Rachael Yamagata - Chesapeake

Rachael Yamagata - Third full-length since her 2002 debut EP finds the singer/songwriter in a brighter mood after the dramatic, formidable major label double-length release Elephant/Teeth Sinking Into Heart (2008)...Noteworthy producer John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews) is once again at the studio helm after working with Yamagata on her debut album Happenstance...new project is fan funded // Release: Chesapeake (October 11) // Sounds like: Yamagata has been told that the "songs sound like I’m in control of my own life now" and it's easy to hear why...minus label suit expectations for "the big one", there's a loose, gangly charm throughout -- one listen to self-described "sexy and cool" new track "Starlight" says it all...

Quote: "In a funny way I think this might be a more commercial record for me in terms of reaching a broader audience because there was no attempt or requirement to be anything but what we felt like doing in the room." - Rachael to Rolling Stone // What we like: while there are still some trademark introspective ballads, the lighter tone plays well with Yamagata's piano-crafted pop tunes, adding some bright colors behind her husky alto...

Rachael Yamagata - "Starlight" (from Chesapeake)

Rachael Yamagata & Dan Wilson - "You Take My Troubles Away" (from the Dear John soundtrack)