The multi-platinum Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae released her sophomore album The Sea Jan. 26 in the United States four years after her self-titled debut album.

Rae, a native of Leeds, England, is best known for her Grammy-nominated hits “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star.” The guitar-playing songstress was working on her second album when she lost her saxophonist husband Jason Rae in 2008 (the main inspiration behind her critically acclaimed debut) to a drug overdose.

The album came to a screeching halt as Rae took a year off to grieve and spend personal time with family and friends. She came to the realization that making music would be the only thing to heal her soul.

The Sea, which Rae calls an indie guitar soulful record, is the heart-touching outcome of her hard work and tribulations.

The album opens with an acoustic electric guitar on the mid-tempo track “Are You Here,” displaying emotional verses that sound directed to her husband. Other heartfelt odes are “I Would Like To Call It Beauty,” “Diving For Hearts” and the title-track “The Sea.”

Her enchanting first single, “I’ll Do It All Again” could possibly water listeners’ eyes.

“The Blackest Lily,” “Closer” and “Paris Nights/New York Mornings” have the potential to get grandmothers out of their seats so they can groove. All have the mainstream sound of future singles.

The chemistry between Rae and her band is always present. The album is sweet and will keep fans tapping their feet.

The Sea takes listeners on a virtual rollercoaster ride ending on the shore. The wait was worth it. It arguably will be one of the best albums of the year.

— Montreal Spencer