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. Dot Music
    80
    The leap in quality is clear from the album's opening bars.
  2. BBC Music
    80
    The Sea, produced as per the debut by Steve Brown and Steve Chrisanthou, is no self-indulgent lack of tunes-fest. Even at its bleakest--"Closer," say, or "Love's on Its Way," where there is "blood on the streets"--the music and melodies draw you in, and even when they follow their own lushly orchestrated circuitous path, they seem to dare you to drift away.
  3. Paste Magazine
    78
    The record is refreshingly eclectic, adding several new layers to Rae's previous blend of classic soul and modern R&B.
  5. Billboard.com
    86
    In grappling with the sudden death of her husband in 2008, the U.K. singer/songwriter has crafted a remarkable set that includes influences from rock and jazz, rich instrumentation and lyrics that linger well beyond the first listen.
  6. musicOMH.com
    90
    Corinne Bailey Rae has completed a remarkable comeback, against titanic odds, and for that she should be applauded. But to do it with a record as powerful as this is extraordinary.
  7. Uncut
    80
    It's a delicate, individual record, from the same neighbourhood as Paul Weller's recent excursions in rustic soul, but instead of Weller's creosotey vocals, the emotion is carried in a Minnie Riperton trill.
  8. AllMusic
    80
    It doesn't offer any answers, but The Sea is a testament to Rae's artistic growth as it provides comfort to those left on the wistful side of eternal love, and insight to those who are not.
  9. The Guardian
    80
    Even allowing for occasional swoops into blandish neo-soul, Rae has made an album she'll have trouble bettering.
  10. Rolling Stone
    70
    Her latest is both reckoning and rebirth.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    What makes it all work is her lithe voice, as eloquent an instrument as ever.
  12. Boston Globe
    80
    The eleven songs on The Sea are richer, much less accessible, and marked by a sense of loss and introspection. Bailey Rae moves closer to capturing the vividness of her live shows as she allows her bluesier and rock sides to emerge with hints of jazz in her vocal phrasings.
  13. PopMatters
    70
    The Sea is a richer effort than her debut. Given its inspiration, it forges a darker and more sophisticated sonic palette.
  14. Los Angeles Times
    100
    The Sea is a remarkable accomplishment. It's a step toward something--Rae's inner peace, and her next artistic breakthrough--that has its own considerable rewards.
  15. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 9, 2012
    80
    A great vocal performance and solid musicianship from the backing band result in a record well worth the time.
  16. Q Magazine
    80
    It's to Bailey Rae's credit that never for one second does the album feel exploitative or mawkish, just truthful and real. [Mar 2010, p.94]
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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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