RachaelYamagata - Chesapeake
2011,Frankenfish Records
Rachael Yamagata has built a reputationon well-crafted songs, a stirring voice, and an Indie attitude toward makingmusic. Even when working with a majorlabel throughout much of the last decade, Yamagata has always managed to dothings her way. Yamagata has come fullcircle. 2011 finds Yamagata shaking offthe yoke of major labels and making her way under her own imprint, FrankenfishRecords. The first album under this new flagis Chesapeake, an inspired 11-songcollection born of creating and recording the album at producer John Alagia’sChesapeake Bay home.
Chesapeake opens with "Even If I Don't", a semi-genericpop/rock number that never quite reaches out to the listener. Yamagata warms toher task, however, on the soulful "Starlight", an edgy, mid-tempoballad set to a dance beat. The dark timbre of the arrangement is appealing,giving the song a more urgent feel than it might otherwise have. Yamagata'seasy vocal style appeals on "Saturday Morning", sounding a bit like asuburban slow jam set to a light dance beat. Things really click for Yamagataon "You Won't Let Me", a powerful ballad of helplessness from beingshut out by the one you love. Yamagata emotes wonderfully here, telling thetale in a voice so real you can touch it.
"Miles On A Car" is amellow folk/pop stumble that's a bit too drawn out for its own good. Yamagata'svoice takes a sultry turn for "Stick Around", an invitation in songthat's sonically pleasing and hard to ignore. Yamagata comes fully alive on"The Way It Seems To Go", a wonderfully catchy and quirky number thatis certain to be a crowd favorite, and sounds like perfect soundtrack fodder.The bluesy arrangement is a treat, and Yamagata's vocals are spot-on."Full On" is a soliloquy in song, and Yamagata offers her best vocalperformance of the set. The song is thoughtful and sweet, with a deep air ofmelancholy. Yamagata closes with "Dealbreaker", a ballad of love'sregrets and wishes for what might have been. Yamagata's pensive heartbreak ispowerful, and the song carries an emotional wallop that sneaks up on you.
Rachael Yamagata has a talent forpacking a lot of punch into little moments. Her voice is a bit off the charts;it's hard to say that Yamagata sounds quite like anybody, but in style sheplays strongly on the same playground as many of the Lilith Fair artists of thelast decade. Chesapeake is a bit too reserved at times, perhaps, butYamagata makes per personal connection with all those who listen closely, andopen themselves up to her deeply personal, emotional songs.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more at www.rachaelyamagata.com or www.myspace.com/rachaelyamagata.
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