Unlike 2008, 2009 is shaping up nicely as a great album release year. We’ve already reviewed one potential ‘album of the year’ with TATE’S SOMETIME AROUND MIDNIGHT, and this young lady comes very close. Rachael Yamagata is a recent Warner Brothers signing and this album has just been released. Yamagata has released one other (highly acclaimed album) back in 2005 called HAPPENSTANCE which after listening to this I will have to acquire. She has played with some of Shakenstir’s heros including Damien Rice, Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, Aimee Man and David Gray.

Yamagata’s album is split into two CDs. The first, ELEPHANTS, is a slow, dark, smouldering, reflective, jazzy affair revolving around loss (perhaps of Katherine Reese Yamagata who is referred to in the sleeve notes). ‘Elephants’ opens this part of the album and I am immediately struck by an almost whispered, sensual, close mic voice and piano/orchestral backdrop which combine to produce the most tender, moving and beautiful song on the album. Add a strong melody and I really wonder whether I’ll hear anything as good from a singer/songwriter in 2009. ‘What If I Leave’ is next and provides an ideal showcase for the young lady’s distinctive, raspy alto voice. It’s a meandering song aided and abetted by the lady’s own piano notes. ‘Little Life’ is introduced by bass guitar notes and wanders along at glacial pace - more stripped down it could not be. Then a minute into the song and Yamagata lets fly with a pleading vocal that stops me in my tracks. Brass and distant backing vocals add to the song’s drama and pathos.  Throughout this first part of the album sadness and contemplation dominates with expressive vocals and some of the best-judged instrumental arrangements I have ever heard.

The second CD, TEETH SINKING INTO HEART, represents the angrier, rocky side of this young lady’s artistic makeup. ‘Sidedish Friend’ is an explosive guitar-led, pacy romp and in complete contrast to the first CD.  But then it’s about boys and we know what a pain we can be… I’m reminded of Fiona Apple as Yamagata fairly rushes through the songs with angst never too far behind. The final two songs ‘Pause The Tragic Ending’ and ‘Don’t’ drop pace dramatically but my  pick of the songs on this CD are the rockier  ‘Accident’ and glorious ‘Faster’ (which is introduced by naughty giggles and is funk in the extreme with its heavy backbeat and a vocal that could not be more assertive).

I love this album and hope that Yamagata vists our shores soon so I can witness this hefty USA talent first-hand. Superb.

4.5/5