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Corinne Bailey RaeCorinne Bailey Rae Goodgroove/EMI Corinne Bailey Rae is emerging to be the exciting fresh face of UK soul music, with critics unable to contain themselves about her star potential. Coming out of Leeds, this 26 year old singer, songwriter, soulstress has been touted as a "more soulful Norah Jones" or "a slice of Billie Holiday". I wouldn't go that far myself, but that is not to say that Rae does not possess the talent to make a big impact. This self-titled debut album is a safe production with an easy listening vibe and uncomplicated lyrics. It just does enough to attract and maintain a listen. The debut single and the album opener Like A Star is an excellent introduction to who Rae is as a singer and songwriter: her voice has a delicate wispiness, almost a sexual fragility that is immediately attractive to the listener. However, it is probably not until the uplifting track Put Your Records On that you gain an insight into Rae's infectious pop appeal, reminiscent of Nelly Furtado's interpretation of R'n'B music. Rae continues to utilize her soft vocals on the achingly beautiful Till It Happens To You, and the indie soul ballad of Choux Pastry Heart. Not one to be typecast, Rae also belts it out with the more R'n'B-style Trouble Sleeping, Breathless and Butterfly, and she gets down and dirty with the funky I'd Like To. This is a nice and soulful little debut. It has enough in its content and vibe to warrant a listen; and it's particularly impressive from someone who considers Led Zeppelin a huge influence and at 15 was playing guitar in an indie band! The immediate impact of this album is positive and refreshing; the question is whether it has enough appeal to make Rae's career universal and sustainable.  |
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