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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Corinne Bailey Rae
EMAILPRINTby Corinne Bailey Rae
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 19 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Capitol
Release Date: 20 June 2006
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Soul
Summary
The Leeds, England neo-soul singer makes her debut with this self-titled album, on which she also handles the instrumentation and songwriting duties.
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Amazon.com
Occasionally evokes the feeling of a '70s Bill Withers classic, while bringing inflections of Zero 7 and Alicia Keys to her grooves as well.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
There's nothing fancy about her songs... but there is magic in the way she sings them. [Apr 2006, p.112]
Entertainment Weekly
It's extremely agreeable, a bit predictable, and occasionally irresistible. [23 Jun 2006, p.70]
Los Angeles Times
The tunes... are anything but heavy, blending pop-R&B, jazz, trip-hop and vintage disco flavors into sophisticated, sexy numbers with the lush tranquillity of Sade and the earthy polish of '70s-era Stevie Wonder. [4 Jun 2006]
Blender
Rae's music sticks in your mind like a pleasant scent you wish would linger. [Jun 2006, p.143]
All Music Guide
Her self-titled debut sounds a wee rushed and sometimes meanders its way into background music territory, but this comfortable effort is pleasingly homegrown, warm, and poignant in parts.
Read Full Review >Slant Magazine
Rae's amiable competence marks her as a talent worth keeping tabs on, but the strength of Corinne Bailey Rae is fleeting, a triumph of mood over tangible substance.
Read Full Review >Spin
When things are going right, she reverentially nods to the sumptuous aesthetic that defined Marvin Gaye's What's Going On; when her form slips, it's like Dido gone "groovy." [Jul 2006, p.82]
New Musical Express
If you don't mind the odd reflective moment, the odd luscious production value, then this has plenty to offer. [25 Mar 2006, p.37]
Rolling Stone
Corinne Bailey Rae is as pop-wise as it is overly gentle and one to grow on.
Read Full Review >E! Online
Weighed down with bland lyrics and blander arrangements, it meanders off into chick-rock clichés and lazy easy-listening melodies.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
After such a promising start, Bailey Rae and her stable of producers simply lose momentum.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Chris gave it a9:
Nice to see someone making music with some care to it lasting. I'd like to see her improve the lyrics-- there are flashes of excellence, but then retreats to cliches. Still, in a world full or bragging rap abd screaming rock, this album is refreshing.
C Dub gave it a5:
The lushness and quirky uniqueness of Raes voice caught my attention upon my very first listen of "Put your record on". Unfortunately the goosebumps which populated my arms after this one listen, as they do every time I think I've made a new musical "discovery" for myself, were nowhere to be seen upon my initial listening of Corinne's full length. While it's few high points deliver some memorable (and infectiously hum-able) melodies, the majority of this album seems tailor made for the docile and inattentive ears of Gap shoppers and bank queuers everwhere. It is at no point is it offensive or irritating, nor is it rousing, inspiring, engaging or challenging.
jennifer gave it a7:
This album is a beautiful wind down at the end of the day type CD. Corinne’s voice is soothing and the lyrics are thoughtful. Her sound is magical and her poetic stories are real. As a woman in her mid twenties, it speaks to my life at it has been and as it is now. She is a true British gem and I cannot wait to see what she turns out next.
Evan gave it a9:
I love this album. It may not be ground breaking, but it is just good. Her voice and playfll tone is the highlight.
slobodan gave it a10:
marvelous songs, really amazing
Ana Elena C gave it a10:
Really fabulous!!!! voice, music, everything.
John D gave it a2:
VH1, please stop recommending music; your scale of awesomeness is way off mark. Let's see, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Jamie Cullum, James Blunt, Daniel Powter, and the Fray. With the exception of KT Tunstall, you have proven to not have a good ear for music. Corinne Bailey Rae...I've heard this stuff before. I didn't like it then, and my opinion has only grown harsher for the "poet who can sing". Unoriginal arrangements, hackneyed lyrics, and a voice that's merely pretty. This, of course, translates into revenue for Capitol, and it helps the industry who wants to keep everyone's expectations low so that they can market more artists like her. Here's a tip...get Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood". Or Beth Orton's "Comfort of Strangers". Both have better arrangements, better lyrics, and better songs than "Corinne Bailey Rae", and therefore, are better albums. I trust VH1 with "Flavor of Love", and not much else. What happened...to the human race?
