Sugar & Spice (Mýa album)

Prior to Mýa recording and releasing her first independent album overseas, she released three successful studio albums in the United States; 1998's Mýa, 2000's Fear of Flying and 2003's Moodring. Back in 1998, Mýa released her debut self-titled album, which peaked at No. 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Fear of Flying (2000) fared even better at No. 7, with the single "Case of the Ex" reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100. In 2001, she took home a Grammy for "Lady Marmalade", her massive No. 1 single with P!nk, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, and Missy Elliott. A role in the hit film Chicago and other acting opportunities followed. After she released Moodring in 2003, with the exception of a popular stint on Dancing with the Stars in 2009 (she finished second), it seemed as if Mýa had left the entertainment industry.[3]

In 2004, after the Moodring album, she ended up in a year-long litigation with management. In late 2005, Harrison made a transition within the Universal system from Interscope to Universal Motown. In 2007 her fourth studio album Liberation was accidentally released in Japan when the release date changed. At the time, she was with Motown/Universal and her lawyer advised that she not waste time and money taking the issue to court, so Harrison decided to go independent instead. The Liberation album became so popular in Japan that Manhattan Recordings approached her about doing business with them. Harrison then released her first independent project, Sugar & Spice, a year after her split with Motown in Japan in 2008.[7]

Unlike her first four studio albums, which were financed by major record labels, Sugar & Spice was solely self-funded and self-produced in Mýa's home studio in her hometown of Washington D.C. After signing an exclusive recording contract with Manhattan Recordings, Harrison began production for the album in September 2008.[9] Unfamiliar with the independent route and to keep recording cost down as much as possible, Harrison opted to work with a variety of less known producers to create Sugar & Spice. In search of new producers, while at a Guitar Center in Los Angeles buying equipment Mýa met reggae producer Chris "Riddim Fingaz" Garvey's brother and got his phone number.[9] Aware of his great production skills, Mýa reluctantly called him, collaborated and produced "Paradise," a riddim-inspired song.[9] Of his contribution to Sugar & Spice, Harrison commented, "Riddim Fingaz has a great presence and is a great talent."[9]

Continuing production on Sugar & Spice, Harrison reached out to Yonni, a young producer from Cleveland, Ohio with whom she met through MySpace.[9] Prior to the leakage of her fourth studio album Liberation, Yonni had produced a remix version of Harrison's single "Ridin'."[9] Impressed with his production skills, Harrison and Yonni continued to work together and maintain a professional relationship.[9] Additionally, Harrison sought out UK singer, songwriter and producer Stevie Hoang for contribution to Sugar & Spice as well.[9] With 14 tracks in total, in an article commenting on the finished results, Sugar & Spice was described as a lineup of songs that stimulate the Japanese quintessence that set apart from her previous albums and dubbed musically as her most wonderful work to date.[10]

Musically, Sugar & Spice is full of an array of beautiful, colorful melodic songs based on the pop genre that compliments Mýa's unique vocal styling.[10] Commenting on the album's theme, Mýa explained, "There's a saying, "A life with sugar (sweetness) and spices (stimulation) is wonderful." Girls need sugar and spices, while noting, "This album has a little bit of sugar and a little spice, so you can get to know the two sides of Mýa."[9] Sugar & Spice opens with the '80s pop-inspired "Must Be The Music."[9] It followed by the Riddim Fingaz-produced "Paradise." A riddim song, "Paradise" was chosen as the album's first single after a listening sessions with fans.[9] Track six, the vulnerable ballad, "Cry No More" is described as a "very passionate" song, while mid-tempo "Ego Trippin'" addresses a situation that woman apologize for. In the song, Harrison admits that she was wrong.[9] "Shy Guy," a cover of Diana King's hit served as the album's tenth track.[9] When asked why she chose to cover the song, Harrison responded, "It was my favorite song when I was young. I was in reggae mode, so I wanted to add that kind of flavor, while pointing out, "It's a really fun song, it's a bit like sugar and spice."[9] "Back to Disco" the album's twelfth track incorporates element of 70s music.[9]

Following its completion, Sugar & Spice arrived in stores and online December 3, 2008.[11] The following year Manhattan Recordings issued Sugar & Spice: The Perfect Edition, a double disc album that featured a new track, new remixes and past hits within her discography on August 5, 2009.[12]

To promote Sugar & Spice, Manhattan Recordings organized and arranged an album release party at FEVER, a popular night club/music venue where Harrison performed for the very first time in Japan. A 40 minute stage show that featured four costumes changes, Mýa was accompanied by four dancers and performed new material from Sugar & Spice as well as her past hits which included, "Paradise," "Shy Guy," "Must Be The Music," "Fallen," and "The Best of Me."[13]

• MyaMya.com – official site