Rachael Sage is a New York, USA-bases singer songwriter who has just come to my attention thanks to her new album The Other Side. Though she’s new to us, this is actually Rachael’s fifteenth studio album and for it she’s taken classic influences from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
By Graeme Smith
The album opens with the single Whistle Blow. You get an immediate sense of retro nostalgia from its folksy feel but there is also something fresh and interesting about Rachael’s own brand of music. Its powerful lyrics tell a story of power dynamics and boundaries in the wake of recent public scandals. It’s a beautiful start.
Flowers For Free opens romantic but there is an edge to its classic folk rock arrangement, and there are some atmospheric licks of horn. Title track The Other Side tackles the subject of grief and longing and is suitably heart-breaking. Yet, there is an uplifting side to it as well. It’s a memorable highlight.
Only You is a cover of the Yazoo classic and Rachael puts her own delicate acoustic stamp on it. The Place Of Fun is light and lilting contrasting a darkness in its lyrics. I Made A Case is an intimate and emotional piano-led track that swells to a cathartic climax. Rebecca is introduced with a strings prelude before delivering a lively country folk story. It’s another highlight.
No Regrets is a life-affirming anthem while Albatross is driving and contemplative. Deepest Dark is an emotionally complex ballad. Butterflies at Night is softly nostalgic. The album is rounded off by two more covers, Danielle’s Mouth’s ’90s rock ballad Forgive Me This and Maria McKee’s brooding Breathe, and there’s a return to I Made A Case this time featuring Howard Jones.
Racheal is such an accomplished artist and her newest album shows she’s not likely to run out of creative steam any time soon. If, like us, you’re just coming to her music for the first time then you’re in for a treat. Racheal Sage is an artist whose name clearly needs to be better known this side of the pond.
The Other Side was produced by Rachael alongside engineers Mikhail Pivovarov and Grammy winner Andy Zulla. Collaborating on the album are Jack Petruzzelli, Russ Johnson and James Mastro. You can check out The Other Side below.
