Description:
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. 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. Rae's languid debut is very rewarding. |