The Sea
by Corinne Bailey Rae
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 26, 2010
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Like its physical namesake, The Sea is capable of being dull and flat, but at its most winning it provides glimpses of a new horizon shining beyond the riptides of pain and sorrow.
  2. Slant Magazine
    60
    It's easy to be fatigued by this album. The moment the rhythm breaks, as with "Closer," it's a struggle to reengage with music that is so intensely personal, so overwhelmingly desolate and yet somehow unmemorable.
  3. Spin
    60
    The mournful ballads are achingly pretty, but Rae is most compelling when trying to distract herself from her loss.
  5. Mojo
    60
    At its best, though, The Sea is not just honest and cathartic, but jaw-dropping - and a difficult call for any critic. [Feb 2010, p. 93]
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  6. NOW Magazine
    60
    The album, her best to date, would've worked better had she dived into the sea of sadness instead of dipping her toe in from song to song.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
  1. Scot11087
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    For someone who felt great loss this year, this album came just at the right time. Puts into words every feeling and stage of grief there is,For someone who felt great loss this year, this album came just at the right time. Puts into words every feeling and stage of grief there is, the confusion, the pain, the anger, until you reach that place were despite being torn apart you have reached a point were you have learnt to live with that part of you that will always being missing but have hope for the future. The lasting message you take away from the album is. life does go on. que sera sera.… Full Review »
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