Is this the record you hope our own will ever make him? Rachael Yamagata is ahead of her. For her fourth album, this American singer / songwriter was inspired by a statement by the tightrope walker Philipe Petit who crossed the New York Twin Towers on a tightrope in 1974. When asked why he did this, his answer was "There is no why." This gave Yamagata the courage to approach her music more freely
… and impulsively. With a successful result. Tightrope Dancer is full of sultry bluesy pop with hints of gospel and soul. Her dark, jagged voice often sounds muffled, but she can play voluminous (à la Anouk). She is tastefully accompanied in this. Only a meanly distorted electric guitar sometimes imposes itself next to her. An album that she made for herself, without why. But a damn good album. (MR)more
