| Product: |
Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae |
| Date: |
16/03/06 (2457 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Soulful, haunting melodies with meaningful lyrics.
Disadvantages: Immediately want more.
I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to writing album reviews but after hearing this hauntingly brilliant piece of work from the tremendously talented Corinne Bailey Rae, I felt compelled to share my feelings with you all.
I’m aware that this style of music will not appeal to all tastes but for those of you who love Put Your Records On – you can’t miss it at the moment on the radio – then I would definitely recommend going to her website to get a glimpse of other tracks from the album.
***The Woman***
When I first read on the website that Corinne was from Leeds, I was a little surprised to say the least as she has a sound which is reminiscent of the deep south of America and the blues style that emanated from there in the 1930s and 40s.
At 26 it may seem like she is a late developer for starting a singing career but she has been very busy since her early years singing in the church choir and learning to play electric guitar. Growing up her musical background was influence by the mighty Led Zepplin and at 15 she helped form a band called Helen. Despite the strange name they were offered a record deal but the band broke up and Corinne went off the Leeds University where she acquired a degree in English Literature. Working in a Jazz Club to help pay her way, it was there where she moved onto a more blues style of music and was signed up last year by EMI.
***The Sound***
I mentioned earlier that she reminds me of a singer from the 30s and 40s – that singer was Billie Holiday who has been a personal favourite of mine for many years now. Corinne’s voice is very similar at times to the haunting vocalist of years gone by and this is probably the reason I was immediately drawn to finding out more about this new album.
To start with I wasn’t even sure who sang ‘Put Your Records On’ and just put in a search for the title. I soon found her website http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net and was delighted to discover that there were little snippets of some of the tracks from the album to listen to as I read about the lady herself.
Totally hooked by the amazing melodies and relaxing tones which made me wish for summer sunshine, I decided there and then that this was a must have album and I bought it immediately.
***The Songs***
Like A Star
This tells a story of how there can be arguments in any relationship, especially the most perfect ones, but instead of being negative as a lot of songs are, it makes me feel like there is hope for us all where love is true. The simple rhythmic lyrics and soulful tune makes this first track one of my favourites.
Enchantment
Although this has quite strong lyrics and is a little bit livelier than some of the tracks it is not one of the best songs on the album and I feel it is a bit repetitive. This one will probably grow on me in time but not one I could listen to repeatedly as with some of the others.
Put Your Records On
What a wise choice for her first single. This song is upbeat whilst managing to remain soulful. Stating that it’s ok to make mistakes, you just have to pick yourself up again. The chorus is one that many of you will find yourself singing along to all day as it gets into your head, even if it’s not a favourite. I love this one as it brings back memories of me as a teenager, in my room, singing along to favourite songs with my friends, just chilling and sharing our happy times.
Till It Happens To You
A real ballad, this one is another great in my opinion. Telling the story of how difficult it can be when a strong relationship, that you thought was forever, goes sour and how you never thought the good times will end. Something most of us will be able to associate with. This is a good track for showing the power in Corinne’s voice blended with the softness too.
Trouble Sleeping
Very appropriate title for me as my 4-year-old son has been keeping me awake at nights recently. The lyrics however are about how trying to deny feelings for a new love in your life can keep you awake at nights, as you can’t get them out of your head. This is a slightly more upbeat song and is easy to sing along to. The best bit has to be the trumpet in the background, which adds to the old style feel of this song.
Call Me When You Get This
This is another one that doesn’t have such a strong impact on me but is still very easy to listen to as background music. It tells a story of two people who are separated but stay in touch through the power of the pen. Nothing particularly new here and it’s not a favourite for me.
Choux Pastry Heart
A story of how a heart can be compared to the sweet, fragile pastry that is easily broken. This is a lovely slow one for those heartbroken souls out there. I’m sure anyone who has loved and lost feels they want to hide away like Corinne says in the song ‘until never dawns’.
Breathless
A happier song this time although it is still a relatively slow one. Telling a story of how just hearing the one you love call your name can make you feel breathless and full of love. This is a gentle song, which probably isn’t one of the strongest on the album but still has its good points and shows Corinne’s range of notes well.
I’d Like To
A lovely upbeat summer song that immediately gets your feet tapping. This is quite catchy and tells of long hot days spent with a loved one. Not as addictive as Put Your Records On but definitely one to get you singing along to.
Butterfly
The sound of Corinne’s voice sends shivers down my spine on this track for some reason. Maybe it’s because she sounds so much like Billie Holiday here that it gets to me or maybe it’s the lyrics that tell a story of how memories can trigger feelings from long ago. Either way, it’s a great track.
Seasons Change
The last one of the album leaves you with a feeling of hope that if you hold on metaphorically speaking, through the dull autumn and cold winter, then brighter spring and hotter summer will surely follow. This is a song of not giving up when things are bad in your life and how in the words of the song ‘everything happens for a reason’. I feel that this is a good ending to the album as it offers lots more in the future and although this in the end there will be more round the corner.
***My Thoughts***
You’ve probably already guessed that I’m going to give this one 5 stars, as although there are a couple of weaker tracks here and there the rest are so strong that you hardly notice them. I can’t wait for the summer months to arrive so I can lie out in the garden with my mp3 player and relax to the fantastic sounds of Corinne’s haunting melodies and powerful lyrics that complement each other perfectly.
It doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that this album went straight to the top of the charts and sold over 100,000 copies in the first week of release, all on the strength of one track. There have been many albums I have bought in the past after liking one song and regretted it immediately as the rest of the songs haven’t lived up to my expectations but not so with this one. Each track promises a soulful experience and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a bit of relaxing, hot sunny day sounds.
***Price and Availability***
You can get this just about anywhere at the moment since it’s release on the 27th February this year. You can download separate tracks for 99p each from Corinne’s website or for £7.99 for the whole album if that’s how you prefer to get your music or you can buy it cheapest from £6.99 from www.4cheapcds.com who have free postage so gives you a great bargain.
Summary: If you liked Billie Holiday then try this.
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