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3 internautes sur 3 ont trouvé ce commentaire utile :
4.0étoiles sur 5
(Happens to be) More Than Your Standard Fare, Jui 9 2004
Rachael Yamagata showcases the usual torch songs and melancholy break-up ballads offered by singer-songwriters on her first full-length album Happenstance. Nonetheless, the singer exudes a maturity and unique charm not often seen on today's popular music scene.With an occasional idiosyncratic voice tic that can best be described as a guttural purr, Yamagata punctuates her sleepy voice with an endearing, vibrant quality. Though much of Yamagata's lyrics are unremarkable, her phrasing and assured delivery bring the words to life. In contrast to her simply titled short-length "EP" of 2003, Yamagata's 13 tracks (plus a hidden 14th) exhibit a more varied range of style. For instance, the opening track, "Be Be Your Love" begins with a persistent and roving syncopated beat that is catchy and likable, eventually soaring to a close with french horn accompaniment. "Letter Read" follows with a more aggressive, rocking tone. Baritone sax, drums, and bass guitar and piano notes back Yamagata in this second track as she intones, "My love, my love, my love/ you're not enough for me." "I Want You" has a surprising showtime-swing aura that lends a pleasing quality to the otherwise infatuated stalker-esque lyrics: "I want you/ or no one/ no one else will do/ you, or no one." Two songs from "EP," "Worn Me Down" and "Reason Why" reappear on Happenstance. "Worn" returns with added propulsive back beats that seem intended to add a more traditional pop feel that ultimately detracts from the simpler, heart-felt original version. On the other hand, "Reason Why" emerges unscathed from major modifications so remains melancholy and still achingly true. Near the end of the disc is "Moments with Oliver," a sweet lullaby of a song--wordless with just a string arrangement written by Yamagata and performed by the eponymous Oliver. Following "Moments" is perhaps the best sample of the disc. "Quiet" is aptly named, a tender song in which Yamagata whispers, "All the waves of blame arrange as broken scenery...And it'll be as quiet when I leave/ As it was when I first got here/...I don't expect anything to change when I leave." Minutes after "Quiet" is a hidden acoustic track that where Yamagata's lazy growl and a falsetto delivery add to the intimate, off-the-cuff atmosphere of the song. Overall, Happenstance is a solid first full-length debut from Yamagata. Less mainstream pop, yet still palatable, the disc is worth a listen as well as subsequent plays.
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~ Rachael Yamagata
~ Fray
~ Rachael Yamagata
~ Sophie Milman
~ Amos Lee
