Black Rainbows
Corinne Bailey Rae · 2023
44 min · 10 tracks · contemporary R&B
A blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush, soulful instrumentation that evokes both warmth and contemplation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Rainbows — The title track embodies the album's thematic exploration of identity and transformation through its haunting melody and vivid imagery.
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Put It Down — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and lyrical focus on resilience, showcasing Rae's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader societal themes.
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Earthlings — Offering a reflective tone, this song captures the essence of connection among diverse experiences, highlighted by Rae's smooth vocal delivery against a minimalist backdrop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and production but lacks significant cultural footprint.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a contemplative mood, followed by a gradual build in tempo and intensity across the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, while others strip back to solo vocals accompanied by minimal instrumentation.
- The last three tracks shift towards more introspective themes and slower tempos, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional dynamics
- reflective moments of introspection
- vibrant melodies that uplift
- soulful soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Black Rainbows is Corinne Bailey Rae's first studio album in six years, following her 2016 release, The Heart Speaks in Whispers. This album marks a significant return for Rae, who has navigated personal growth and artistic exploration during her hiatus, allowing her to experiment with new sounds and themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Norah Jones· Lianne La Havas· Emily King
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Spell, a Prayer 5:27
- 2 Black Rainbows 1:57
- 3 Erasure 2:46
- 4 Earthlings 3:38
- 5 Red Horse 5:42
- 6 New York Transit Queen 1:49
- 7 He Will Follow You With His Eyes 3:45
- 8 Put It Down 8:29
- 9 Peach Velvet Sky 5:50
- 10 Before the Throne of the Invisible God 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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