Corinne Bailey-Rae - The Sea (Good Groove/Virgin)
Melancholy meets masterful on wistful soul songstresses’ new arrival ****
To many, Corinne Bailey-Rae is still defined by the two singles that launched her onto the UK music scene back in 2006. “The Sea” doesn’t quite represent a goodbye to the feel-good soul vibe of “Put Your Records On” but the record certainly suggests a changed woman.
“The Sea” is an album that intertwines life and death. The loss of her husband (saxophonist Jason Rae) plays a significant role in some of the songs and performances here, creating equally great moments of tragedy and triumph.
Eyes to heaven, Bailey-Rae begins with “Are You Here” a calling card to her lost love and in the context of her recent bereavement it’s obvious that the vocal and instrumental anguish here is real. Gladly enough Bailey-Rae doesn’t dwell on despair throughout the entire record. A classic-sounding soul romp “The Blackest Lily” is enough to keep the foot tapping for the remainder of the record and “Paris Nights/New York Mornings” is an affirmation of life in the fast lane –a steadfast commitment to staying alive.
Facing death with elegance and style has resulted in an album that is a tribute to a man who is credited with opening a young Corrine’s eyes to the delights of jazz and soul. The production, at a moments notice swells from low-key to epic on several tracks and Bailey-Rae’s at times whimpering vocal is in danger of being swamped by the orchestral emotion – but she always pulls it through.
Caught up in the web she spins its Corrine’s emotion that we feel – her loss and her tragedy. In the moments of darkness she finds light and beauty. Despite the surely cathartic nature of creating this record, Bailey-Rae has dredged up a mini masterpiece that leaves us satisfied for now, but ultimately looking forward to the future.
Steve McNeill
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