The Sea is not searching for awards or accolades. It’s a record whose purpose better serves as an introspective journey and the ability for artistic expression. And ironically for that reason, it may just end up finding those material honors. Certainly the idea of longing is hard to escape on The Sea. The honesty however is not only admirable, but at times inspiring. From the opening lines of “Are You Here,” to the confessional "I’d Do It All Again" Corinne Bailey Rae is an open book.

And while the subject matter isn't always bright, the music soars. Albeit not as playful as her debut, The Sea has plenty of youthful moments, including the song "Paris Nights / New York Mornings."

The Sea whips up a lot of emotions, yet again it's Rae's honesty that is most endearing. The album is successful because of how genuine it is chronicling how this artist is dealing with a personal tragedy. And with the music to match, The Sea from Corinne Bailey Rae is an impressive collection.

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