Corinne Bailey hooray

○○○○●

WHEN a new album from Corinne Bailey Rae dropped on my desk this cold, wet January, I was a little surprised - as Rae was previously so Summery the sun actually shone from there.
However, like the seasons, Rae's previously perfect sunshine pop has waned into a more soulful, serious output on The Sea.
I shouldn't have been so shocked, as it's not the first change in Rae's career - which actually began as frontwoman for heavy metal band Helen - and it's hardly surprising the tragic death of her husband Jason Rae has muted her sunny musical disposition.
But with a more personal, emotive soul feel here laced with elements of funk and rock, it has gone to show that behind the twee pop debut was a real voice and a real talent.