Corinne Bailey Rae

iTunes Review

Corinne Bailey Rae’s voice is equal parts polish and grit, reminiscent of both Billie Holiday and Macy Gray, moving naturally from funky to sultry often within the same song. (And the overall production sound is reminiscent somehow of...coffee...) She could easily go over the top with pipes this silky, but stays on the tasteful side, reigning herself in and creating a mood instead of self-consciously showing off. This debut features mostly soulful ballads and down-tempo tunes that lend themselves to gently swaying in a comfortable chair rather than running for a dance floor -- the exception being the positively infectious “Put Your Records On,” a catchy, spirited song with a killer hook and sing-along chorus. Sharply produced and arranged just this side of slick, the album features understated strings and horns, smooth organ fills, and gentle guitar grooves, all of which add to the late-night vibe without ever getting in the way of the voice. This is a strong and satisfying start from a young woman with the potential to be the next big thing.