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Happenstance
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0828765056625
Format: Content/Copy-Protected CD
Label: RCA Victor
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
MPN: 50566
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: RCA Victor
Release Date: June 08, 2004
Studio: RCA Victor
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Editorial Review:
There is a combustible quality about newcomer Rachael Yamagata that for a lot of listeners will call to mind Fiona Apple: A first spin of Happenstance can make you itch with the thrill of discovery, but it also leaves behind the impression that its singer is vaguely dangerous; which is exactly what makes these songs so absorbing. "Everybody's talking how I can't be your love," she pouts in a melodically engineered stutter on opener "Be Be Your Love," one of several tracks pairing her with a piano that seems to take the brunt of the punishment for her wrecked relationships. The rest of the disc unravels with similar heat: When she growls in her full-time rasp that "(You've) worn me down/like a road/I did everything you told" on the very infectious indie-rock leaning "Worn Me Down," you believe her. But the less stormy numbers work as well, with "1963" coming off as flower-power pop grounded by a voice that knows better and "I Want You" wending its way through a fat, heartsick wallow to emerge someplace burnt in honesty. A late minute-long instrumental feels more tasteful than pretentious, adding to a monster of a debut already fueling hopes that happenstance--the term, not the album--will play a miniscule part in Yamagata's eventual output. --Tammy La Gorce
Happenstance…the never can be…
Main Entry: hap·pen·stance; Etymology: happen + circumstance: A circumstance especially that is due to chance. - Merriam Webster Dictionary
I apologize for insisting on writing my own bio, but I just can not be satisfied with another's account of my psyche when even I don't understand it myself. Welcome to the world of this indecisive control freak hopeless romantic…
Happenstance, produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews etc.), is a collection of songs inspired by my obsessions, often love related, but not always. It's about the battle between chance circumstances and the belief that everything happens for a reason. The title and the back cover addition of `the never can be' suggest that I'm not really endorsing chance, but, in fact insisting that there must be a reason for repeated broken hearts - perhaps a promise of a better situation, learning experience, the greater love etc. It's a circular argument… and it's merely a matter of `happenstance' that the title is what it is anyway. Without the hopefulness of reason, how could anyone weather the highs and lows of relationships and this delightful junk called love.
Look to the second album for a more cynical approach in which it all goes to hell and nothing makes sense and chance is winning…
Japanese pressing of the singer/songwriter's 2004 album includes one bonus track 'Collide'. RCA.
Japanese Release featuring Two Bonus Tracks: 'collide' and 'ode To'. Also features Japanese Exclusive Cover Art.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A Beautiful Album
A combination of Fiona Apple, Beth Orton and Norah Jones with a sound at the same time all her own. I put Arrica Rose a new and upcoming singer-songwriter into this category when I listen to her new album La La Lost. Saw them both at the Hotel Cafe and all I can say is wow!
Rating: - rachael, this one's for you
Hi there, Rachael. I hope you read your own reviews occasionally. I just got back from a trip where I saw a guy I had a thing with years ago, and the thing is still there. I've had him listen to some of your music (esp. Track 14. does it have a name? where is it here? well, at least I've got it) and no way could it ever affect him as it has me, but, well, maybe I'm wrong.
When I read your bio I thought, yep, control freak hopeless romantic, that's me too, only without the beautiful voice ... Read More
Rating: - Not enough adjectives
The really hard part about trying to describe what's so good about Rachael Yamagata's CD 'Happenstance' is that there just aren't enough words to say it all adequately. It's an eclectic mix of songs to start with, from soft and heartfelt to powerful and passionate, all tied together by Ms. Yamagata's amazingly versatile vocal talents. The lyrics are honest and real but also elegant and even poetic. The music runs the gamut of styles from rock to blues to jazz.
Here's a few words to try ... Read More
Rating: - A year later and it's still a favorite
This album amazed me the first time I heard it a year ago and I have yet to get bored of it. Known for Years gets my attention every time. It's a mature sound that makes me close my eyes when I listen to it (except for when I'm driving). Lyrically and musically, it's impressive.
Rating: - Happenstance
I loved this album when I first heard it and listened to it every day, as it was in my cd alarm clock. My daughter started listening to it recently and I came to realize how well Rachel's music holds up over time. I still love it! Looking forward to hearing something new.
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