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Often, we speak of tragedy bringing the best out of artists and their music. But never in a million years would I wish death to befall their families for the sake of my listening pleasure. Yet after two hard losses – her grandfather first, then her musical contributor and husband Jason – UK songbird Corinne Bailey Rae stepping back to the stage as she prepares to release her next album, The Sea. The lead single “I’d Do It All Again” finds her back in a wonderful melancholy way, professing her commitment to a relationship.

“It was written literally just after me and Jason had this massive disagreement, a big argument, a bad one,” she says now, faltering. “Almost as he was leaving the room, I just sat down and wrote it. It’s just about how I felt about him at that time. Even right in the middle of the worst times, I remember thinking that I would choose this exact life again, that I would do it all again. It was me saying, I’m not wishing myself out of this situation. I’m 100% committed to this person. I don’t have any regrets about this relationship even though there are all these difficult times.” [Guardian]

Originally written in January 2008, the song becomes even more poignant when it’s taken into account that her husband passed shortly thereafter in March. Perhaps pain does produce good music for the listener, but can be equally redemptive for the artist. While the video carries a dark cinematic feel, the song itself isn’t expectantly gloomy. There’s a impassioned spirit that propels the track, similar to many of the songs found on her award-winning debut. And if The Sea contains more of “I’d Do It…,” I’ll be doing it all again with her.

The Sea releases on 1.26.10. on EMI’s Capitol Records. For all the info and extras, visit www.corinnebaileyrae.net.