Corinne Bailey Rae made her debut in 2006 with “Like a Star”, a smooth, soulful ballad, introducing the English singer-songwriter with her signature soft-spoken sound. But the second single, “Put Your Records On”, brought stardom and pushed her eponymous album to No. 1 in its first week.
A little over two years later, though, her world came crashing down when her husband, 31-year-old musician Jason Rae, was found dead of an accidental drug overdose. In an interview with Billboard, Corinne explained, “There was a long period where I didn’t really hear any songs.” Fortunately, though, she began to make music again and her songwriting instinct ‘just started to reappear. I don’t know why, but I was glad to have it back.’”
“I really didn’t want to make the same record twice,” Corinne says of The Sea, her deeply personal, emotional sophomore effort, which she says in the liner notes, “like everything I do, is made to try and impress Jason Bruce Rae”. The opening track, “Are You Here”, begins “He’s a real live wire / He’s the best of his kind”, and the love and longing she feels is immediately evident and haunting. Written after an argument between the couple two months before Jason’s death, “I’d Do It All Again” details commitment to the relationship despite moments of difficulty.
But “I didn’t set out to write songs about grief,” Corinne says. The album switches gears and offers a bluesy-funk feel with “Feels Like the First Time” and the rock-infused jam session with ?uestlove on “The Blackest Lily”. Things slow down on “Closer” with its perfect symphony of horns and smooth, mellow groove. “Love’s On Its Way”, a macabre meandering of Corinne’s thoughts, and “I Would Like to Call It Beauty”, a sleepy tune reminiscent of a Ray LaMontagne track, may not be fan favorites, but even her worst isn’t too far off from her best.
“Paris Nights/ New York Mornings” is the album’s catchy track and could have easily been included on her debut with its bubbly, pop feel. “Paper Dolls”, though, almost feels out of place with its post-punk revival, but juxtaposed with “Diving for Hearts” and the ending title track, it somehow works.
Everyone isn’t going to like The Sea, but those who do will love it as Corinne approaches new territory and further solidifies herself as one of the top singer-songwriters of our day. Rooted in powerfully striking production, the album complements her sometimes lackadaisical voice and other times urges its strength accordingly. The Sea is a great album which only showcases the greatness to come.
im feeling the album…
I’m looking forward to this album…her 1st was beautiful.
I haven’t heard much from this album. Seems like she’s suffering a sophomore slump like Leona Lewis.
Wish her the best
I definately want to listen to this album, it sounds deep. However, I wasn’t a big fan of her first, some of the songs were incredibly beautiful but others were soo flat and dull. Anyhoo, she is a talented song-writer and I do like her style.
And J Dakar writes beautifully, surely he should be the music writer on CL.
i will be getting it. her 1st album is good driving music. and anything that’s compared to ray laMontagne , i’ll give a listen to…
I wish her the best, that poor girl has been through alot. There is something so earnest about her. True talent cant be denied, everybody I know loves her.
if you have never heard this lady sing, you are missing out. she is great!! i still listen to the first cd. my heart really goes out to her and i hope she gets the recognition she deserves!! much love to her
Listened to it and love it!! You can really hear the emotion in it….especially since her husband passed…very sweet and refreshing album…
Her Natural Hair looks Good SEA
OMG iCant wait to go get her album in store later today!!!! It be even nicer if iWin the CL giveaway!!!!
I thought the album was great! At first iDidnt love I’d Do It All Over Again, but I’m appreciating it.
Love Love Love Corinne B Rae!!!!
i posted a review of this great album last week! This album is STILL ON REPEAT on my computer……I am so happy Corrine is making such inspired music….Keep it Coming! We must all do our part to promote and support great musical talent like Corinne Bailey Rae
BUY THE ALBUM !
And iHighly doubt her album will do “badly”. Why wld you even say that?? she’s an appreciated artist.
I like Corinne and will give the album a try. Must support pure good music and talent.
love her. gorgeous girl, great talent
Going out today to purchase her CD.
i love the album
I like her album. It’s obviously not as upbeat as her first, but it’s definitely worth buying.
I love Corrine Bailey Rae….she looks amazing…..i love the hair and the music!
The album is so genuine and heartfelt… that’s what’s lacking in a lot of music these days…
Just bought the album and am making my way through all of the tracks. I definitely love it and think it should a musical maturing on her part. Loved the first album and love this one too! Good Job Corinne
She’s so talented and this is a true classic album!
It takes a cold heart to sacrifice another human being, Corrine. I hope it was worth it.
If not for this site, i wont have known she was releasing a new album…kmt
I’m pretty sure HMV won’t be selling it…..
I like corinne… Her songs are moving and evokes passion and pathos… I like songs that aren’t quite perfect… This is a black site so, most of you aren’t into her type of new wave soul… but get on point with it… she is the future!!
Someone needs to fire her publicist because I didn’t even know she was working on an album. Wish her the best of luck though. Not really into her genre of music so I wouldnt be buying this 1.
omg i love Corinne sooo much! i’m sooo excited for this album!
♥
I just want to give condolences. I didn’t know she was even old enough to be married. I can’t wait to hear her album play as I ride into work.
I bought it today
Who did Corrine sacrifice?
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22. visitor / Tuesday, January 26, 2010 /
It takes a cold heart to sacrifice another human being, Corrine. I hope it was worth it.
@ black730 :
Are you new to this site? Bc we here like a VARIETY of things, people, art, music, etc. We ARE into Corrine. All persons of Afr descent dont just like hip hop and rap. We like jazz, salsa, boss nova, soul, and what you call “Corrine’s new wave soul” !
| 24. black730
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 /
I like corinne… Her songs are moving and evokes passion and pathos… I like songs that aren’t quite perfect… This is a black site so, most of you aren’t into her type of new wave soul… but get on point with it… she is the future!!
I dont like “closer” but I do like “I’d Do It”..
I wont be buying the cd but good luck to her.
I love her hair!! Thank you CL and J Dakar!
I’ll Bailey Corinne’s Rae!
Beautiful girl
How old is she? She looks so young and been through so much! For a moment there I thought she was Malia Obama!
Haven’t stopped listening to it since I bought it earlier today.. I love Corinne. Always.. She’s quite the amazing.
Amazing!
Beautiful review. Im listening now
Boy, they give anybody a record deal…. This miserable (garden tool) won’t get my money
Her CD is going to be on fire. This album reminds me of a old Minnie Ripperton joint and I am definitely copping it.
I really love her CD, but I cant find it anywhere. Best Buy didnt carry it, nor did Target, or walmart. Where did u guys who have it buy it from?
Hot Hot Hot….can’t wait for the album. I already signed up for the for my pre-released copy. Ha Ha!!!!
Nice!
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