Let me start this off by saying ALL these songs are fantastic to begin with so a cover version is probably going to be good as well. This applies to Grammy award winning artist, Corinne Bailey Rae’s new release, The Love E.P. She has this unique voice that could be described as disco, soul, doo-wop and more. It is some where between Duffy, Sheila E. and Wendy Rene and absolutely shines and transcends through out the EP.
This five-song collection includes a version of Prince’s, “I wanna be your lover” which has been shaped into layers of techno, disco synth and robotic sounds, but some how it’s lacking the energy of the original. Maybe results would be better if the recording was taken from a live show to suck in some of that full-of-life magic that happens on stage. The EP’s rendition of the Bob Marley song “Is This Love,” is very creative. I’m really enjoying it. This reggae classic suddenly turns into a Motown 1960s doo-wop diddy that could have been put out by The Shirelles, The Supremes or The Temptations, or … okay you get it. It is quite pretty. The thirteen minute version of “Que Sera Sera” is a live recording you could picture experiencing in a Baptist church in the South where church music is actually fun. It’s like soulful choir and rides thick with pure feeling and emotion.
I always find it interesting when an artist puts out their version of other artists’ songs providing the listener with a new experience of something they’ve already heard. We like it because it’s familiar, yet new and always nostalgic. This short but sweet sampling of Corinne’s talent is something that can apply to every mood. Okay, I know that sounds like a cheesy line from an infomercial, but it’s true.
Album Experience by Roxanne Hilburn
Artist: Corinne Bailey Rae
Album: The Love E.P.
Label: Capitol
Release Date: January 25, 2011
