Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea: Digipack

All I can say is that I have been waiting for this album for a long time and it was worth the wait, I love her as a singer!

Corinne has only gone and delivered another album just as good as her self titled debut, which was out a few years back. I kind of knew that when the new album would surface, it would be something incredibly special and it truly is just that, as Corinne takes us in on her journey through every emotion she has faced over the past year or so since the tragic loss of her husband. Now although her debut was truly incredible, nothing could ever top that album and how truly magnificent it was, this new album is easily just as good. Obviously it's a little darker in places, but what do you expect from someone who has lost someone they truly loved? You are going to expect darker writings and songs that talk about losing that someone special, but with the amazing vocals that only an artist like Corinne Bailey Rae could provide.

I love the album and could easily play it from beginning to finish, just like Corinne's debut, without skipping a song and that really is how you predict an amazing album. Corinne has quite easily shown us that she has exactly what it takes to last within the music industry.

as much as i want to ( because I love CBR)can't quite enjoy this album
as much as her debut album.
I agree with a previous reviewer that her beautiful voice is sometimes
lost in some of the heavier tracks which is a shame as it is her greatest
asset. Although there are some good songs on this album , The Sea and Are
you here being my favourites there are not enough uplifting tracks to put
a smile on your face as with the previous album. I understand the reasons
for this so I and am already looking forward to seeing how this transpires in
to her next album.

It sounds very harsh of me to say this but sometimes grief, sorrow, the loss of a loved one can bring out hidden depths and talents that would have remained undiscovered if the sadness had not appeared. Many of the best blues and gospel songs are based on hardship and heartache that make hearing these songs, sometimes a bitter sweet experience - "The Sea," Corinne Bailey Rae's second album reminds me of this.

Rae's husband, saxophonist Jason Rae, accidentally overdosed on methadone and alcohol in March 2008. This sadness has inspired Corinne to create an album that is heartfelt, regretful but optimistic and she displays a mature songwriting style that has enabled her to both mourn and celebrate her loss.

The chorus of the opening track is a fine example of this
"Are you here
Are you here
Are you here, cause my heart recalls that
It all seems the same
It all feels the same"

It sums up the way that a distressed dreaming soul can sometimes almost recreate their own happiness until the reality of the loss returns and one is reminded of the pain.

But don't think that it's all doom and gloom - they are some fine songs here such as the uplifting Paris Nights/New York Mornings, Feels Like the First Time and The Blackest Lily where she sings "Colour My Heart - Make it Restart". She has a fine voice which she uses well, is backed by a good band and has developed her song writing skills well from her first album, which was too poppy in parts - I look forward to the future music of Corinne Bailey Rae.

Laughing Dog - musicforthemonth

I absolutely adored Corrine Bailey Rae's first album. Her voice is beautiful and songs were so multi-layered and atmospheric. This album however doesn't quite hit the mark. The songs lean towards melancholy but they don't tug my heart strings (although it's all personal taste). It's been downgraded to background music, which is not a good sign.