Corinne Bailey Rae Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
Corinne Bailey Rae's star rose fast when her single "Put Your Records On" began speaking to the heart of so many in early 2006. Still, her self-titled debut album had "legs" and a year later casual music fans were still discovering and falling in love with her warm, smooth, and touching music. Giving the established fans something new without the hazard of confusing newcomers, Live in London & NY is a pleasurable live set that does more than placehold. It actually displays what a strong performer Rae is and flushes out her character a bit more than her shade-too-lazy debut. Two shows are presented -- London on the DVD and New York on the CD -- and they're different enough to be distinct, suggesting the singer pegs the feel of different audiences and venues like an artist in concert should. Perhaps her band is a little too stiff, sounding like hired hands that could be working for someone entirely different tomorrow. This is overcome by the always connectable main attraction and her enthusiasm for the material, plus some smart arrangements that expand and strengthen the songs. A fringe release but a strong one that complements her debut. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
When songstress Corinne Bailey Rae released her sashaying single "Put Your Records On" in her native U.K. it was a feel-good adult alternative phenomenon -- a kind of Norah Jones, Joss Stone, David Gray, or Macy Gray phenomenon. One listen to her breakout soft soul anthem and it's easy to hear why, since Rae is a mix of all the above but not a contrived one concocted by some major label's scientist. Her self-titled debut sounds a wee rushed and sometimes meanders its way into background music territory, but this comfortable effort is pleasingly homegrown, warm, and poignant in parts, especially when Rae doesn't weaken her strong lyrics with space-filling "doo de do do do"s and "mmmmmmm"s. So if she doesn't make an Alicia Keys-size splash with her debut, she's still a breath of fresh air, and hardly a one-hit wonder. It's risky to open an album with a lazy ballad, but the great "Like a Star" paints Rae as Billie Holiday's pop-influenced granddaughter. Mellowing Style Council or Brand New Heavies fans should dig "Trouble Sleeping," while "Butterfly" beautifully captures the full range of emotions that come with leaving the nest. The well-written and direct "Butterfly" suggests Rae could release a more accomplished full-length someday, but attention to "feel" often seems like the driving force in this album's creation. Adjust your expectations accordingly and Rae's languid debut is very rewarding. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
