CD Review

“Corrine Bailey Rae” by Corrine Bailey Rae

Rating: Five Stars

With sincere lyrics and soothing progressions, Corrine Bailey Rae’s self-titled debut album has captured the attention of listeners all over America and most of the world. The British musician released the set earlier this year, and it’s a subtle reflection of her minimalistic yet profound interpretations of life. Songs rarely exceeding three minutes in duration take everyday occurrences and present them from a thoughtful perspective. Rae’s heartfelt words dance on your cerebellum, while the rest of your mind wraps around her simple melodies.

From the lullaby “Like A Star” at the beginning of the album, to the feel-good “Put Your Records On” and the conversational “Call Me When You Get This,” Rae expresses her revelations, which seem to often come to her at the midnight hour. Her music has an air of soul without any unwelcome weightiness, leaving the listener’s ears light and open. Her voice, reminiscent of classic singers such as Billie Holiday and laced with the flavor of a more contemporary generation, proves calming, comforting and completely composed to perfection.

Far more than just a vocalist, Rae shows her color as a soulful and creative musician, too. She has a writing credit on each song recorded on this album. Rae’s music may perhaps be an acquired taste, but her songs at all times convey a peaceful and pensive personality that floats through your head and into your heart. Once your buds have adjusted to her classic but also modern sound, this album should prove to easily get you through a lonely night or rush hour traffic, triumph or adversity, excitement or depression. I can only hope that this collection is merely an introduction to Rae’s artistry that she will further explore and more fully develop in years to come.

Amber Sembly / VOX Staff