Customer Reviews

Corinne Bailey Rae

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I heard a few cuts from Corinne on the online jazz station 102.2 Jazz FM (London). After some deep research I decided to try the album. I ordered it as an import and it BLEW my MIND. This Angelic creature has made a beautiful CD. I have the Bonus album with all her published songs and they ALL!!!! are good. Favorites-Butterfly and Breathless. Sit down pour a glass of something nice and hold on to the one you love. Open your ears and your heart and let this lady take you for a ride.

I've been a fan of Corinne Bailey Rae for years now, ever since her original album was released in the states a few years ago. I'd never owned my own copy because my mother's copy was on my computer (and therefore on my iPod), so when I did decide to buy one for myself, I shelled out a few extra dollars to get the import 2-CD deluxe edition for all the bonus tracks. I'll do a quick review of both discs here:

The initial album, the self-titled "Corinne Bailey Rae," is a stupendous feat of both songwriting and originality. It's simple to call Rae a soul singer; the truth is she's infused soul and jazz and and pop and even a little funk to create a style all her own to match her singularly unique vocals. From the opening guitar strings of the sweetly innocent "Like a Star" through to the complex "Seasons Change," there is not a song on the album that isn't a sultry, sweet joy to listen to.

Rae was the lead songwriter on this effort and her strength in lyrics and prose shows through on the shimmeringly emotive tracks "Enchantment" and "Breathless," as well as the uplifting fun of "Put Your Records On" and "I'd Like To." The few slow ballads aren't at all gloomy; indeed, there's a relaxing quality to the entire tone of the album that's as soothing as it is uplifting; one could listen to it falling to sleep or during a summer block party and get the same experience.

In the deluxe edition, we recieve an all-new second disc with ten all-new tracks. I'll start this off by saying that the second disc was a slight disappointment; the few new original songs by Rae weren't anywhere near as good as the stuff of the original album and one can immediately see why each track was left off of her debut. That's not to say that each one isn't immensely enjoyable, however.

Rae gives us four new original tracks, and immediate standouts are the lovely electronic rhythms of "Emeraldine" and the soft strains "Since I've Been Loving You." Fans of simple mixes will get a kick out of the alternate versions of "Enchantment [Amp Fiddler Remix]" and "I'd Like To [Weekender Remix]." Rae also covers Bjork's "Venus as a Boy" and Aretha Franklin's "Daydreaming" to great effect, paying credit to two of her many inspirations.

Ultimately, the deluxe edition is a great addition to any large fan of Rae's library, but the initial debut album is all that's really needed. No matter which you choose for yourself, I can guarantee that the listening experience will be one of the most satisfying and original musical experiences that's come out these past few years. Now that Rae has stated that she will soon be releasing her second album, I can hardly wait!

Five out of five stars.

Also recommended: Joss Stone, Sam & Ruby, Ani DiFranco, Jack Johnson

This is a great album. If you purchased the single disc album you might want to reconsider purchasing the double, import CD. It contains two extra songs not included on the double, deluxe album: ("I Won't Let You Lie To Yourself" and "Enchantment (amp fiddler remix)"). The music is very soulful in an eclectic way. It differentiates itself from being classified as "Rhythm and Blues" or "Pop". She defines her unique style in her rendition of tunes originally recorded by Led Zeppelin (Since I've Been Loving You), Aretha Franklin (Daydreaming), and Bjork (Venus As A Boy). You will probably enjoy the entire album if you can vibe to the previously released singles, "Put Your Records On" and "Like a Star". Her vocals are hypnotically soothing to the ear and this album will be remembered as a classic. It will withstand the test of time because it can hold up to repeated play. I am satisfied with this purchase and I will continue to enjoy this album in future listening.

I haven't recieved the CD yet !!! I ordered it at the first part of January and I haven't seen anything yet. The order said it could take about a month. Has this been shipped?