Happenstance
by Rachael Yamagata
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2004
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Under The Radar
    50
    There's just nothing that sets her apart from the bevy of female artists she holds as influences. [#7]
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    90
    Ms. Yamagata has moved beyond the slightly jazzy overtones of her debut EP to grandiose, ready-for-radio singer/songwriter pop for the ages.
  3. Spin
    50
    Her songs are feeling like Jason Mraz's leftovers. [Jul 2004, p.110]
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  5. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    She proves she can hold her own with the best of the distressed songstresses. [11 Jun 2004, p.123]
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  6. Blender
    70
    If she lacks [Fiona] Apple's emotional complexity, her lovely and original debut finds the romance in despair. [Jun/Jul 2004, p.149]
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  7. cokemachineglow
    83
    Yamagata’s music creates a feeling of another time and place and conjures imagery of Rachael sitting in a dank, smoky, yet quaint piano bar playing her beautiful music to an intimate crowd of people.
  8. AllMusic
    80
    It is an unabashedly lush, deeply textured pop record that makes no apologies for its radio-friendliness or its adornments.
  9. Splendid
    50
    There's nothing wrong with her performance -- it's just undistinguished.
  10. Billboard
    70
    Her writing can be exceptional.
  11. PopMatters
    90
    Yamagata's voice is one of those rare gifts, a vocal quality that is instantly recognizable and distinctive, yet somehow classic, with an incredible range that covers both the sensual lows and the tender, melancholy highs.
  12. E! Online
    83
    Happenstance is lush and brooding, the kind of record that makes most sense coming through the headphones late at night.
  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    Evokes the singer-songwriter atmospherics of Carole King and Elton John. [24 Jun 2004, p.170]
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  14. Q Magazine
    80
    A very impressive debut. [May 2005, p.117]
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  15. The Guardian
    60
    This album would work better with a few layers of cleverness removed.
  16. Uncut
    70
    Carried off with an impressive theatricality. [Jul 2005, p.104]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. ChesterC.
    Apr 15, 2008
    10
    Love, love, love this debut album from Rachael Yamagata. From the first note of piano of "Be, Be Your Love" to the harmonious strings of Love, love, love this debut album from Rachael Yamagata. From the first note of piano of "Be, Be Your Love" to the harmonious strings of "Quiet", this album exudes class and sophistication. The lyrics are amazingly beautiful too. Rachael Yamagata is a talent to be reckon with.… Full Review »
  2. AlexisB.
    May 18, 2007
    10
    Really hard to describe the album, but "Impossibly Beautiful" fits very well...Rachael is one of those artists that you can relate to even if Really hard to describe the album, but "Impossibly Beautiful" fits very well...Rachael is one of those artists that you can relate to even if the song's got nothing to do with you. Perfect harmony between her voice, the never ending strings...too much emotion, feeling, romance all with a smoky voice...adore it!… Full Review »
  3. fdgddfgdfgdgdfgddf
    Jan 22, 2007
    10
    bloddy good
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