I have long been a fan of Rachael Yamagata, a singer-songwriter from Virginia who is well-known for her bluesy indie songs that have been featured in numerous television shows including The O.C, Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, and One Tree Hill. Her two studio albums, “Happenstance” (2004) and “Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart” (2008), are cherished members of my CD collection and have been listened to time and time again; and so when I learned that Yamagata had released a new album in October of last year, I was eager to hear it.
Called “Chesapeake“, the album is fan-funded and in my opinion, an interesting departure from her earlier work. Songs like ”Full On” and “You Won’t Let Me” are similar to the style established in her debut album, whereas other tracks such as “Even If I Don’t,” “Saturday Morning,” and “Stick Around” are a refreshing change from what we have already seen from Yamagata in the past. In it’s entirety, “Chesapeake” exists as another successful release from the talented singer-songwriter, and even though it is still new to my collection, it will no doubt become one of my favourite albums alongside Yamagata’s other works in the near future.
Rachael Yamagata – Even If I Don’t
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Full On
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Dealbreaker
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
THIS BONUS TRACK: I can’t resist sharing some of my top picks from Yamagata’s first two albums. The following tracks have meant a great deal to me since they were originally released, and continue to dominate my “most played” playlist on iTunes!
Rachael Yamagata – What if I Leave?
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Be Be Your Love
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Sunday Morning
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Horizon
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Rachael Yamagata – Meet Me By the Water
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
