Corinne Bailey Rae

As I have found to be the case recently, the songs for which new artists become famous are rarely representative either of their abilities or of their album as a whole. I'm very pleased that this is the case with Corinne Bailey Rae, whose breakout hit 'Put Your Records On' received a lot of radio play, for it is indeed thankfully not representative of what is a truly excellent album. 'Put Your Records On' is unquestionably the most upbeat and commercial offering to be found on this album. Those who want more of the same are likely to be in for disappointment with this album. And I, for one, am glad!

With the exception of 'Put Your Records On', which I don't actually dislike, Corinne Bailey Rae has produced a truly stunning debut album with a really satisfying blend of some contemporary and traditional soul grooves. The album also hints at influences from Jazz and R&B (in the more traditional sense), the combination of which provide Corinne with a wonderfully rich and varied backdrop against which to show off her exceptional vocal talent. Often achieving a silky smoothness in her singing reminiscent of Norah Jones (which is no mean feat), Corinne Bailey Rae is at her absolute best on songs like 'Enchantment' (which is without equal on this and many other albums), 'Like A Star' and 'Till It Happens To You'.

This is by no means a one-dimensional, softly-softly album throughout though as evidenced by the up-tempo and extremely catchy 'I'd Like To' which is much more in step with traditional R&B than some of the aforementioned soul/jazz inspuired numbers. It sits more than comfortably in the same up-tempo bracket as 'Put Your Records On', 'Trouble Sleeping', and 'Call Me When You Get This'. From a personal taste point of view, with the exception of 'I'd Like To', I much prefer the slower, softer, and more mellow material on offer here. Whichever you prefer though, you surely won't be disappointed with this excellent offering from one of Britain's brightest up and coming stars.

I'm very happy Corinne's back. Her voice is stunning, really rich and sultry, of of those that make me shiver. Great songs too, she worked with writer Steve Bush. I've come across another UK artist who's working with him at the moment; they should get together and sing a duet! If you like Corinne it will be well worth looking Kelly Erez up... Glad Corinne's overcome everything she's been through, they say music is a healer and it's very true. Here's to UK talent!!

I love this album you can sit and listen to it or its great background music and you never find a track you want to skip.

I loved her since I saw her on Jools Holland years ago and was glad to see she is finally back in the studio.

Very good album just a shame about the 25 minute blank at the end and the difficulty in putting on an MP3 player, wouldn't buy another cd of hers no matter how good it is beacause of the above.