Rachael Yamagata’s new single, released Oct. 7, Elephants… teeth sinking into the heart is a two part album, combining personal heartbreak and the strength that will make her a stronger person overcoming it all.
The first part of the album, titled Elephants includes songs such as “What if I Leave,” a song about not finding the courage to leave a relationship. A duet with Ray Lamontage titled “Hold On”, is a song about holding onto a relationship that was meaningful. The second part of the album titled Teeth sinking into the Heart sounds more upbeat and happy compared to the slow tempered melancholy and loneliness of Elephants.
Songs on this part of the album, Yamagata says, are about “Rediscovering your backbone after you’ve gone through the loss.” Some songs like “Sideish Friend” and “Pausing the Tragic Ending” are more upbeat, and have a sense of power to them. One could tell the sense of passion and the strength she had in her voice to represent the feelings of the songs themselves. The song “Elephants,” on the first album, has haunting lyrics, which include, “If the Elephants have past lives, yet are destined to always remember, it’s no wonder how they scream like you and I, they must have some temper.”
Reminiscent of the voices of Norah Jones and Sarah Mclachlan, Yamagata has a beautiful voice and unique sound. Yamagata writes from the heart and her words are truthful. Four years after her first U.S., release of Happenstance, she has produced an album of raw emotion and honesty. She tries to turn heartbreak and loss into a positive learning experience. This two-part album is filled with powerful lyrics, a beautiful and soulful voice, is perfect to listen to on any occasion. So why not add this collection to your iPod today?