Sometimes the second album from a person or group comes across as weaker than the debut, but I don't think that applies to "The Sea" by Corinne Bailey Rae. The album shows growth and exploration by a wonderful vocalist. It also has a very personal side to it after her husband's death. It is as if the listener is allowed in to view things from Rae's viewpoint, and this undoubtedly is one of the strengths of this album. Another strength of the album is the mixing of R&B and Jazz, with occasionally Rock, Gospel, and other elements as well. And always, the amazing vocals bring it all together in this unusual and wonderful mix.
The album opens with the title track "Are You Here", a song in which she deals with the grief over the death of her husband. This is followed by "I'd Do It All Again", which according to Rae was written almost immediately after an argument with her husband, focusing on the idea that even at the worst point, she would choose to do it all again, i.e. make the same choices and live the same life. "Feels like the First Time" also displays this mix of emotions from loss and despair to hope. "The Blackest Lily" is a big step closer to rock, with a fast tempo, torrid lyrics, and a blistering guitar solo. "Closer" reverses direction back towards R&B and a slower and yet just as powerful erotic song.
"Love's On Its Way" moves away from Rae's personal life to a comment on society, but still it is a personal song from her reaction to violence in society. "I Would Like To Call It Beauty" is a song which she co-wrote with her husband returns to the theme of grief and loss. Some may feel that "Paris Nights / New York Mornings" feels out of place on this album, both musically and lyrically, and yet somehow it and "Paper Dolls" work as a nice break from the deeply personal songs which dominate the album. "Paper Dolls" differs from both the dominant theme of the album, and from the more pop and upbeat "Paris Nights" which comes before, but as with its predecessor, I think it adds to the diversity of the album. "Diving for Hearts" returns to the theme of grief vs. hope which dominates the album. It leads well into the closing title song, "The Sea" is a beautiful ballad to close the album, again about loss though this time it is from a story about her grandfather's death.
This is a very fine album, which I enjoy quite a bit. I suspect that some will find it uneven with some of the tracks not fitting with the overall theme, but I don't' see a problem with not having every song be about recovering from a personal loss and turning grief into hope. With this album the listener experiences to some extent the grief and the hope felt by Corinne Bailey Rae, and overall it leaves one with the feeling of hope for the future of Rae, both personally and professionally.
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I absolutely LOVE the first album - which is always a worry when buying the second as expectations are so high. This album does not disappoint. The music has evolved, but the general vibe is similar enough for the listener to cope with the transition. If you asked me which is my fave out of the two, I would still say the first, but equally, I love the second, it's still brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone.
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