We’re all guilty of building up expectations. So, you might spin Corinne Bailey Rae‘s latest blazer Black Rainbows and find it something of a departure for Rae, in terms of a style that incorporates R&B, jazz and soul. This one gets loud, bold, experimental in many parts, powered by guitar and unapologetic vitality, all inspired by Chicago’s archive of Black art. “But it sounds different,” you say, “so not like her music!”

Stop right there, pal. Rae’s story is rooted in rock. As a teenager, she played in a rock band and was inspired by women-led bands like L7 and Veruca Salt. Those were the formative years. Perhaps it’s different from previous releases, but Black Rainbows highlights another brilliant layer of Rae’s talent. Think about it; this one’s not so different. It’s unabashedly, wholeheartedly Rae.

Catch Corinne Bailey Rae at her show Friday night, Sept. 29, at The Paramount Theater. Doors at 7 p.m., and opening the show is an artist described by NPR as one who “embodies the soul of jazz: Exploration,” songwriter Melanie Charles.

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