The Sea Review

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The Sea ReviewRae's sophomore release is a major departure from her sunny day, stroll in the park debut. The material on THE SEA is melancholic but overall outstandingly beautiful. All 11 tracks convey this hauntingly elegant moodiness but in 11 different ways. Here's how.
1. "Are You Here": The opening guitar chords reintroduces the listener to Rae. Rae's opening notes reminds how honey-coated her vocals are. Later in the track, the songs takes an abrupt shift, changes key and a storm of electric guitars descend - skirting Radiohead territory.
2. "I'd Do It All Again": My personal favourite. If I had my way, NARAS should have this as a nominee for ROTY and SOTY. Simply exquisite, simply poetic. This is complex songwriting - the chord progressions are completely original and a level-up in instrumental arrangement on "Like A Star". When the song hits the bridge and Rae's voice soars, you're simply just carried away. Her vocal nuances are delicate and absolutely sublime.
3. "Feels Like The First Time": A catchy song that opens with some heavy piano tinkling. It's a mark of the chorus, that is the complete opposite of the song's peaceful verses. The groove is hot.
4. "The Blackest Lily": Wow - Rae brought on the britpop on this album too. I reckon there are 3 songs on this album in this vein, but all 3 are somewhat different. This, the first of the 3, is an all-out rocker. Completely unexpected and unforetold from her debut. A pleasant surprise.
5. "Closer": Check out the beats on this track. I dare you to tell me the groove is not sick. Reminiscent of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince both in vocal delivery and instrumental arrangement. Very sexy.
6. "Love's On Its Way": The opening verse wanders aimlessly a little, but sets the scene for the chorus. This song just builds and builds, and the layers of instruments gradually hit epic-scale. When it finally erupts in the 3rd minute, the swirling synths, soaring background vocals, heavy drumbeats and Rae's voice lifts it up. The words hit hard: [love's on its way/I hope it won't be too late] Poetic.
7. "I Would Like To Call It Beauty": Most unsurprising track of all, as it is closest to the material of her debut. Simple little acoustic track that never really gets too loud and is easy on the ear, which provides the listener with a breather after all that's happened with the first 6 tracks.
8. "Paris Nights/New York Mornings": The pace picks up once again. This is song 2 of 3 that is a throwback to the Britpop era of Blur and Oasis. Call it the revved up version of "Put Your Records On" if you like. Perhaps the most cheerful song of this collection.
9. "Paper Dolls": Song 3 of 3 of Britpop reference, and the heaviest one. Essentially a rock outing, and so catchy.
10. "Diving For Hearts": Laced with heavy guitar distortions and helter-skelter beats. Perhaps the oddest of the bunch and could signify what would happen if Rae ventured further into alternative music. It reminded me a little of Coldplay's tracks on PARACHUTES - that's a good thing because that's my all time favourite Coldplay album. At minute 3.50, unexpected chorals enter the scene to bring in the final climactic ending. I would most welcome Rae to explore this type of music in future.
11. "The Sea": A most fitting album closer. The words do much more than the song for me here, especially if you know what she's been through: [goodbye/paradise... ] This song has a bittersweet quality to it, in that the instrumentation and melody is one of happiness, while the words are sad. Rae exits album no.2, quietly and thoughtfully, with the following words: [The sea/the majestic sea/breaks everything/crashes everything/cleans everything/takes everything/from me].
I wanted more when it was all over. This is a testament to Rae's artistry and how she has matured as an artist. Top-notch production and engineering too.
My only reservation is did it take the tragic turn in her life to inspire such genius?
This album is pure perfection and in my opinion, one of the best albums released so far in Grammy's 2010-2011 eligibility period. Would be a complete shame and crime if Rae didn't book herself a slot in AOTY.
From one fellow music lover to others, don't miss out. Get this one.
Liam F
6 Feb 2010The Sea Overview

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