Definitely A Summer Album
If you are one of those trendy hipsters that tends to watch all the 'in' TV programmes on Channel 4 and MTV then you may well have heard of Rachael Yamagata, as her music has been very widely used on "The OC". I am sorry but I have no idea what this programme is about, but having heard Rachael's CD then the music is great at least.
Through out 2004 Rachael Yamagata appeared on lots of the 'one to watch' lists throughout the music industry. This album confirms her ability, her confidence, and her great song writing. Rachael Yamagata is one Chicago singer-song writers whose career is about to take off, and hit the stratosphere.
Rachael is multi skilled when it comes to playing instruments, having taught herself how to play the piano, guitar and the flute. Rachael was originally a member of the funk band Bumpus, but found she was better off on her own. Her first gig as a solo artist got her a record deal with SonyBMG, and her second earned her a standing ovation at Madison Square Gardens where she opened for David Gray.
It is very easy to try and draw comparisons with Rachael Yamagata's music and try to compare her to other artists. If I were to do that, then I think Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, Martha Wainwright and Katie Mellua.
Rachael's breathy smoky drawl fits this album well, you can feel the blue's come through, with hints of country, soul and jazz. This is an album you want to listen to in the summer with a bottle of wine or two and just chilling out. As you work your way through Rachael's bittersweet musings and her lyrical preoccupation with disintegrating relationships are allied with a love of musical innovation such as that of Bjork.
It is so hard to try and pick out tracks as they all stand out for various reasons, but if I had to choose some then they would be the Rock styled 'Worn Me Down' or soul-esque 'Letter Read' or the wonderful instrumentals within 'Moments With Oliver'.
This is an album I can happily recommend to one and all, a great way to chill out and relax. Fantastic Singer, Fantastic Writer, Fantastic Album!