Maroon Weekly

CD Review: The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae

When she released her eponymous debut album in 2006, Corinne Bailey Rae was an instant sensation, earning Grammy nominations and a number one spot on the R&B Albums chart.

Naturally, expectations were high for a follow-up album, and the stage was set for the singer-songwriter to continue her meteoric rise in the world of music. However, work came to a tragic halt in March of 2008 when her husband, Jason Rae, died of an accidental drug overdose.

After his death, the devastated Corinne took an extended hiatus from music. When she finally returned to recording in 2009, she allowed the events of that year to shape her new music. In The Sea, not only did she produce an astounding work, Rae dealt with the demons of suffering in a breathtaking way.

Fittingly enough, the work opens with “Are You Here,” perhaps one of the most emotionally raw songs on an album full of them. After a naked guitar lead-in, Rae croons “He’s a real live wire/ He’s the best of his kind,” a not so subtle allusion to her late spouse.

Knowing the story behind the music makes the song such a heartbreaker, it is almost hard to listen to and not because it does not sound good (her voice is still a soft and beautiful marvel). Rae is bearing her soul so openly that even the stoniest of hearts will be moved. If one song has to be the best of the album, this is it.

She does not let up either. “I’d Do It All Again” follows the opener and continues the slow pace. With a gloomy closer like “You’re searching for something I know won’t make you happy,” you can feel the intense pain in her pretty voice.

Although the majority is, do not assume that the whole record is downbeat. Rae speeds up the tempo with the more conventionally pop sounding “Paris Nights/New York Mornings,” one of the few songs that sound like it would be Single Release material. The Sea is just simply not a mass market type of album.

Yet, Rae has still produced an immensely engaging work. Midway through, she lets her voice smolder seductively on “Closer,” and allows some cunningly catchy percussion beats to sneak into her other songs.

“The Blackest Lily” throws in some funk, adding to the already interesting mix on the rest of the record, which contains jazzy trumpets, R&B sentimentality and even some rocker hints.

Even with these upbeat sections, there is no denying that this is a work born of sadness so incomprehensible that it will turn a few listeners away. The wrenching opening is such a departure from her previous work that it may be hard for fans to get used to.

Rather than be scared of The Sea, embrace the gloom and experience the beauty within the grief. If you do, by the time the titular song rolls around to end the album, you will see the redemptive nature of The Sea.

Rae did not simply wallow in her sorrow and put out a collection of downer songs. She took a journey through her songwriting and through her recordings, a journey that ultimately appears to have led to a peaceful resolution.

“Put Your Records On,” this is not and it will be interesting to see how The Sea is ultimately received. When it comes down to it, if you want an easily accessible pop album with catchy upbeat tunes, you won’t find it here.

But if you want to experience a record full of expertly crafted music, haunting songwriting and incredible vocal performances, pick up a copy of The Sea today.

4.5 out of 5 Stars.