Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The first full length release for six years and her third in total, Leeds-born singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae's new album is an inventive and absorbing piece of work that seems to defy definition. With a delightfully minimalist electronica feel to proceedings, Rae and her trademark melancholy-tinged vocals kick things off in abstract fashion with "The Skies Will Break" which sets the scene for a number of songs that hint at matters spiritual - albeit without naming names - with the likes of the hopeful "Walk On", "Hey, I Won't Break Your Heart" and the stirring "Stop Where You Are" being cases in point. Elsewhere, the contemplative "Caramel" may very well be the closest Rae gets to a worship song whilst the Prince-like "Been To The Moon" and the wistful "Green Aphrodisiac" typify the sheer musical assuredness of a release that surprises at every turn. Naturally lighter in mood than her previous outing 'The Sea' which dealt with the untimely death of her husband, this is still a million miles away from the breezy feel of her 2006 breakthrough hit "Put Your Records On" - all of which is a good thing and ultimately showcases Rae's ever-increasing maturity as a songwriter and performer.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.