Corinne Bailey Rae On New Album

Hugely acclaimed soul-jazz singer Corinne Bailey Rae has spoken about her emotional new album 'The Sea'.

Emerging from the jazz clubs of Leeds, Corinne Bailey Rae's smoky voice and seemingly effortless songwriting skills catapulted her to fame. Her self-titled debut album rocketed to number one in 2006, hailed by critics as the emergence of a powerful new voice in British music.

Married to horn player Jason Rae, the pair seemed a perfect partnership. However the saxophone player lost his life in a tragic accident, overdosing on drugs after a night out with friends.

Retreating from the limelight, Corinne Bailey Rae was finally able to focus on her music earlier this year after a lengthy break. Titled 'The Sea' the singer's second album is a dark, emotional affair clearly influenced by the grief she felt after the sudden death of her husband.

“The record is a personal and intense journey, but hopefully it’s a beautiful record as well,” she told 6 Music. "We’ve worked a lot with string players and using different textures. I think it’s different to anything I’ve ever written.”

On her debut album Corinne Bailey Rae used a variety of different writing partners. However on 'The Sea' the singer has worked alone, channelling her feelings into her music.

"I felt it came really naturally, I wasn’t trying to write, but songs just came. It’s not without light but it is a heavier record, and more intense. It’s got more layers and orchestration.”

Corinne Bailey Rae is set to release her new album 'The Sea' on February 1st.