Corinne is back and she brought grown and sexy with her. Yes, there's been talk of this whole album being some sort of lament over the tragic loss of her husband, musician Jason Rae, nearly two years ago.  However, I hear more than sorrow. I definitely hear a woman who has loved and lost in a big way, but more importantly I hear a woman. The Sea has such maturity and range. Bailey Rae shows so much vulnerability on this album. She challenged herself vocally which is so refreshing and is a testament to where she is as an artist: uninhibited.

Immediate standouts/ faves for me are:
* I'd Do It All Again. She clearly expresses her unwavering love for her husband despite any shortcomings. It's beautiful and heart-breaking. This is where she shines vocally and just puts her soul on display.

* Closer. Corinne tries on some straight R&B here and she wears it well, like a sexy little black dress. The lyrics, the vocals....everything's on point. I've already played this song like two dozen times.

* Are You Here. Psychedelic and soulful. The track reminds me of the Beatles or Jefferson Airplane. She questions the lingering presence of her husband.

* Love's On Its Way. Another glorious ballad that invokes so much emotion. It verges on being anthemic.

* The Blackest Lily. Rock/ Funk tinged and featuring drummer ?uestlove of The Roots, it's that "I really shouldn't hook up with you but I kinda can't help myself" song.

 
Now let me make it clear that this entire album is bliss. I'm completely loving this new sound she's serving up. It's a beautiful blend of sweet and sultry . Fledgling and up-and-coming artists, please take note. This is how you grow and evolve.

Wanna see part two? Head over to my YouTube channel.

This is the third or fourth time-this year- that I've tried a bantu knot out. I just plain ol' don't like it. The curls came out the best they ever have, but there's no length. I'd like for styles that take an entire day of air drying to at least retain my length, not give me poodle curls. The twist n curl does it, a straight roller set does it, but this bantu knot out....uggggh. I'm not going to wash it out this time. Like I said the curls came out pretty nice so, I'm going to see how many days I get outta this and if my curls loosen up well. I'll do an update of course.

What I used and did:
Shampoo: Herbal Essence None of Your Frizzness
Rinsing Conditioner: Garnier Fructis Moisture works conditioner
Leave In Conditioner: Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
Tool: Denman D4 brush
*Finished with my own whipped mango butter infused with essential oils.

Shampooed my scalp after about 2 months of no poo. Conditioned and rinsed. Added two blobs of the Organix and detangled with Denman. I put my hair in about 16 two strand twists then twisted those into bantu knots. I covered it with a satin scarf and left it up for about 24 hours. See the results below just after taken down on New Year's Day