Corinne Bailey Rae cover

Released 20 years ago

Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae · 2006

45 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

A smooth blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics that radiate warmth and vulnerability.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Put Your Records On — This track encapsulates the album's themes of self-acceptance and resilience, becoming a cultural touchstone for listeners seeking empowerment.
  • →
    Like a Star — The gentle instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics create an intimate atmosphere, showcasing Rae's vocal clarity and emotional range beautifully.
  • →
    Trouble Sleeping — This song's exploration of insomnia and emotional turmoil is conveyed through haunting melodies, highlighting Rae's ability to blend personal storytelling with universal feelings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, creating a warm and engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more contemplative tone with its slower pace.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics, particularly in 'Put Your Records On'.
  • The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective finish that contrasts with the earlier upbeat tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • introspective reflections on life
  • for quiet evenings
  • uplifting moments of self-discovery

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone single hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Corinne Bailey Rae's self-titled debut album arrived in early 2006, marking her entry into the music scene after being discovered at a local open mic night. It showcased her unique sound and lyrical depth, positioning her as a significant new voice in contemporary R&B and pop.
Stylistic neighbors
Norah Jones· Lianne La Havas· Emily King

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Like a Star 4:03
  • 2 Enchantment 3:57
  • 3 Put Your Records On 3:35
  • 4 Till It Happens to You 4:38
  • 5 Trouble Sleeping 3:28
  • 6 Call Me When You Get This 5:04
  • 7 Choux Pastry Heart 3:57
  • 8 Breathless 4:15
  • 9 I'd Like To 4:08
  • 10 Butterfly 3:53
  • 11 Seasons Change 4:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata