Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae

She was identified early on by the music press as an artist to watch in 2006, and, unlike is often the case, Corinne Bailey Rae has proven the hype to be prescient. This album introduces a gorgeous voice with a knack for pop melody that sounds simultaneously familiar (bringing to mind Sade, for one) and exotically new (the opening "three litt-le birds" of "Put Your Records On"). This is one of the most memorable pop debuts of the year.

You'll want to turn up the volume for this album. If you don't, you will miss the beautifully intricate kaleidoscope of colors, from jazz to blues and pop and back again, that emanate from Corinne Bailey Rae's voice. Frequently, the backing instrumentation is mixed down low to make room for the vocals, but you won't want to miss the jazzy interplay of guitar, drums, strings and organ. Just as you begin to let the music float into the background, your attention will be riveted by a new turn of a note or juxtaposition of plucked guitar and quivering strings.

While there is a remarkably consistent feel to much of Corinne Bailey Rae, "Put Your Records On," the ebullient hymn to self-discovery, still stands out. Co-written by Corinne Bailey Rae, John Beck, and Steve Chrisanthou, "Put Your Records On" is the massive pop hook that has reeled in countless listeners to explore her music further. It has already reached #1 at home in the UK and is starting to climb radio airplay charts in the US.

"Like a Star," the first single released from the album, is nearly as successful at grabbing a listener's attention, but it is the intensely quiet moments that resonate instead of the joyful pop melody of "Put Your Records On." This music is as comfortable in a pop radio playlist as in intimate personal listening.

The first half of Corinne Bailey Rae is so powerfully riveting that it is no wonder the album flags somewhat in the final 5 songs. This prevents this collection from deserving more than 4 out of 5 stars, but the album remains pleasant throughout the entire length. The melodies are less obvious, and the arrangements become more predictable, but don't miss the jazzy, gospel-ish raveup that concludes this set's final tune "Seasons Change."

Following the success of "Put Your Records On," Corinne Bailey Rae became only the 4th female solo performer in the history of the UK pop music charts to debut at #1 with her first album. This collection scaled the UK charts effortlessly. It will take more time for popularity to build in the US, but nearly everyone who takes the time to listen to Corinne Bailey Rae comes out entranced by the experience. This album will be around when Grammy Awards are being handed out in February, 2007.