The Sea - 4.5 stars: (2010-07-18)
I may be going out on a limb here but I believe that in 10 years this album will be as revered as Marvin Gaye's HERE MY DEAR. It is what contemporary music should strive to be: honest & emotional.
I was truly saddened by the death of Corinne's husband and worried (selfishly) that she'd pull a "Sade" & disappear from the music scene forever or at least for a very long time. However when I heard that she had a new album coming out, I was cautiously optimistic - I mean really after such a loss I didn't expect sunny, happy songs & anticipated sad songs expressing emotions about her loss.
I've been listening to this album on & off for months now and have gained a huge appreciation for it. It's better than her debut in a different way; this collection feels cathartic, moody & simmering - the same excellent musical arrangements & tender vocals coupled with intelligent lyrics can be found & yes there's also a little melancholy but it's a creative step forward for her music.
As we all know as music fans, a lead single can slow, kill or boost a project and although I love I'D DO IT ALL AGAIN, the video was really sad and because Corinne is one of those people who radiates "goodness" it really hurt to watch the video while listening to the track because I could feel her pain. But as I listened to the album over and over, I really couldn't pick which other track they could have released first. I suspect that a lot of people who supported her debut felt the need to pass on this project for this reason but like I said in the beginning, years will go by and more people will listen to this album and be unable to put it down.
My favorite tracks are:
CLOSER - so glad they've released it as a single, its a sexy mid-tempo track;
THE SEA - tender, sweet ballad;
THE BLACKEST LILY - frisky up-tempo 60's vibe;
PARIS NIGHTS/NEW YORK MORNINGS - another fun up-tempo track (loved the video, the dress she wears in it give me LIFE!!);
DIVING FOR HEARTS - haunting lyrics;
LOVE'S ON ITS WAY - amazing lyrics that really speak to present day world conditions & like her lyrics, I too pray "love is on its way and that it won't be too late"
I hope that people who bought it and were disappointed give it time and a few more listens while those who didn't buy it upon release, discover it.
great album, great content, terrible production: (2010-07-05)
I love this CD, from the first track all the way through. The emotion in it is so raw and hearbreaking, this is the making of great songwriting.
But having said that, I think what a lot of people are complaining about without realizing it is ultimately the PRODUCTION of the CD. I have to look up words to pretty much every single song, as opposed to her first album, where I could clearly understand what she was saying. She may be singing quietly, but whoever mixed the album should've mic'ed and mixed her vocals accordingly. It sounds in a lot of the tracks like the entire high end was just removed completely, taking every silibant sound right along with it, and leaving her vocals as muddy background fodder when they should be front and center on such lovely arrangments. As a result it's a struggle to hear and understand her vocals on much of it, and that's SUCH A SHAME because of how truly great the content here is. I chose 3 stars, but that's an average really -- the songs are five stars, top notch, all the way, but this hideous, unflattering production....no so much.
Whoever produced this should be exiled from the industry; I hope she finds a different studio/producers/engineers for future endeavors.
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