Perhaps the best way to describe Corinne Bailey Rae is "above average.
" She has an above average voice, backed by above average music.
Her last album, eponymously titled, was above average.
So is this one.
If you're looking for greatness, look somewhere else.
However, if Rae does have a gift, it's that she knows exactly how to take advantage of what talent she does have.
She is to R&B what Nora Jones is to pop music; a moderately talented, personable singer makes very good background music.
On The Sea, Rae doesn't drift far from her previous musical territory - she spends most of her time complacently gliding over smooth, airy backgrounds.
If the music is unextraordinary, it's also very satisfying; it sounds much like her album cover looks.
Rae's voice and music is a picnic on a sunny day - light, breezy and free flowing.
Lyrically, The Sea is much more reflective than it sounds.
It actually contains some fairly bleak moments, and this creates a conflicting duality between the music and lyrics that adds depth that hasn't been present in her music before.
Furthermore, there's a duality to the lyrics themselves.
Corinne isn't particularly clever, but she establishes a combating sentiments of longing, loss and satisfaction - nowhere stronger than in the title song.
It's evident that Corinne has grown as a lyricist, and it adds a definite lasting appeal that wouldn't be here otherwise.
The Sea is definitely stronger during it's faster, more groove heavy moments.
When the album slows down (as above), it suffers from Corinne's lack of strong vocal ability.
This happens far too often, bogging down about a third of the album with sub-par music.
It's not terrible, because these are her shining moments lyrically, but they're musically disposable The saving grace occurs in its stronger and more groove-heavy moments.
Corinne doesn't have a lot of depth as a singer, and she needs the music to provide that for her.
In her more Soul inspired moments, like the funk-heavy Closer, Corinne's music can be extremely catchy.
Even her overtly pop numbers (The Blackest Lily) are exceptionally strong, because they allow Corinne's personality to shine through.
Whether you like The Sea will likely depend on when and where you listen to it.
Despite her lyrical growth, this isn't music that needs to be focused on.
Corinne remains good theme music; she's upbeat, warm, and incredibly easy to relate to.
Don't expect too much from The Sea, and you'll find yourself surprised by how easily she draws you in.
+ Warm, easy sound that's easy to digest, especially in the more upbeat songs.
+ Unique sound that's refreshingly honest.
+ Rae is very charming.
- Too much bland, slow music.
- Nothing really special here.
Final Word: Usually good, but never great.
A good pick-up if you like light, positive music.
Overall Rating: 3.
5 out of 5.