EP

by

Rachael Yamagata

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"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.