Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae releases her new album, The Sea today and it’s an album that you will definitely be hearing about all year long…

The Sea may at first come off as sweet easy listening but the emotional depth attached to this album is more than you would expect. The first sign, this is not the bouncy pop that fans heard on Corinne’s debut album. Second, the majority of the lyrics on this album are in direct reference to her husband’s sudden death in 2008, opening with the track, “Are You Here” that is sure to make you cry. You might just have it on repeat all day. Though this is a deeply personal record, it’s not about grief, it’s about love…it is a true tribute to the relationship that she had with her husband and it is so beautiful.

Corinne definitely deserves award recognition for her songwriting on this album. Songwriting wise, I especially love the track, “Diving For Hearts.” Beautiful. And the music…ah the music is an incredibly rich and impressive blend of R&B jazz, funk, blues, soul, and there’s a touch of rock that was unexpected in “The Blackest Lily.” The catchiest song is “Paris Nights / New York Mornings” which is the most lighthearted on the album and almost seems out of place but is easily enjoyable because it is reminiscent sound of her debut album. The only “misses” I would say are “Love’s On Its Way” and “Paper Dolls” as I just could not seem to connect with these tracks. 9/11 hits is good and you will not be disappointed with this album. In fact, I’m sure you will be hearing many good things about this album all year long, so make sure to pick it up today.

Catch Corinne Bailey Rae on tour this Spring and watch Corinne on TV…
Ellen on January 28th
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson January 29th
Late Show with David Letterman on March 1st
Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 8th

The Sea hits stores January 26, 2010.