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Rachael Yamagata, Happenstance
Goddam You Half-Japanese Girls, You Do It To Me Everytime

Producer: John Alagia
Label: RCA

Reviewed by William Miller

Norah Jones past two albums have sold a combined 12 million copies so it shouldn't be surprising that record companies are falling over themselves to find the next piano playing chanteuse. Among the many contenders is Chicago's Rachel Yamagata. In a world of labels, she's the angst ridden, moody alternative to Jones' sweet piano ruminations. Accordingly if Yamagata was to read this review I'm sure she would have a few labels of her own for yours truly pigeonholing her as a follower. Atleast, I didn't mention Fiona Apple who Yamagata shares a musical kinship with as well... and oops...

It's true there are similarities between Yamagata and Fiona Apple - herself a so-called alternative to those who dug Alannis Morrisette back in the 90s- but these similarities never extend into the realm of blatant plagiarism.

And if its any consolation Rachael, I think you've produced the debut of the year that only gets better after repeated listening. Now how's that for a modern day pop album?

Stylistically, Happenstance varies widely from song to song, but what pulls it all together is Yamagata's soulful vocals. So where "I'll Find A Way" could have have been just a standard ballad in the hands of another artist, Yamagata's beautiful voice elevates it to the heavens. With a few exceptions, the writing chores on Happenstance are handled by Yamagata, and she displays a gift for pop song mechanics befitting someone who has expressed devotion to Carole King's Tapestry. To my ears the deliciously insistent "Letter Read" has hit single written all over it, but the album stands as a whole piece not a few choice cuts surrounded by dreck.

Rating: (3 1/2 out of 4 stars)

Visit Rachael Yamagata's Official Website to hear Happenstance.