By Vita Duva –
Media Credit: rachaelyamagata.com
This month, the tastefully talented singer-songwriter/pianist, Rachael Yamagata makes a mark on the music industry after a three-year hiatus with the release of her third full-length studio album, “Chesapeake.” The laid-back 10-track LP is self-released this time around through her management company, Frankenfish Records. In addition, the 34 year-old valiantly teamed up with accomplished producer, John Alagía for a second run. The power-duo first worked together on Yamagata’s debut full-length studio album, “Happenstance” back in 2004, selling just over 140 thousand copies. Alagía is renowned for his work with lucrative musicians such as, Dave Matthews Band, Ben Folds Five, David Gray and John Mayer – just to name a few offhand.
As Yamagata’s style continues to grow, she candidly shows her fans a much more buoyant and witty side to her work – exactly the sort of positive tune to resonate in today’s fast-paced industry, but is this the right tune for Yamagata? If anything, this striking sound is certainly new to her loyal fans’ ear buds. Be sure to check out the tracks, ‘Even If I Don’t,’ ‘Saturday Morning’ and ‘The Way It Seems to Go’ for an initial sample of what Yamagata has to present here.
Apart from production, the Virginia native never once ceases to showcase her lyrical brilliance throughout the record. Yamagata is first and foremost a natural storyteller as time and time again she boldly undresses the most private, sincere and even, the most ripened experiences of the heartbroken. Clearly a very distinct characteristic of her style, unmatched by any other as Yamagata soulfully sings, “If you forgive me and my masquerade, I’ll never tell a soul you weren’t full on, full on, full on, no I’d never tell a soul that you’ve been faking it for so long. La da da da da da da,” in the poignant piano ballad rightfully titled, ‘Full On.’
In addition to Yamagata’s lyrical admiration appear her ever-soulful vocal arrangements. Mysterious and rich in range, listen to the track, ‘Starlight,’ for a rumbling blues melody from this piece or feel a Jazz-inspired groove with ‘Stick Around.’
Yamagata goes on tour starting Monday, October 24th kicking off in celebration of “Chesapeake” at the Port City Music Hall in Portland, Maine. For further information regarding tour dates, venues and tickets visit: http://www.rachaelyamagata.com.
Overall Rating: 5.5/10
Tracks on Repeat:
‘You Won’t Let Me’
‘Dealbreaker’
Tracks to Skip:
‘Miles on a Car’
‘I Don’t Want to be Your Mother’
