Thursday, January 21, 2010

Music for the Heart and Soul



I fell in love with Corinne Bailey Rae the first time I saw her video for Just Like a Star from her album "Put Your Records On" on VH1 Soul.

Her deep, sensual, and bluesy voice was refreshing and as a lover of soul and R&B, I couldn't but help fall head over heels with her music. She was another black female artist that I could appreciate from my generation. She was another Jill Scott/Floetry/ Les Nubians for me; and it was just what I needed, especially as the other music of the time (2006/7) was sorely lacking in creativity and talent. I remember distinctly how excited I was after buying her album (a true feat as I do not tend to buy CDs). I also recall just when my mother began to jokingly complain that she would go crazy if she heard that CD played one more time. I even forced my poor mother to sit through a Corinne Bailey Rae music marathon just so I could try to make her understand just how amazing Corinne was.

I was extremely sadden when I heard of her husband's tragic death and I prayed, albeit selfishly, that this wouldn't end her career and that she would come out stronger than ever. She was the music I craved after a long day to soothe my soul. She had given me the hope that soulful music could hit it mainstream and that more black artists from all over the world could make it to the limelight. Therefore, I was extremely excited when I received that email from her website declaring her return. And she has not disappointed me or her legions of other faithful fans.
I'm not here to review her latest album "The Sea", but I will say that any fears I had regarding a lousy return where shattered upon listening to this masterful display of talent.

If I was to pick a favorite track it would probably be "Are You Here", track 1 on the album. But that will probably change when I listen to the album further. Another fantastic track (they all are really...) is "I'd Do It All Again":

If you haven't listened to Corinne Bailey Rae previously or haven't checked out her latest album, definitely give a listen. It's very much worth it and the appreciation of good music and talented artists is very much needed this day and age.