Macy Gray dropped her covers album last week, the inventively titled Covered, featuring her takes on songs by Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Metallica, Kanye West, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and others. Such all-covers sets are almost always a mixed bag, but unfortunately the not-so-good far outweighs the worthy here.

The strongest moment on Covered is Gray’s cover of AWOLNATION’s “Sail.” I don’t profess to be very familiar with the band’s 2011 hit, though I did read it was featured on an episode of The Good Wife, so I’ve heard “Sail” at least once before.

That AWOLNATION’s original isn’t cemented in my head as comparison is probably a big reason why Gray’s rendition succeeds where so many of her other tries on Covered stumble. Also, a good cover requires emotional connection, and on “Sail,” Gray really delivers:

I had high hopes for Covered — some of Gray’s picks are inspired — but the album betrays a surprising lack of committment. Her vocals feel largely tossed-off to me, and the second-rate production quality of the set (by studio vet Hal Willner) doesn’t help matters. Lead track “Here Comes The Rain Again” is a tragedy (more evidence for my assertion that a good Eurythmics cover is hard to find), and while Colbie Callait’s “Bubbly” may be a lightweight number to start, Gray’s cover lands with a thud, thanks to her uber-casual approach, some rinky-dink synths, and inviting actor Idris Elba along as a duet partner. What the huh?

It’s too bad about Covered, really, as I do think Gray is supremely talented and these aren’t exactly untouchable songs. For instance, I could do with a good cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.” But Kelly Clarkson killed it in concert this past Thursday, and her version is the one that needs a proper studio recording.

Purchase Macy Gray – “Sail” (AWOLNATION cover) via iTunes, Amazon MP3. A bonus track remix features vocals by AWOLNATION’s Aaron Bruno.

BONUS: AWOLNATION’s “Sail” has gone platinum, so the band is giving it away as a free download via Facebook.