Black Rainbows (Corinne Bailey Rae album)

Black Rainbows is the fourth studio album by British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, released on September 15, 2023, through BMG. The album is inspired by the collections of the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, a cultural archive and community space founded by artist Theaster Gates.

Rae visited the Arts Bank and immersed herself in its diverse holdings, ranging from books and records to furniture and culturally significant artifacts related to Black history and culture. These materials served as prompts and catalysts for the album's lyrical themes and sonic explorations. Black Rainbows explores themes of Black womanhood, historical resistance, love, spirituality, and the power of artistic expression.

Musically, the album incorporates a wide range of genres, reflecting the eclectic nature of the Arts Bank's collections. Elements of rock, punk, soul, jazz, and experimental music are woven together to create a sound that is both contemporary and rooted in historical influences. Rae has described the album as a conversation with the past and a celebration of Black creativity.

The album was preceded by several singles, including "New York Transit Queen" and "Erasure." Black Rainbows received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its ambition, sonic diversity, and thought-provoking lyrical content.