This is what singer/songwriters should sound like. It's hard to believe Mia Zepeda is almost entirely self-taught after listening to this album. The melodies get your attention, while the sincerity with which the lyrics are perfectly woven into the music make you feel as if Zepeda's let you in on a secret, an intimate self-portrait normally reserved for the closest of friends. It's enough to keep you wishing, hoping, praying for a full length . . . soon!
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In her self-produced freshman effort “Waiting to Breathe,” Mia Zepeda effectively combines ironically insightful lyrics with catchy melodies to create, in my opinion, one of the most listener friendly albums of this year. In only five songs Ms. Zepeda demonstrates her artistic range with her radio-pop friendly tune “Waiting to Breathe” to the heart-wrenching honesty of “Fourteen.” She provides the ideal balance between catchy musical arrangements and intelligent lyrics, ensuring that even the most skeptical of listeners will find themselves humming, if not full out singing along. The album is itself is a treat, as Ms. Zepeda designed and created all the artwork. It is the aesthetic version of her originality and artistic talent. Overall, this is an album worth owning, and I think we can expect great things to come from this young lady.
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Miz Mia has been known to convert even die-hard metalheads to the acoustic realm. Very few artists take you on an aural journey the way she does,  and without relying on massive production to make it happen. 14-year-old girls and grownups can both latch onto the sincerity inherent in her lyrics and vocals. Think Ella meets hippie folk goddess, with a dash 'o' chili powder thrown in.  The cover art says it all -- there's a little bit 'o' sunrise in even the darkest song on the EP (Happiness Instead).  It also happens to be the sexiest song, and my personal favorite.
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Five beautiful tracks! I really loved the cd, I have to say that after a long run at the top, Waiting to Breath has been dethroned by Fourteen as my favorite Mia Zepeda song.
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