Corinne Bailey Rae—It’s Easy To Play.

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Who is Corinne Bailey Rae?

Corinne Bailey Rae is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her soulful voice, jazz-infused pop sound, and heartfelt lyrics. She rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her self-titled debut album, which included the hit singles “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star.”

Quick Facts:

• Full Name: Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae
• Born: February 26, 1979 (Leeds, England)
• Genres: Soul, R&B, pop, jazz, indie
• Active Since: 2006–present

Albums:

1. Corinne Bailey Rae (2006) – Includes her breakout hits and earned her Grammy nominations.
2. The Sea (2010) – A deeply personal album reflecting on grief after the death of her first husband, Jason Rae.
3. The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016) – A return with a more experimental, lush sound.
4. Black Rainbows (2023) – A bold, genre-defying album inspired by art and Black history.

Awards & Nominations:

• Won 2 Grammy Awards (Best R&B Performance for “Is This Love” in 2012; Best R&B Album for The Heart Speaks in Whispers in 2018).
• Multiple MOBO Awards and Brit Award nominations.

Personal Life:

• Married her first husband, Jason Rae, in 2001; he passed away in 2008.
• Remarried musician Steve Brown in 2013.

Musical Style:

Her music blends soul, jazz, R&B, and indie pop, with influences ranging from Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix.

Corinne Bailey Rae’s musical evolution reflects her artistic growth, personal experiences, and willingness to experiment across genres—from smooth neo-soul to rock-infused avant-garde. Here’s a breakdown of her shifting sound over the years:

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1. Early Years (Pre-2006): Jazz & Indie Roots

• Before her solo career, Bailey Rae sang in jazz clubs and was part of an indie-rock band called Helen (inspired by shoegaze and alternative rock).
• Influences: Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, and Jimi Hendrix.
• Her early performances leaned toward jazzy vocals and guitar-driven melodies, foreshadowing her genre-blending future.

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2. Breakthrough: Corinne Bailey Rae (2006) – Neo-Soul/Pop

• Sound: Warm, accessible neo-soul with pop sensibilities.
• Hits: “Put Your Records On” (a breezy, uplifting anthem) and “Like a Star” (intimate, jazz-inflected).
• Style: Clean production, acoustic guitar, and her signature velvety vocals.
• Comparisons: Often likened to Norah Jones or Erykah Badu but with a British twist.

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3. The Sea (2010) – Grief & Raw Experimentation

• After her husband’s tragic death in 2008, her music became darker, more cathartic.
• Sound: Grittier, with bluesy guitar solos (“The Blackest Lily”), haunting ballads (“I’d Do It All Again”), and psychedelic touches.
• Lyrics: Deeply personal, grappling with loss and healing.
• Evolution: Marked a departure from her debut’s polish—more organic, emotional, and sonically adventurous.

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4. The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016) – Soulful Rebirth

• Sound: Lush, expansive, and groove-oriented (e.g., “Green Aphrodisiac”).
• Influences: 70s soul (Earth, Wind & Fire), Afrobeat (“Hey, I Won’t Break Your Heart”), and synth textures.
• Growth: Collaborations with jazz musicians and producers (like Marcus Miller) added sophistication.
• Grammy Win: Earned Best R&B Album for this bold yet polished reinvention.

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5. Black Rainbows (2023) – Radical Reinvention

• Genre Defiance: Punk rock (“New York Transit Queen”), spoken word (“A Spell, A Prayer”), industrial noise (“Erasure”), and gospel.
• Inspiration: Inspired by Black history and art at Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank.
• Why It Matters: A complete departure—showing her fearless experimentation and political edge.
• Critical Reception: Praised as her most avant-garde work yet.

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Key Shifts in Her Evolution:

• Voice: From sweet and restrained to powerful, raspy, and dynamic.
• Instruments: Early acoustic guitar → heavy electric riffs (The Sea) → synth layers (Heart Speaks) → punk distortion (Black Rainbows).
• Lyrics: Personal love songs → grief-stricken introspection → Afro-futurist themes.

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Legacy & Influence:

• Paved the way for British soul artists (e.g., Lianne La Havas, Joy Crookes).
• Proved that soul music can be both tender and rebellious.

Here are some official music videos and standout live performances showcasing Corinne Bailey Rae’s musical evolution:

1. Early Neo-Soul Era (2006)

• “Put Your Records On” (Official Video)
  Watch here
  Her breakout hit—sunny, nostalgic, and effortlessly smooth.
• “Like a Star” (Live on Jools Holland)
  Watch here
  A stripped-down, intimate performance highlighting her jazz roots.

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2. Darker, Gritty Phase (2010 – The Sea)

• “The Blackest Lily” (Live at Porchester Hall)
  Watch here
  Bluesy rock vibes with raw guitar solos—showing her edgier side.
• “I’d Do It All Again” (Official Video)
  Watch here
  A haunting ballad about love and loss.

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3. Soulful Rebirth (2016 – The Heart Speaks in Whispers)

• “Green Aphrodisiac” (Official Video)
  Watch here
  A lush, psychedelic soul track with hypnotic grooves.
• “Been to the Moon” (Live on KEXP)
  Watch here
  Funky basslines and soaring vocals—her 70s-inspired era.

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4. Avant-Garde Revolution (2023 – Black Rainbows)

• “New York Transit Queen” (Official Video)
  Watch here
  Punk-rock energy with a retro-futuristic visual.
• “Peach Velvet Sky” (Live at Earth Theater)
  Watch here
  A dreamy yet politically charged performance.

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Bonus: Iconic Live Performances

• “Is This Love” (Bob Marley Cover) (Live at Nobel Peace Prize Concert)
  Watch here
  Her Grammy-winning rendition—pure soul magic.
• Tiny Desk Concert (2016)
  Watch here
  A perfect showcase of her vocal range and band’s chemistry.