TGJ Replay: Mya’s ‘Moodring’

Published: Wednesday 1st May 2013 by Rashad

Much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ segments, readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.  So in a quest to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday we introduced a new retrospective segment – ‘TGJ Replay’.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase albums (and eras) from a library of pop music hits.  Up next?  R&B triple threat Mya‘s critically acclaimed tertiary album ‘Moodring’

The turn of the century saw ‘Movin’ On’ maestra Mya Harrison moving up charts in every capacity.  By her lonesome, the songbird soared to charts’ upper rankings with ‘Fear of Flying’ – her sophomore album that birthed hits ‘Free’, ‘Best of Me’, and, of course, signature tune ‘Case of the Ex’.

Her biggest chart triumph, however, came in 2001 oon the wings of a Missy Elliott-assembled diva syndicate.  Featuring the likes of pop titans Christina Aguilera and Pink with rap queen Lil’ Kim, Mya filled out a foursome that took on Labelle’s top 70s hit ‘Lady Marmalade’ for the ‘Moulin Rouge’ soundtrack.

The song was an instant hit, skyrocketing to #1 on the charts and later winning a Grammy.

‘Lady Marmalade’ (Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, Pink)

Capitalizing off its monumental success, the two years that passed saw Kim, Pink, and Xtina go on to dominate charts to critical and commercial acclaim with ‘La Bella Mafia’, ‘Mizundastood’, and ‘Stripped’ respectively, leaving Mya the last of the fold to release a follow-up album.

Assembling an all-star cast of producers (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Elliott, Timbaland, Rockwilder, more), the songstress unveiled ‘Moodring’ – her third album.  Led to chart battle by the piano laced single ‘My Love Is Like…Wo’

‘My Love Is Like…Wo’
‘My Love Is Like Wo’ (live – MUST SEE):

Landing the songstress her 5th consecutive top 40 hit, Mya’s return showcased her strongest vocals yet, ditching her signature falsetto for demonstrations rich with melisma and soaring cresendos. 

On the sonic tip, the album was devoid of full-out ballads, leaving behind the ‘My First Night’-esque numbers of her earlier works to boast a blend of mid-tempos and bass driven up-tempos.  Evidenced by the album’s second single ‘Fallen’

‘Fallen’

The sophistication that decorated many-a-number on the singer’s third album had critics and fans alike raving.  With 113k sold in its first week, the album landed Miss Harrison her best first week sales to date.

Not long after, it was certified gold.

Like so many of our TGJ Replays, cuts from ‘Moodring’ are on constant play here at TGJ HQ.  Indeed, joints like ‘Hurry Up’, ‘Why You Gotta Look So Good’, and the heart-wrenching ‘After the Rain’ still get regular head nods of our team.

‘After the Rain’

For that, we salute you Miss Mya and anxiously await your return to charts!  It is long overdue.

What’s your favorite song from Mya’s “Moodring”?

Your thoughts?

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  1. navy nick May 1, 2013

    such an amazing album!!!!!

    • John May 1, 2013

      lol

  2. T-Bizzle May 1, 2013

    best song on this album hands down is “Anatomy 1on1”
    I still rock 2 that slow-groove

  3. Hive May 1, 2013

    Who???

    • chILL May 1, 2013

      I guess this idiot cant read

    • itsremysshow May 1, 2013

      ugh haters like you will always stay on the job. what’s the use to be in the world if all you do is hate. Get a life N do something w.it My God! These haters on this site don’t ever get rest.

      • Hive May 1, 2013

        b**** all im asking is who she is what has she done recently? Not my fault she’s a f****** HASBEEN!

        Keyshia cole & ciara are more relevant than this b****

    • chILL May 1, 2013

      That’s why reading is FUNDEMENTAL..it was all explained in the writing who she is and what she has accomplished…and the purpose of this post was a flashback post.. I guess you didnt graduate High School either .. birds of a feather

      • Hive May 1, 2013

        she OBVIOUSLY hasn’t accomplished alot seeing as i dont really remember her hahaha where is she at today? she left no mark in music she’ll forever be a hasbeen.

      • ENOUGH ONIKA (KMART QUEEN) May 1, 2013

        @HIVE or OBVIOUSLY you don’t know music very well…

    • Jayla May 1, 2013

      She will always be more relevant than your F** ass

    • chILL May 1, 2013

      She already has a grammy and multiple gold and platinum selling albums which means she made her money and has accomplished what many artist cant..stop being a HATER and appreciate the talent and hardwork artist put into the music industry….you are the epitome of this microwave society….educate yourself ..

    • John May 1, 2013

      nobody

  4. AmbeRussell May 1, 2013

    i feel that mya’s biggest down fall was too long breaks between albums, she wasn’t christina who had a large pop fan base anticipating her next move, she wasnt a strong singer, but as we saw in that live performance she did try. but she was a way better dancer, so i feel she should have went the dancer who sings route as oppose to the singer/dancer thing. and sorry to say this, but she became forgettable when beyonce came and became the top female rnb act out, similar to siquo when usher came back with 8702. then there was ashanti, and a slew of other female rnb singers that came that saturated the market. she makes decent music that suits her voice, but idk whhy ppl didnt get this album, a 3rd single shoulda came when bey’s hyped died down. well thats just my honest opinion

    AmbeRussell on YouTube
    http://www.youtube.com/user/AmbeRussell

  5. RiRi bad May 1, 2013

    IRRELEVANT B****….. NEXT!!!

    • chILL May 1, 2013

      another idiot.

    • Jayla May 1, 2013

      F***

  6. Britney Stan May 1, 2013

    Shes a disappointment she had potential to be great to bad no ones checking for her anymore shes cute tho.

    • The mix May 1, 2013

      What do you mean she had the potential to be great..the girl already sold multiple platinum and gold albums and got a grammy..that equals great.everyone doesnt get that chance..

      • Britney Stan May 1, 2013

        Like she really didn’t make a name for herself in the music industry Shes hardly remembered today no one will know her ten years from now.

    • The mix May 1, 2013

      But what does that matter anyway..she still got her checks…Artists fade away all the time..you never know what someone’s goal is..they may not all want to “run the world”

  7. Passion Prince May 1, 2013

    No 1 Cur…

  8. DOSSOME May 1, 2013

    such a gifted dancer,easily the Paula Abdul of her generation…it’s unfortunate she fell off so soon considering she possesed the talent,looks and an undeniable s** appeal…FALLEN was my jam off the album

  9. Cici Slaaaaays May 1, 2013

    Flooooooooop!!!

    • PHUCK YOU May 1, 2013

      SHE HAS SOLD WAY MORE THAN YOUR I CAN’T GET A HIT FAVE!!!

    • ENOUGH ONIKA (KMART QUEEN) May 1, 2013

      How do you stan for Ciara but hate every artists and call them flops who’s sold more albums than her? You’re shading your own fav…

  10. LA LA May 1, 2013

    I love the fact she is a 1 HIT WONDER!
    She is very underrated and I miss her classless ways.

    Now Playing: Case of The Ex

    • itsremysshow May 1, 2013

      a who. A 1 hit wonder would not have made several platinum albums and singles. Don’t do her hun…. have several seats with that one.

  11. LA LA May 1, 2013

    I love the fact she is a 1 HIT WONDER!
    She is very underrated and I really miss her classless ways.

    Now playing: Case Of The Ex

  12. John May 1, 2013

    One hit wonder b****

  13. mildred May 1, 2013

    Flop

  14. Super Cisus May 1, 2013

    Who dis h** is????

    • PHUCK YOU May 1, 2013

      A H** THAT HAS SOLD MORE THAN CI-ERROR

  15. DIGGER BEY THE KING May 1, 2013

    WTF? A Hoeianna stan and Ciflop stans coming for a B**** who can dance and sing bwahahahahahahhahaha. Hoeianna can’t do either one lmfaooooo. And Ciflop is an Irrelevant B****, who tries to sing while dancing, but ends up sounding like an seal. B****** Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

  16. DIGGER BEY THE KING May 1, 2013

    I really miss Mya. Moodring was the shiznit!!!! My Love Is Like Whoa Video was one of my favs! That woman can dance her ass off! I hope she makes an commeback! She was an triple threat! She’s needed n this Industry, with less singers and dancers. Too many Hoeiannas and etc.

  17. Rihking May 1, 2013

    yes yes miss mya and ESPECIALLY aalyiah.

  18. divalover May 1, 2013

    My Love is like Wo is still THE JAM! People should quit hatin on these 90s divas!

  19. TeamBreezy May 1, 2013

    TGJ I love this article, great job!
    Mya girl we miss you , you slayed my teenage years

  20. Kyle May 2, 2013

    The fact that Mya is not a superstar is BEYOND ME. She had it ALL going for her but I think what lead to her downfall was the handling of “Liberation.” Universal Motown screwed her on that one and the whole situation became an embarrassement because the project was pushed back 2,837 times. It sucks that she hasn’t regained herself since. But I will always ride with her because like you guys said, she is a TRIPLE THREAT. “Moodring” is her best album to date IMO. It was a great mixture of songs but still had Mya’s signature sound.

  21. Junior in Jamaica May 3, 2013

    Still one of my favourite artists. Really want her back she ticks all the boxes…complete package.

  22. READMYLIPS June 17, 2013

    YOU and WHATEVER B****

  23. britneyraycarey February 16, 2016

    Queen

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