If you’re searching for female vocalists in the R&B genre that offer more than your standard, mainstream, formulaic songs, you won’t go wrong with these two artists. Corinne Bailey Rae has one previous CD to her name, but it heralded the coming of a talent to watch, and this new CD comes close to fulfilling that promise. Erykah Badu has always dared to be different, and with this new CD, she flirts with becoming the female reincarnation of Marvin Gaye. Both are highly recommended.
Corinne Bailey Rae — The Sea (EMI). When her debut album came out in 2006, Corinne’s playful, falsetto tinged, soulful approach to singing was an immediate favorite. 2006 saw the accidental death from overdose of her saxophonist husband and her father also passed away soon after, so while this second CD, The Sea, has been in the works for some time now, we only get its release this year. With so much having happened in her life, the CD isn’t some downer or moribund set of songs. Rather, it’s a poignant, uplifting, yet sensitive set of songs, with her maturing as songwriter. Listen to Feels Like the First Time, The Blackest Lily and Closer and you’ll hear what I mean. Much more consistent than her debut album, this only strengthens my admiration for her as artist and person.
Erykah Badu — New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh (Motown). Retro ‘70s, midtempo R&B comes alive in this CD, which reminded me of the music of Marvin Gaye during his What’s Going On/Mercy Mercy Me phase. Turn Me Away, Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long and Uhmm, Hmm are my immediate favorites, but the great thing about this CD is how repeated listening uncovers new favorites, and appreciation of the depth and texture of Badu’s music. Not as political or experimental as NA Part One, if this doesn’t establish once and for all that Erykah is today’s Queen of Neo-Soul, then all pretenders to the throne should stand aside and recognize that Erykah is the true blue-blood! Brimming with extra-thick honey and sassy soul!