "at best, ''Moodring'' exhibits some minor genre dabbling, but truthfully, Mya's source material hasn't broadened much." In speaking of Mya's voice, he said: "Without a commanding voice to override such outdated overtures, Mya's efforts sound strikingly out of touch."<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine |last=Drumming |first=Neil |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/07/28/moodring/ |title=Moodring Review |access-date=December 14, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 1, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212114021/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,470810,00.html |archive-date=February 12, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''People'' found that "at times ''Moodring'', with its trip-hop beats and sensual slow jams, is reminiscent of Aaliyah; other times the disc’s pop-R&B sheen brings to mind a younger Janet Jackson. Like both of those singers, Mya has developed a feathery sexiness to go along with the natural sweetness of her soprano, which nevertheless wouldn’t scare the competition on ''American Idol''. Still, this is the stuff that real pop idols are made of."<ref name="people">{{cite web|title=Picks and Pans Review: Moodring|work=People|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-moodring-vol-60-no-5/|date=August 4, 2003 |access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> ''Blender''{{'}}s James Hunter felt that "Mya gets lost on ''Moodring''. The album has no point of view, no way of joining the great Jam-Lewis moments with the crasser stuff. A lover of dance and Broadway who wants to communicate with teens as well as adults, she faces the tall order of making real mink connect with real asphalt, and being Halle Berry with a mic."<ref name="blender"/> Terry Sawyer from ''PopMatters'' wrote that "for the most part, ''Moodring'' sinks like a stone." Declaring the album mixed to her disadvantage, while declaring Mya's voice as "thin", she felt the album "is supposed to be sexy and yearning, but it doesn't rise to the sincerity of a soap opera."<ref name=popmatters>{{cite web |last=Sawyer |first=Terry |url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mya-moodring |title=Mya: Moodring |access-date=December 14, 2011 |work=PopMatters |date=March 5, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603113658/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mya-moodring |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''The Village Voice'' editor Carol Cooper found that "although Mya varies her album's mood with sweet pop-dancehall and trendy 'I'll kick your ass' rants, she's really waiting for one of her insatiable nooky anthems to win her the ever rotating demon-lover franchise on America's pop charts."<ref>{{cite web |first=Carol |last=Cooper |title=Imps of the Perverse |work=The Village Voice |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-10-28/music/imps-of-the-perverse/1/ |date=October 28, 2003 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108213155/http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-10-28/music/imps-of-the-perverse/1/ |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Accolades=== ''Moodring'' was featured on ''The Village Voice''{{'}}s Pazz & Jop end of the year critics list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/villagevoice2003.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622055205/http://rocklistmusic.co.uk/villagevoice2003.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 22, 2006|title=Village Voice - Pazz & Jop 2003 Albums List|access-date=September 30, 2018|work=The Village Voice}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:85%;" |- ! scope="col" style="width:4%;"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:35%;"| Ceremony ! scope="col" style="width:50%;"| Award ! scope="col" style="width:6%;"| Result ! scope="col" style="width:6%;"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 2003 || Washington Area Music Awards|| Urban Contemporary Recording || {{nom}} || <ref>{{cite web |url=http://wamadc.com/wama/wammies/wbal03.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040104082833/http://wamadc.com/wama/wammies/wbal03.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 4, 2004|title=2003 Wammies |access-date=October 31, 2010|work=Washington Area Music Association}}</ref> |}

==Commercial performance== In the United States, ''Moodring'' debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 and at number two on ''Billboard''{{'}}s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, selling 113,000 copies in its first week of release.<ref name="vh2">{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=July 30, 2003|title=''Bad Boys'' Ward Off All Comers On Albums Chart|publisher=VH1|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1475022/20030730/mya.jhtml|access-date=April 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605024156/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1475022/20030730/mya.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2011}}</ref> It marked the highest-selling week of her career up to that point, as well as Mya's highest-peaking album yet on both charts.<ref name="vh2"/> In its second week, ''Moodring'' sold additional 59,700 copies, while dropping to number nine on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Billboard Staff|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/no-dislodging-bad-boys-ii-from-no-1-69659/|date=August 6, 2003|title=No Dislodging 'Bad Boys II' From No. 1|access-date=August 9, 2023|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809120712/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/no-dislodging-bad-boys-ii-from-no-1-69659/|url-status=live|archive-date=August 9, 2023}}</ref> In total, it spent a total of 18 non-consecutive weeks on the chart and was eventually certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 25, 2003.<ref name="RIAA"/> As of August 2006, it had sold 589,000 copies in the United States.<ref name="US sales">{{cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57377/mya-gets-real-on-liberation |title=Mya Gets Real On 'Liberation' |magazine=Billboard |date=August 30, 2006 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>

Internationally, the album was less successful than her previous albums ''Mya'' (1998) and ''Fear of Flying'' (2000). While ''Moodring'' debuted and peaked at number 74 on the Australian Albums Chart, it failed to enter the top 75 of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 197. It, however, debuted and peaked at number 25 on the Canadian Albums Chart, becoming Mya's highest-charting album there to date, and peaked at number 53 on the Japan Oricon Albums Chart.

==Impact and legacy== In celebration of the album's fifteenth anniversary, an editor of the web publication ''The Boombox'' published an article on July 20, 2018, revisiting the album and calling ''Moodring'' "an underrated gem". The editor applauded Mya for pushing the envelope and evolving into her own as an entertainer.<ref>{{cite news |last= Gabbana |first=Princess |url=https://theboombox.com/mya-moodring-anniversary/ |title=A Mood Ring Color for Every Track on Mýa's 'Moodring' Album |work=The Boombox |date=July 18, 2018 |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref> David Levesley of ''British GQ'' saluted the singer as a "triple threat", who can also write and orchestrate, and said ''Moodring'' "deserves to be remembered as one of the great R&B albums of the early 21st century."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/mya-space-and-time|title= Mýa talks 'Space And Time' and meeting Prince|last=Levesley|first=David|date=August 20, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2023|website=GQ}}</ref> In 2023, in honor of their "2003 week", celebrating the music of 20 years ago, ''Billboard'' included "Things Come & Go" in their list of the 40 Best Deep Cuts of 2003. Reviewer J'na Jefferson called "Things Come & Go" an "island-flavored jam", and noted that "[b]oth artists [Mya and Sean Paul] match the laid-back energy of the tune, but Mya's stunning vocal layering befits the times – and would work today as well."<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-deep-cuts-2003-album-tracks/mya-things-come-and-go-moodring/ |title=The 40 Best Deep Cuts of 2003: Staff Picks|magazine= Billboard |date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref> ''Rolling Out''{{'}}s Nagashia Jackson commended the singer and its body of work as ''Moodring'' "established her as a forward-thinking architect of contemporary R&B, blending traditional soul influences with progressive electronic and hip-hop elements."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Jackson |first=Nagashia |date=February 3, 2026 |title=Grammy award-winning Mýa announces album ‘Retrospect’|url=https://rollingout.com/2026/02/03/grammy-award-winning-mya-announces-album-retrospect/|access-date=February 9, 2026 |magazine=Rolling Out}}</ref>

Though ''Moodring'' underperformed commercially, partially due to the singer's label relegating the project "more single-orientated rather than movement-orientated," whilst leaving consumers "confused" and "lack of completion" with the album,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/mya-bring-it-back/|title= Mya: Bring It Back|last=Watkins|first=Greg|date=September 20, 2006|access-date=October 9, 2023|website=AllHipHop}}</ref> yet the album's singles made a lasting impression on artists and critics alike. While speaking with Vevo during the filming of music video for "Love Lies" in collaboration with fellow singer Khalid on her solo performance, singer Normani cited "My Love Is Like...Wo" music video as an inspiration.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=Vevo|author=Vevo|number=971080603096449024|date=March 6, 2018|title=What powerful women inspired @NormaniKordei's scenes in "Love Lies" ft. @thegreatkhalid? We broke down the video in our latest episode of Footnotes.}}</ref> During a Q&A with fans on Twitter, singer Chlöe when asked if she could recreate any music video, she responded, "My Love Is Like...Wo" as her choice and cited the song as inspiration as well.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=ChloeBailey|author=Chlöe|number=1586177072916856833|date=October 29, 2022|title=mya my love is like whoa}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=OurFrequency|author=Frequency|number=1641472668191932416|date=March 30, 2023|title=Tag a woman in music that you've been inspired by 💐}}</ref> Indie recording artist Dawn Richards applauded Mya and "My Love Is Like...Wo" video, commenting, "Mya was one of the first artists to really push different styles of dance in her videos." Speaking on behalf of the song's music video, she raved, "In [My Love is Like] Whoa" she was tap dancing and she did a little bit of hip-hop, then there was jazz moments." While concluding, Mya was "really pushing the bar."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2012-10-30/dawn-richard-talks-being-a-dancers-artist-spirit-killing-shoes-her-pick-for-president-more/|title=Dawn Richard Talks Being a Dancer's Artist, Spirit-Killing Shoes, Her Pick For President, More|access-date=2023-06-19|work=Singersroom|date=October 30, 2012}}</ref> Rap duo ABN sampled "My Love Is Like...Wo" for their track "My Momma."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whosampled.com/sample/409319/A.B.N.-My-Momma-M%C3%BDa-My-Love-Is-Like...Wo/|title=A.B.N. – My Momma|access-date=June 19, 2023|work=Who Sampled|date=June 19, 2023}}</ref> All Music's Andy Kellman selected "Fallen" as one of his favorite charting R&B singles during 2000–2009 decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/blog/post/andy-kellmans-100-favorite-charting-rb-singles-of-2000-2009|title=Andy Kellman's 100 Favorite Charting R&B Singles of 2000-2009|access-date=2023-06-20|work=All Music|date=January 17, 2011}}</ref> Philippine singer Kyla cites "Fallen" as one of her favorite songs.<ref>{{cite news |first=Pam |last=Pastor |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0lM1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Kyla+influence+by+Mya&pg=PA62&article_id=2490,17110715|title=The Backroom Super! Show |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |volume= |issue= |date=March 25, 2006 |page=62 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=April 2, 2024}}</ref>

==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''Moodring''{{nobold|&nbsp;– standard edition}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

| title1 = My Love Is Like...Wo | writer1 = {{hlist|Missy Elliott|Charles Bereal|Kenneth Bereal}} | extra1 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|CKB{{ref|a|[a]}}|Ron Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length1 = 3:29

| title2 = Fallen | writer2 = {{hlist|Luiz Bonfá|Maria Toledo|Leonard "Hugg" Huggins|Richard Shelton|Loren Hill|Kevin Veney}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Fair}} | length2 = 3:34

| title3 = Why You Gotta Look So Good? | note3 = featuring Lloyd Banks | writer3 = {{hlist|Mya Harrison|Teron Beal|Christopher Lloyd|Dana Stinson}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Rockwilder|Harrison}} | length3 = 4:39

| title4 = Step | writer4 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|Timothy Mosley|Harrison}} | extra4 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|Timbaland|Harrison{{ref|c|[c]}}|Fair{{ref|c|[c]}}}} | length4 = 3:15

| title5 = Sophisticated Lady | writer5 = {{hlist|Harrison|Rudy Currence|James Johnson}} | extra5 = {{hlist|Don Vito|Christopher "Tricky" Stewart|Harrison|Fair}} | length5 = 3:51

| title6 = No Sleep Tonight | writer6 = {{hlist|Stewart|Tab Nkhereanye|Currence|Jeff Oakes {{small|(interlude)}}|Mark Sparks {{small|(interlude)}}}} | extra6 = {{hlist|Stewart|Harrison{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}|Oakes {{small|(interlude)}}|Sparks {{small|(interlude)}}}} | length6 = 4:12

| title7 = Anatomy 1On1 | writer7 = {{hlist|Harrison|James Harris III|Terry Lewis|Bobby Ross Avila|Issiah Avila}} | extra7 = {{hlist|Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|B.R. Avila{{ref|a|[a]}}|Iz{{ref|a|[a]}}|Harrison{{ref|c|[c]}}}} | length7 = 4:35

| title8 = Hurry Up | note8 = featuring Gunz | writer8 = {{hlist|Harrison|Derek Cooper|Ernesto Shaw|Kenneth Ifill}} | extra8 = {{hlist|Harrison|Clue|Duro}} | length8 = 4:29

| title9 = Things Come & Go | note9 = featuring Sean Paul | writer9 = {{hlist|Harrison|Paul|Shuggie Otis}} | extra9 = {{hlist|Jerome "Knobody" Foster|Harrison|Fair}} | length9 = 3:57

| title10 = You | writer10 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Marthea "Buttah" Jackson}} | extra10 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Fair|Harrison{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length10 = 4:08

| title11 = After the Rain | writer11 = {{hlist|Harrison|Beal|McKinley Jackson|Thealodius Reddick|Lamont Dozier}} | extra11 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Harrison{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length11 = 3:57

| title12 = Late | writer12 = {{hlist|Harrison|Harris|Lewis|B.R. Avila|I. Avila|Eddie Cole}} | extra12 = {{hlist|Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|B.R. Avila{{ref|a|[a]}}|Iz{{ref|a|[a]}}|Harrison{{ref|c|[c]}}}} | length12 = 4:44

| title13 = Whatever Bitch | writer13 = {{hlist|Harrison|Damon Elliott}} | extra13 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Harrison}} | length13 = 4:20

| title14 = Taste This | writer14 = {{hlist|Harrison|Sydney Brown|Kris Ricat|James Czeiner}} | extra14 = {{hlist|Omen|Harrison}} | length14 = 4:36

| title15 = Take a Picture | writer15 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Pink}} | extra15 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}|Harrison{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length15 = 3:29

| title16 = Free Fallin{{'-}} | writer16 = {{hlist|Jeffrey Lynne|Thomas Earl Petty}} | extra16 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Harrison{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length16 = 3:54

| title17 = Real Compared to What | note17 = featuring Common; bonus track | writer17 = Eugene McDaniels | extra17 = {{hlist|Fair|Pino Palladino|James Poyser|Ahmir Thompson}} | length17 = 3:58 }}

{{Track listing | headline = ''Moodring''{{nobold|&nbsp;– international edition bonus track}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

| title17 = Moodring | writer17 = {{hlist|Harrison|D. Elliott|Melissa Wright}} | extra17 = D. Elliott | length17 = 3:31 }}

{{Track listing | headline = ''Moodring''{{nobold|&nbsp;– UK edition bonus track}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

| title18 = Extacy | writer18 = {{hlist|Harrison|D. Elliott}} | extra18 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Harrison|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length18 = 4:13

}}

{{Track listing | headline = ''Moodring''{{nobold|&nbsp;– Japanese edition bonus track}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

| title19 = Little Too Much, Little Too Late | writer19 = Diane Warren | extra19 = {{hlist|Warren|Fair}} | length19 = 3:24

}} {{Track listing | headline = ''Moodring''{{nobold|&nbsp;– 20th anniversary edition bonus tracks}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

| title18 = Extacy | writer18 = {{hlist|Harrison|D. Elliott}} | extra18 = {{hlist|D. Elliott|Harrison|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}}} | length18 = 3:49

| title19 = Little Too Much, Little Too Late | writer19 = Diane Warren | extra19 = {{hlist|Warren|Fair}} | length19 = 3:24

| title20 = Moodring | writer20 = {{hlist|Harrison|D. Elliott|Wright}} | extra20 = D. Elliott | length20 = 3:30

| title21 = My Love Is Like...Wo | note21 = DJ Flex Jersey Club Remix | writer21 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|C. Bereal|K. Bereal}} | extra21 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|CKB{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}|DJ Flex{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length21 = 2:36

| title22 = My Love Is Like...Wo (Part II) | note22 = All-Star Mix-Main Pass; featuring John Doe | writer22 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|C. Bereal|K. Bereal}} | extra22 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|CKB{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}|Allen "Allstar" Gordon Jr.{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length22 = 3:51

| title23 = My Love Is Like...Wo (Part III) | note23 = Swizz Mix / Radio Mix with Rap; featuring Cassidy | writer23 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|C. Bereal|K. Bereal}} | extra23 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|CKB{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}|Swizz Beatz{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length23 = 3:15

| title24 = My Love Is Like...Wo (Part III) | note24 = Swizz Beatz Radio Mix without Rap | writer24 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|C. Bereal|K. Bereal}} | extra24 = {{hlist|M. Elliott|CKB{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fair{{ref|b|[b]}}|Swizz Beatz{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length24 = 2:55

| title25 = Fallen | note25 = The Remix Original; featuring Tre and Fatlip | writer25 = {{hlist|Bonfá|Toledo|Huggins|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Derrick Stewart|Trevant Hardson}} | extra25 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Fair{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length25 = 4:07

| title26 = Fallen | note26 = The Remix Plus; featuring Tre and Fatlip | writer26 = {{hlist|Bonfá|Toledo|Huggins|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Stewart|Hardson}} | extra26 = {{hlist|Shelton|Hill|Veney|Fair{{ref|d|[d]}}}} | length26 = 4:07 }}

'''Notes'''<ref name="booklet"/> * {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies a co-producer * {{sup|{{note|b|[b]}}}} signifies an additional producer * {{sup|{{note|c|[c]}}}} signifies a vocal producer * {{sup|{{note|d|[d]}}}} signifies a remix producer

'''Sample credits'''<ref name="booklet"/> * "Fallen" contains excerpts and elements from "Saudade Vem Correndo" (1962) as performed by Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfá. * "Sophisticated Lady" contains replayed elements from "Cold Blooded" (1983) as performed by Rick James. * "Things Come & Go" contains excerpts from "Aht Uh Mi Hed" (1974) as performed by Shuggie Otis. * "After the Rain" contains excerpts and elements from "Let Me Make Love to You" (1973) as performed by Lamont Dozier. * "Take a Picture" contains elements from "(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow" (1994) as performed by Tony! Toni! Toné!

==Personnel== Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''Moodring''.<ref name="booklet">{{cite AV media notes |title=Moodring |others=Myá |date=2003 |type=CD liner |publisher=Interscope Records}}</ref>

'''Performers and musicians''' {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} * Alex Al – bass guitar * Romeo Antonio – guitar * Kyle Armbrust – viola * Ravi Best – trumpet * Sandra Billingslea – violin * Krystyana Chelminski – violin * Eddie Cole & His Gang – bass, guitar * Luis Conte – percussion * James Czeiner – violin, horn * Earl Flemming – keyboard * Steve Ferrone – drums * Eileen Folson – viola, cello * Clark Gayton – trombone * G.A. Grant – horn * Gary Grant – horn * Darryl Harper – keyboard * O.J. Harper – keyboard * Jerry Hey – horn * Dan Higgins – horn * Cecelia Hobbs Gardner – violin * Jun Jensen – cello * Natalie Leggett – violin, viola * Jerry Ney – horn * Joel Peskin – horn * Bill Reichenbach Jr. – horn * Kris Ricat – guitar, horn * Maxine Roach – viola * Derek Scott – guitar * Carl "Butch" Small – percussion * Michael Valerio – bass {{div col end}}

'''Technical''' {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

* Mike Anzel – engineer * Marc Baptiste – photography * Patrice Bowie – vocal assistance * Bruce Buechner – engineer * Randy Bugnitz – engineer * Sue Ann Carwell – vocal assistance * Ian Cross – engineer * Eric Dawkins – vocal assistance * Jimmy Douglass – engineer * Dylan Dresdow – engineer * Laurie Evans – vocal assistance * Ron Fair – vocal production * Drew FitzGerald – art direction * David Guerrero – engineer * Mark Harrison – vocal production * Tal Herzberg – engineer * Troy Hightower – engineer * Pete Karam – engineer * Matt Marrin – engineering assistance * Sheryl Nields – photography * Dave Pensado – mixing engineer * Eddy Schreyer – mastering engineer * Brian Summerville – engineer * Brian "B Luv" Thomas – engineer * Ryan West – engineer * Katrina Willis – vocal assistance * Ethan Willoughby – mixing assistance * Doug Wilson – engineer * Frank Wolf – engineer {{div col end}}

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sronly|Weekly chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2003) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue707.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20031006140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20031007-0000/Issue707.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-10-06 |title=ARIA Top 100 Albums – Week Commencing 8th September 2003 |journal=The ARIA Report |issue=707 |page=6 |date=September 8, 2003 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | 74 |- ! scope="row"| Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicCharts/prev_073103_ALBUMS.html |title=Albums : Top 100 |website=Jam! |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030919220751/http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicCharts/prev_073103_ALBUMS.html |archive-date=September 19, 2003}}</ref> | 25 |- ! scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref name=japan>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/159565/ranking/cd_album |script-title=ja:ムードリング/マイア |trans-title=Moodring/Mya |language=ja |publisher=Oricon |access-date=January 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023224539/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/159565/ranking/cd_album |archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> | 53 |- {{album chart|UK|197|M|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_M.HTM|title=Chart Log UK: 1994–2010: M – My Vitriol|publisher=Zobbel|rowheader=true|access-date=January 5, 2018}} |- {{album chart|UKR&B|36|date=20030727|rowheader=true|access-date=January 5, 2018}} |- {{album chart|Billboard200|3|artist=Mya|rowheader=true|access-date=July 29, 2015}} |- {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|2|artist=Mya|rowheader=true|access-date=July 29, 2015}} |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sronly|2003 year-end chart performance}} ! scope="col"| Chart (2003) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/top-billboard-200-albums |title=Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2003 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 5, 2018}}</ref> | 157 |- ! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2003 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 5, 2018}}</ref> | 86 |} {{col-end}}

==Certifications and sales== {{Certification Table Top|caption={{sronly|Certifications and sales}}}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|nocert=yes|salesamount=14,293|salesref=<ref>{{cite book |title=Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 |location=Roppongi, Tokyo |publisher=Oricon Charts |year=2006 |isbn=4-87131-077-9}}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Moodring|artist=Mya|award=Gold|type=album|date=September 25, 2003|salesamount=589,000|salesref=<ref name="US sales"/>|refname="RIAA"}} {{End}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ {{sronly|Release dates and formats}} ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Edition(s) ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row"|Japan |July 16, 2003 | rowspan="7"| Standard | rowspan="7"|{{hlist|CD|digital download}} |rowspan="7" |Interscope | align="center"| <ref name=japan/> |- ! scope="row"|United Kingdom |July 21, 2003 | align="center"| <ref name="UK"/> |- ! scope="row"|United States |July 22, 2003 | align="center"| <ref name="US"/> |- ! scope="row"|Australia |September 1, 2003 |align="center"|<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue706.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080222222425/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20031007-0000/Issue706.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=February 22, 2008|title=ARIA New Releases Albums – Week Commencing 1st September 2003|issue=706|page=26|journal=The ARIA Report|publisher=ARIA|date=September 1, 2003|access-date=September 21, 2023}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"|Germany |September 8, 2003 | align="center"| <ref name="GER"/> |- ! scope="row"|Austria |rowspan="2" |October 29, 2003 | align="center"| <ref name="GER"/> |- ! scope="row"|Switzerland | align="center"| <ref name="GER"/> |- ! scope="row"|Worldwide |July 28, 2023 | ''20th Anniversary Edition'' |{{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |Universal Music Group | align="center"|<ref name="Deluxe">{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/moodring-deluxe/1696375951 |title=Moodring (Deluxe) |website=Apple Music |access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> |}

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{Mýa}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2003 albums Category:A&M Records albums Category:Albums produced by DJ Clue? Category:Albums produced by James Poyser Category:Albums produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Category:Albums produced by Missy Elliott Category:Albums produced by Questlove Category:Albums produced by Rockwilder Category:Albums produced by Ron Fair Category:Albums produced by Timbaland Category:Albums produced by Tricky Stewart Category:Interscope Records albums Category:Mýa albums Category:Albums recorded at the Village (studio)