New Album Releases February

Three British females (or in one case a female-fronted group) lead my list of the most promising new releases of February.

Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea (Feb.1). Mrs. Rae charmed the world in 2006 with her soulful pop, particularly the massive hit single "Put Your Records On," which was nominated for the Record of the Year Grammy. Life looked pretty good, and then it all went rather bleak when, in 2008, her husband Jason Rae was found dead of an apparent drug overdose. She channels this painful incident on her sophomore album, The Sea, which is getting very good reviews for its darker, personal edges in addition to the lush, soulful sound we heard the first time around. First single "I'd Do It All Again" is certainly quite lovely.

Sade - Soldier of Love (Feb. 8). It's been nearly 10 years since British soul-pop group Sade released their last album, 2000's Lovers Rock, which itself had come 8 years after their previous album, 1992's Love Deluxe. So no surprise then that the group has "love" on their minds again, as they are known for finely crafted, sultry pop--the kind of music that oozes seduction (How many millions of people have gotten it on to this music? I wonder if Sade ever thinks about that). "Soldier of Love," the album's first single, sounds like it's got a bit more edge to it than what we've heard from them lately, incorporating the kind of heavy beats usually heard in contemporary pop.

Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels (Feb. 22). Marina & the Diamonds came in second place in the BBC Sounds of 2010 poll. Considering that's an honor she shares with Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party and Duffy, it's probably not a bad place to be. A few early releases generated quite a bit of buzz, and her first proper single, "Hollywood," is sitting on the BBC Radio 1 A List this week. From what I've heard she sounds a bit like Lily Allen, but with a heftier voice, sort of like Pink.

Massive Attack - Heligoland (Feb. 8). British trip-hop purveyors release their fifth album, first in 7 years, featuring "Splitting the Atom."

Hot Chip - One Life Stand (Feb. 8). Electronic group releases its fourth album featuring first single "One Life Stand."

The Streets - Computers and Blues (Feb. 23). I wouldn't be surprised if this is pushed back, as there isn't a whole lot of information about it (a sign it may not be ready for showtime). Reportedly, for his fifth album, Mike Skinner delved into rave for inspiration.

Coming in March: Debuts from Ellie Gouldling and Two Door Cinema Club, plus new albums from Goldfrapp and Gorillaz.