Customer Reviews

Ep

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Worn Me Down" had been tossed into the playlist on the local eclectic radio station here in Philly and when I heard it, it stopped me in my tracks. I had to get online and find out who this singer was immediately. Well I haven't stopped listening or telling everyone I know about the EP and full length album.

Besides that killer guitar riff running through Worn me down, which is a perfect song for driving, esp. if you're on the highway), her voice so perfectly captures the equal parts of anger, desperation and defeat at the hands of a lover who just can't seem to let go of his ex. "Worn me down ,like a road,/ I did everything you told me to do but you/ you can't stop thinking about her."

Anyhow, I went out and bought the ep immediately. And it was well worth it. "Collide" and "Would You Please" both simmer to perfection(the cello on "Collide" is absolutely gorgeous), while "The Reasons Why" and "Known for Years" are comtemplative songs of love gone off-track. The hidden track "These Girls" also shines with Yamagata's shy lyrics and low growl gaining momentum until she belts out the final chorus.

But hands down, the crowning jewel of this set is "Worn Me Down"- for the lyrics, arrangement & production, every song should be this perfect.

In a time where music is becoming dominated by the likes of the Hillry Duff's and Britney Spears' of the world, Rachael Yamagata is indeed a breath of fresh air.

Rachael Yamagata is like a breath of fresh air in this cluttered year that has been 2003. This has not been a great year for music, so when someone new like Rachael comes along, everyone should perk up and take listen! Rachael is not new to my ears. As a Chicago resident, I've heard Rachael's music for several years now, and it's finaly great to have it released on a national level, despite the brief e.p. format (her first full-length disc is due next spring). Rachael has a smoky, bluesy voice that wraps itself around a song. Her songs are personal odes that are insantly memorable and any of the six tracks included here could become radio hits. "Worn Me Down," which was recently included on the "Charmed" soundtrack, as well as "Collide" appear to be the best bets, and the fantastic hidden track "These Girls" shows Rachael at her vocal peak, belting out the song like a re-incarnated Janis Joplin. Here's hoping the media grabs onto this lady and embrace her like they did last year to Norah Jones - she's more than deserving.I didn't rate this five stars mainly due to the fact that it is an e.p. and that it is missing Rachael's greatest song, the beautiful "Under My Skin," which, hopefully, she saved for her full-length. For the un-initiated, pick this disc up! You'll love it, particually if you're a fan of contemporary female singer/songwriters like Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan, and Norah Jones.

A smoky voice and lovelorn songs are the heart of Rachael Yamagata's debut EP, a promising mix of vulnerable jazzy-pop with a hint of blues. Yamagata may be compared to established singers like Norah Jones or Fiona Apple, but the flavor of her songs is all its own.

Yamagata starts off on a strong note with the sad, cello-laden "Collide," before shifting to the catchier "Known For Years" and the fast-paced "Worn Me Down" ("Worn me down to my knees/I did anything to please/But you can't stop thinking about her"). Rounding it off is the melancholy "Reason Why" and slow-moving "Would You Please." (There's also a hidden track, the meditative "These Girls")

Love lost, love worn out or love that doesn't work seem to be the themes of "EP." Yamagata describes the feelings that lead to a breakup, being replaced in her lover's affections, and finally parting itself ("We can hang our heads down as we skip the goodbyes"). No angry-grrl stuff here, but a mature respect and reflection.

Yamagata blends blues and pop, with a bit of good funk and a touch of classical; cello, rhythm, keyboard and bass form an effective backdrop. The plaintive lyrics stir your emotions without being whiny or self-pitying. Don't expect her to bash or blame -- instead she sings "Would you please let me slide a few words/under your door/the first three say 'I love you'/the last five 'but I can't no more.'" Her throaty, smoky voice is the centerpiece of the album, and she can carry the emotion as well as the notes.

Slow and meditative, "EP" whets the appetite for Yamagata's full-length debut later this year. A rare talent.

Can she save us from the watered down female "singer/songwriter" TRLness that has dominated the charts in recent 00's? Hopefully. With sappy mediocre singers like, well, ok, I will name names; Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton, a breath of fresh air will gladly be welcomed, and Rachael Yamagata is that breath.

On her recently release, "EP," she belts it out like she means it, and she does. Focusing on a strong backing sound of blues, hip hop at times, and funk (the good kind) Yamagata possesses a soulful voice, sharing the throne with (yeah, I have to mention her) Norah Jones. The opener, "Collide" draws the listener in and keeps them there until the 5 song record is finished. Please, give this disc a listen, and help end the reign of crap pop.

I just discovered Rachael Yamagata in the last few weeks and like this EP very much. She does remind me a bit of Fiona Apple, but I find her voice and music easier to listen to. I don't have too much to add to the other reviews other than to say that my favorite song on the EP, which I don't believe anyone else mentioned, is "The Reason Why". For my money, this is the best song. I heard her do a couple of songs live on the radio with just her and the piano, and I thought this performance was as good or better than the EP, so she doesn't need a band and studio for her to sound wonderful.

I like her a lot and look forward to the full length CD.

This EP - unlike most EPs out therr - is actually worth buying. There is an extremelt intimate quality to this recording that really shows how captivating she is live. I've seen her a few times, and her seductive vocal qualities only get better as her career has progressed. Though there is a seriously sub-pop/jazz female vocal trend going around, Rachael definitely stands out. If you like her studio and live stuff, you should check out Gretchen Lieberum's new release "Siren Songs," who has the same kind of seductive voice with lyrics that are actually worth reading more into - just like Rachael's.

Her live show will blow you away, and move you to tears. The studio albums only get 4 stars though. It just doesn't capture her.

i've been a long time fiona apple fan and when i heard this album, i just fell in love with it just as i did with fiona apple's. there is a clear likeness to their music with the voice and both singers' music being piano-driven. If you love fiona apple, you'll like rachael yamagata.
HOWEVER, fiona apple would still come up as the better artist especially when it comes to the ingenuity and originality of lyrics.

I felt that this EP really laid the ground work for her full length album. Buying this CD is a must before buying her full length album, "Happenstance." She has a very eclectic styles. The only downer is the fact that there are only 6 tracks.

How would I describe Rachael Yamagata's work? Her music is bluesy, innovative, timeless and clasic. Her voice is full, rich, husky, expressive, bluesy, sexy, but also silky smooth and sweet as honey! Rachael has received many rave reviews in the major entertainment press and I can see why. Every song here is a virtual masterpiece. Her full-length album Happenstance is even more impressive. I promise you will be hooked from the very start!

For a treat, watch some of Rachael's streaming performances on the MTV.com and VH1 websites.