Released 10 years ago
The Heart Speaks in Whispers
Corinne Bailey Rae · 2016
75 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B
A lush tapestry of soulful melodies intertwines with introspective lyrics and warm, organic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Skies Will Break — Opening the album with ethereal vocals and stirring arrangements, this track sets a hopeful tone that encapsulates the overarching themes of renewal and emotional depth.
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Green Aphrodisiac — This track stands out for its enchanting blend of lush instrumentation and poetic lyrics, evoking a sense of romantic longing that is both intimate and expansive.
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Push on for the Dawn — Closing the album with an empowering message, this song combines uplifting melodies with a heartfelt call to perseverance, leaving listeners with a sense of hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends soulful melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Bailey Rae's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Green Aphrodisiac' and 'Caramel'.
- 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
Known within its scene. 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 flow with gradual peaks
- introspective moments of reflection
- for quiet evenings
- uplifting themes of resilience
- ethereal soundscapes for daydreaming
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Heart Speaks in Whispers marked Corinne Bailey Rae's return after a lengthy hiatus following her 2010 album The Love EP. Released in January 2016, this album showcases her evolution as an artist, blending contemporary R&B with elements of pop and soul, while also reflecting her personal growth and experiences during the intervening years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Norah Jones· Lianne La Havas· Emily King
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Skies Will Break 4:54
- 2 Hey, I Won’t Break Your Heart 4:49
- 3 Been to the Moon 4:05
- 4 Tell Me 4:08
- 5 Stop Where You Are 4:10
- 6 Green Aphrodisiac 5:51
- 7 Horse Print Dress 4:03
- 8 Do You Ever Think of Me? 5:26
- 9 Caramel 5:16
- 10 Taken by Dreams 3:56
- 11 Walk On 4:27
- 12 Night 4:32
- 13 In the Dark 4:50
- 14 Ice Cream Colours 3:16
- 15 High 5:47
- 16 Push on for the Dawn 6:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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