# On How Life Is

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1999 studio album by Macy Gray

On How Life Is Studio album by Macy Gray Released July 1, 1999 (1999-07-01) Studio Paramount (Hollywood) Sunset Sound (Hollywood) A&M (Hollywood) Genre Soul Length 44:55 Label Epic Clean Slate Producer Andrew Slater Macy Gray chronology On How Life Is (1999) The Id (2001) Singles from On How Life Is "Do Something" Released: June 21, 1999[1] "I Try" Released: September 27, 1999[2][a] "Still" Released: March 13, 2000[4] "Why Didn't You Call Me" Released: July 24, 2000[5]

***On How Life Is*** is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter [Macy Gray](/source/Macy_Gray). It was released on July 1, 1999, by [Epic Records](/source/Epic_Records) and Clean Slate. Produced by Andrew Slater, it became Gray's best-selling album to date, selling 3.4 million copies in the United States and seven million copies worldwide.[6][7]

The album's second single, "[I Try](/source/I_Try)", became an international success, topping the charts in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand,[8][9] while reaching number five on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100).[10] The song also won a [Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Female_Pop_Vocal_Performance) in 2001.[11]

## Critical reception

Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating AllMusic [12] Chicago Sun-Times [13] Robert Christgau [14] Entertainment Weekly B[15] The Guardian [16] The Independent [17] Los Angeles Times [18] Pitchfork 8.5/10[19] Q [20] Rolling Stone [21] The Rolling Stone Album Guide [22]

*On How Life Is* was met with highly positive reviews from music critics upon its release, with many praising Gray's songwriting and vocal performance. *[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))* rated the album four out of five stars, calling it a "confident, bluesy soul debut [...] with a lived-in sound – as if [Rod Stewart](/source/Rod_Stewart) were a girl."[20]

## Track listing

All lyrics are written by [Macy Gray](/source/Macy_Gray). All tracks are produced by Andrew Slater.

No. Title Music Length 1. "Why Didn't You Call Me" Jeremy Ruzumna 3:14 2. "Do Something" Patrick Brown Raymon Murray Rico Wade Cameron Gipp Thomas Burton André Benjamin Antwan Patton Greg Mays Darryl Barnes Ruzumna Darryl Swann Robert Barnett Dion Derek Murdock George Clinton Jr. Garry Shider Bernard Worrell 4:57 3. "Caligula" Gray Swann Ruzumna 4:38 4. "I Try" Gray Ruzumna Jinsoo Lim David Wilder 3:59 5. "Sex-o-matic Venus Freak" Ruzumna Murdock 3:57 6. "I Can't Wait to Meetchu" Ruzumna Swann Miles Tackett 5:18 7. "Still" Ruzumna Bill Esses 4:15 8. "I've Committed Murder" Swann Kiilu Beckwith Ruzumna Eddie Harris Francis Lai Carl Sigman 4:59 9. "A Moment to Myself" Ruzumna Tackett Mark Morales Damon Yu Wimbley 4:00 10. "The Letter" Matt Sherrod Jamie Houston 5:38

Australian and Japanese edition bonus track[23][24] No. Title Music Length 11. "Rather Hazy" Gray 3:10

### Sample credits

- "Do Something" contains a sample of "[Git Up, Git Out](/source/Git_Up%2C_Git_Out)" by [OutKast](/source/OutKast) and "Funky for You" by [Nice & Smooth](/source/Nice_%26_Smooth).

- "I've Committed Murder" contains a sample of "Live Right Now" by [Eddie Harris](/source/Eddie_Harris) and an interpolation of "[(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story](/source/(Where_Do_I_Begin%3F)_Love_Story)" by [Francis Lai](/source/Francis_Lai) & His Orchestra.

- "A Moment to Myself" contains a sample of "Human Beat Box" by [The Fat Boys](/source/The_Fat_Boys), excerpts of "The Wildstyle" by [Time Zone](/source/Time_Zone_(band)), and a sample of "[Entropy (Hip Hop Reconstruction from the Ground Up)](/source/Entropy_(Hip_Hop_Reconstruction_from_the_Ground_Up))" by [DJ Shadow](/source/DJ_Shadow) & the Groove Robbers.

## Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of *On How Life Is*.[25]

### Musicians

- [Macy Gray](/source/Macy_Gray) – lead vocals, vocal arrangements (all tracks); backing vocals (tracks 1, 3–5, 10)

- Dawn Beckman – backing vocals (tracks 1–3, 5–9)

- Musiic Galloway – backing vocals (tracks 1–3, 5–10)

- Jeremy Ruzumna – backing vocals (track 1); organ (tracks 1, 4–6, 8); piano (tracks 1, 7, 10); electric piano, [Moog](/source/Moog_synthesizer) (track 2); [Farfisa](/source/Farfisa), clavinet (track 3); [Rhodes](/source/Rhodes_piano) (tracks 5, 6); [Optigan](/source/Optigan), [Chamberlin](/source/Chamberlin) (track 10)

- David Wilder – backing vocals (track 1); bass (tracks 1, 4)

- Jinsoo Lim – guitar (tracks 1, 2)

- [Arik Marshall](/source/Arik_Marshall) – guitar (tracks 1, 7–10)

- [Lenny Castro](/source/Lenny_Castro) – percussion (tracks 1, 2, 7–9)

- [Matt Chamberlain](/source/Matt_Chamberlain) – percussion (tracks 1, 3, 9, 10); drums (all tracks)

- [Darryl Swann](/source/Darryl_Swann) – backing vocals, guitar (track 3); programming (tracks 1–3, 5, 6, 8–10); vocal arrangements (all tracks)

- DJ Kiilu – turntables (tracks 2, 8, 9); programming (track 8)

- [Jon Brion](/source/Jon_Brion) – Chamberlin (tracks 2, 3, 8, 10); synths (tracks 3, 8); guitar (tracks 3–6, 8–10); piano (tracks 4, 10); [orchestra bells](/source/Orchestra_bells) (track 4); [vibes](/source/Vibraphone) (tracks 7, 8); marimba (track 8); Optigan (track 10)

- [Patrick Warren](/source/Patrick_Warren) – vibes (track 2); Chamberlin (tracks 2–4, 7, 8); synths (track 3); Rhodes, [Wurlitzer](/source/Wurlitzer) (track 9)

- Dion Derek Murdock – bass (tracks 2, 6)

- [Sy Smith](/source/Sy_Smith) – backing vocals (tracks 3, 5, 7)

- Bendrix Williams – guitar (track 4)

- [Rami Jaffee](/source/Rami_Jaffee) – synths (track 5); piano, Optigan, Chamberlin (track 10)

- [Blackbyrd McKnight](/source/DeWayne_McKnight) – guitar (track 5)

- Gabriel Moses – guitar (track 5)

- Steve Baxter – horn (track 6)

- Charlie Green – horn (track 6)

- Michael Harris – horn (track 6)

- [Miles Tackett](/source/Breakestra) – guitar (track 6)

- [Greg Richling](/source/The_Wallflowers) – bass (tracks 6–10)

- [David Campbell](/source/David_Campbell_(composer)) – string arrangement (track 7)

- [Jay Joyce](/source/Jay_Joyce) – guitar (track 7)

- Ngozi Inyama – sax solo (track 8)

### Technical

- Andrew Slater – production

- [Dave Way](/source/Dave_Way) – recording, mixing

- Darryl "D-Style" Swann – additional engineering

- Howard Willing – first assistant engineer

- Dave Reed – second assistant engineer

- Kevin Dean – second assistant engineer

- Jeff Walch – second assistant engineer

- Michelle Forbes – second assistant engineer

- Sherry Sutcliff – production coordination

### Artwork

- [Stéphane Sednaoui](/source/St%C3%A9phane_Sednaoui) – photography

- Hooshik – art direction, design

- Frank Harkins – art direction

## Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1999–2000) Peak position Australian Albums (ARIA)[26] 1 Australian Urban Albums (ARIA)[27] 1 Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[28] 3 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[29] 9 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[30] 44 Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[31] 1 Canadian Albums (Billboard)[32] 2 Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[33] 1 Czech Albums (ČNS IFPI)[34] 13 Danish Albums (Hitlisten)[34] 1 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[35] 28 European Albums (Music & Media)[36] 5 Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[37] 16 French Albums (SNEP)[38] 24 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[39] 19 Irish Albums (IFPI)[40] 3 Italian Albums (FIMI)[41] 29 Japanese Albums (Oricon)[24] 61 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[42] 1 Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[43] 2 Portuguese Albums (AFP)[44] 9 Scottish Albums (OCC)[45] 4 Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[46] 5 Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[47] 6 UK Albums (OCC)[48] 3 UK R&B Albums (OCC)[49] 1 US Billboard 200[50] 4 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[51] 9 Year-end charts Chart (1999) Position European Albums (Music & Media)[52] 95 UK Albums (OCC)[53] 10 Chart (2000) Position Australian Albums (ARIA)[54] 7 Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[55] 22 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[56] 47 Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[57] 12 Danish Albums (Hitlisten)[58] 10 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[59] 96 European Albums (Music & Media)[60] 14 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[61] 59 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[62] 5 Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[63] 25 UK Albums (OCC)[64] 28 US Billboard 200[65] 21 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[66] 32 Chart (2001) Position Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[67] 63 UK Albums (OCC)[68] 192 Decade-end charts Chart (2000–09) Position US Billboard 200[69] 129

## Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/sales Australia (ARIA)[70] 4× Platinum 280,000^ Austria (IFPI Austria)[71] Gold 25,000* Belgium (BRMA)[72] Gold 25,000* Canada (Music Canada)[73] 3× Platinum 300,000^ Denmark — 59,134[74] Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[75] Gold 20,496[75] France (SNEP)[76] Gold 100,000* Germany (BVMI)[77] Gold 250,000^ Netherlands (NVPI)[78] Gold 50,000^ New Zealand (RMNZ)[79] 4× Platinum 60,000^ Norway (IFPI Norway)[80] Platinum 50,000* Sweden (GLF)[81] Gold 40,000^ Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[82] Platinum 50,000^ United Kingdom (BPI)[83] 4× Platinum 1,200,000^ United States (RIAA)[84] 3× Platinum 3,400,000[7] Summaries Europe (IFPI)[85] 2× Platinum 2,000,000* * Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

Region Date Label Ref. Japan July 1, 1999 Sony [24] United States July 27, 1999 Epic [86]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** In Japan, "I Try" was released as a double A-side with "Do Something" on July 23, 1999.[3]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** "New Releases – For Week Starting 21 June, 1999: Singles". *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. June 19, 1999. p. 27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** "New Releases – Week Starting 27 September, 1999: Singles". *Music Week*. September 25, 1999. p. 25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["メイシー・グレイ"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070212084046/http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/ES/MacyGray/index.html) [Macy Gray]. [Sony Music Entertainment Japan](/source/Sony_Music_Entertainment_Japan). Archived from [the original](http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/ES/MacyGray/index.html) on February 12, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** "New Releases – For Week Starting March 13, 2000: Singles". *Music Week*. March 11, 2000. p. 27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** "New Releases – For Week Starting July 24, 2000: Singles". *Music Week*. July 22, 2000. p. 25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Macy Gray – Biography"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080512230615/http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/gray_macy/bio.jhtml). [VH1](/source/VH1). Archived from [the original](http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/gray_macy/bio.jhtml) on May 12, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-US-sales_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-US-sales_8-1) Peters, Mitchell (August 13, 2013). ["Macy Gray Signs with APA"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/macy-gray-signs-apa-605075). *[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)*. Retrieved April 25, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Macy Gray – I Try"](https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=I+Try&cat=s). *australian-charts.com*. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Search the charts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160911214421/http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&placement%5Bartist%5D=Macy+Gray). The Irish Charts. Archived from [the original](http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&placement%5Bartist%5D=Macy+Gray) on September 11, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Macy Gray Chart History: Hot 100"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/macy-gray/chart-history/hsi/). *Billboard*. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Skanse, Richard (February 22, 2001). ["Steely Dan, U2 Top Grammys"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steely-dan-u2-top-grammys-248123/). *Rolling Stone*. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Erlewine, Stephen Thomas](/source/Stephen_Thomas_Erlewine). ["On How Life Is – Macy Gray"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/on-how-life-is-mw0000668178). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [DeRogatis, Jim](/source/Jim_DeRogatis) (August 8, 1999). ["Macy Gray, 'On How Life Is' (Epic)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170304113913/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4507539.html). *[Chicago Sun-Times](/source/Chicago_Sun-Times)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4507539.html) on March 4, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017 – via [HighBeam Research](/source/HighBeam_Research).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Christgau, Robert](/source/Robert_Christgau). ["Robert Christgau: CG: Macy Gray"](https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=macy%20gray). robertchristgau.com. Retrieved January 6, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Weingarten, Marc (August 2, 1999). ["On How Life Is"](https://ew.com/article/1999/08/06/how-life-2/). *Entertainment Weekly*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070553/https://ew.com/article/1999/08/06/how-life-2/) from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Cox, Tom (July 9, 1999). "Irresistible sister". *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0261-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Perry, Tim (July 3, 1999). ["Album Reviews"](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/album-reviews-1104056.html). *[The Independent](/source/The_Independent)*. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/album-reviews-1104056.html) from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Nichols, Natalie (July 25, 1999). ["Echoing '70s Soul, in a Voice That's All Her Own"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-25-ca-59291-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170304040152/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jul/25/entertainment/ca-59291) from the original on March 4, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Howard, Jackson (March 9, 2025). ["Macy Gray: On How Life Is"](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/macy-gray-on-how-life-is/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. Retrieved March 9, 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Q_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Q_21-1) Harron, Sarah (August 1999). ["Macy Gray: On How Life Is"](https://web.archive.org/web/20000129052803/http://www.qonline.co.uk/reviews/server.asp?id=18371). *[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))*. No. 155. p. 105. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0955-4955](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0955-4955). Archived from [the original](http://www.qonline.co.uk/reviews/server.asp?id=18371) on January 29, 2000. Retrieved September 2, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Walters, Barry (August 19, 1999). ["Macy Gray: On How Life Is"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080725140929/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/macygray/albums/album/182224/review/6068102/on_how_life_is). *Rolling Stone*. Archived from [the original](https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/macygray/albums/album/182224/review/6068102/on_how_life_is) on July 25, 2008. Retrieved February 2, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Randall, Mac (2004). "Macy Gray". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). *[The New Rolling Stone Album Guide](/source/The_Rolling_Stone_Album_Guide)* (4th ed.). [Simon & Schuster](/source/Simon_%26_Schuster). pp. [344–45](https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/344). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7432-0169-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7432-0169-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Macy Gray On How Life Is + Bonus Track"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150725014736/https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop/macy-gray-on-how-life-is-bonus-track/60133/). [JB Hi-Fi](/source/JB_Hi-Fi). Archived from [the original](https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop/macy-gray-on-how-life-is-bonus-track/60133/) on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-oricon_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-oricon_25-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-oricon_25-2) [オン・ハウ・ライフ・イズ/メイシー・グレイ](https://web.archive.org/web/20121018070626/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/106314/1/) [On How Life Is / Macy Gray] (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Archived from [the original](http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/106314/1/) on October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** *On How Life Is* (liner notes). [Macy Gray](/source/Macy_Gray). [Epic Records](/source/Epic_Records). 1999. 494423 2.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Australia_Macy_Gray_27-0)** "[Australiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 12th February 2001"](https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20020220130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue572.pdf) (PDF). *[The ARIA Report](/source/The_ARIA_Report)* (572): 18. February 12, 2001. Retrieved August 3, 2020 – via [National Library of Australia](/source/National_Library_of_Australia).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Austria_Macy_Gray_29-0)** "[Austriancharts.at – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Flanders_Macy_Gray_30-0)** "[Ultratop.be – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Wallonia_Macy_Gray_31-0)** "[Ultratop.be – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://www.ultratop.be/fr/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Canada_32-0)** "[Top RPM Albums: Image 9814](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9814&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9814.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9814)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved January 18, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardCanada_Macy_Gray_33-0)** "[Macy Gray Chart History (Canadian Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Macy-Gray/chart-history/CNA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["R&B : Top 50"](http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/RANDB.html). *[Jam!](/source/Jam!)*. May 22, 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20000523214517/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/RANDB.html) from the original on May 23, 2000. Retrieved January 27, 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MM-2000-04-29_35-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MM-2000-04-29_35-1) ["Top National Sellers"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2000/MM-2000-04-29.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 17, no. 18. April 29, 2000. p. 9. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [29800226](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/29800226) – via World Radio History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Netherlands_Macy_Gray_36-0)** "[Dutchcharts.nl – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["Hits of the World"](https://books.google.com/books?id=4w4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA57). *Billboard*. Vol. 112, no. 16. April 15, 2000. p. 57. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0006-2510](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0006-2510) – via [Google Books](/source/Google_Books).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Finland_Macy_Gray_38-0)** "[Macy Gray: On How Life Is](https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/macy-gray/albumi/on-how-life-is)" (in Finnish). [Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland](/source/Musiikkituottajat_%E2%80%93_IFPI_Finland). Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_France_Macy_Gray_39-0)** "[Lescharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Germany_Macy_Gray_40-0)** "[Offiziellecharts.de – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-3146)" (in German). [GfK Entertainment charts](/source/GfK_Entertainment_charts). Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["Top National Sellers"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-12-04.pdf) (PDF). *Music & Media*. Vol. 16, no. 49. December 4, 1999. p. 13. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [29800226](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/29800226) – via World Radio History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Italy_Macy_Gray_42-0)** "[Italiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_New_Zealand_Macy_Gray_43-0)** "[Charts.nz – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Norway_Macy_Gray_44-0)** "[Norwegiancharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** ["Top National Sellers"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2000/MM-2000-03-25.pdf) (PDF). *Music & Media*. Vol. 17, no. 13. March 25, 2000. p. 13. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [29800226](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/29800226) – via World Radio History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Scotland_46-0)** "[Official Scottish Albums Chart on 30/1/2000 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20000130/40/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Sweden_Macy_Gray_47-0)** "[Swedishcharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 12, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Switzerland_Macy_Gray_48-0)** "[Swisscharts.com – Macy Gray – On How Life Is](http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macy+Gray&titel=On+How+Life+Is&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 16, 2008.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Billboard200_Macy_Gray_51-0)** "[Macy Gray Chart History (*Billboard* 200)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Macy-Gray/chart-history/TLP)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardRandBHipHop_Macy_Gray_52-0)** "[Macy Gray Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Macy-Gray/chart-history/BLP)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-AustraliaMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_71-0)** ["ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Albums"](https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k9o2q7p7o4awhqx/AAABeYGTvZErtZotNbXOr2Tza/2000%20Accreds.pdf) (PDF). [Australian Recording Industry Association](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Retrieved April 18, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AustriaMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_72-0)** ["Austrian album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://ifpi.at/auszeichnungen/?fwp_per_page=100&fwp_interpret=Macy+Gray&fwp_titel=On+How+Life+Is&fwp_format=album&) (in German). [IFPI](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry) Austria. March 17, 2000. Retrieved April 18, 2008.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-CanadaMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_74-0)** ["Canadian album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?_gp_search=On+How+Life+Is%20Macy+Gray). [Music Canada](/source/Music_Canada). October 22, 2001. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-75)** ["Hitlist 2000"](https://web.archive.org/web/20021220141922/http://www.musik.org/publikationer/aarshitlister.htm). *Hitlisten*. [IFPI Denmark](/source/IFPI_Denmark). Archived from [the original](http://www.musik.org/publikationer/aarshitlister.htm) on December 20, 2002. Retrieved January 2, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FinlandMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_76-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FinlandMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_76-1) ["Macy Gray"](https://www.ifpi.fi/tutkimukset-ja-tilastot/kulta-ja-platinalevyt/?ulkomaiset=1&q=Macy+Gray) (in Finnish). [Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland](/source/Musiikkituottajat). Retrieved April 19, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FranceMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_77-0)** ["French album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](http://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?categorie=Albums&interprete=Macy+Gray&titre=On+How+Life+Is) (in French). [SNEP](/source/SNEP). July 6, 2000. Retrieved December 1, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GermanyMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_78-0)** ["Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Macy Gray; 'On How Life Is')"](https://www.musikindustrie.de/wie-musik-zur-karriere-werden-kann/markt-bestseller/gold-/platin-und-diamond-auszeichnung/datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=On+How+Life+Is&strInterpret=Macy+Gray&strTtArt=2&strAwards=checked) (in German). [Bundesverband Musikindustrie](/source/Bundesverband_Musikindustrie). Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NetherlandsMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_79-0)** ["Dutch album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://www.goudplatina.nl/database) (in Dutch). [Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers](/source/NVPI). Retrieved November 22, 2021. *Enter*On How Life Is *in the "Artiest of titel" box.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-New_ZealandMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_80-0)** ["New Zealand album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/albums/2000-07-07). [Recorded Music NZ](/source/Recorded_Music_NZ). July 9, 2000. Retrieved November 20, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NorwayMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_81-0)** ["IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121105012246/http://www.ifpi.no/sok/lst_trofeer_sok.asp?type=artist) (in Norwegian). [IFPI](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry) Norway. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-SwedenMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_82-0)** ["Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2000"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110517224028/http://www.ifpi.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/ar-20002.pdf) (PDF) (in Swedish). [IFPI Sweden](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry). March 27, 2000. Archived from [the original](https://www.ifpi.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/ar-20002.pdf) (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-SwitzerlandMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_83-0)** ["The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('On How Life Is')"](http://www.swisscharts.com/search_certifications.asp?search=On_How_Life_Is). IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_KingdomMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_84-0)** ["British album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://www.bpi.co.uk/page/certified-awards). [British Phonographic Industry](/source/British_Phonographic_Industry). Retrieved March 12, 2023. *Select*albums*in the Formats field.* *Type*On How Life Is Macy Gray*in the "Search:" field.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_StatesMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_85-0)** ["American album certifications – Macy Gray – On How Life Is"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Macy+Gray&ti=On+How+Life+Is&format=Album&type=#search_section). [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America). September 8, 2000. Retrieved April 18, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-EuropeMacy_GrayOn_How_Life_IsalbumCertRef_86-0)** ["IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2000"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131127154733/http://ifpi.org/content/section_news/plat2000.html). [International Federation of the Phonographic Industry](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry). Retrieved July 24, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-87)** ["Macy Gray: On How Life Is"](https://www.amazon.com/How-Life-Macy-Gray/dp/B00000JQFG). [Amazon](/source/Amazon_(company)) (US). Retrieved December 1, 2018.

v t e Macy Gray Discography Studio albums On How Life Is The Id The Trouble with Being Myself Big The Sellout Covered Talking Book The Way Stripped Ruby Other albums The Very Best of Macy Gray Live in Las Vegas Singles "Do Something" "I Try" "Still" "Why Didn't You Call Me" "Sweet Baby" "Sexual Revolution" "When I See You" "Love Is Gonna Get You" "Finally Made Me Happy" "Shoo Be Doo" "Beauty in the World" "Kissed It" "Lately" "Sugar Daddy" Featured singles "Demons" "Geto Heaven Remix T.S.O.I. (The Sound of Illadelph)" "Request + Line" "Can't Hold Back"

Authority control databases MusicBrainz release group

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [On How Life Is](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_How_Life_Is) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_How_Life_Is?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.