Breakdown is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, released by Island Records on October 5, 1999. A critical and commercial success, the album peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, went Gold, and earned four Grammy Award nominations. A Limited-Edition version of the album was simultaneously released featuring three bonus tracks.
"Scarecrow" is dedicated to the memory of Matthew Shepard, and his family and friends. "Into the Dark" appeared in episodes of Haven and Night Visions.
Accolades Year Award Category Work Result Ref. 2000 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Music Artist Breakdown 2000 Grammy Awards Best Rock Album Best Rock Song "Angels Would Fall" Best Female Rock Vocal Performance 2001 "Enough of Me"
Track listing All songs by Melissa Etheridge, except where noted
"Breakdown" – 3:54 "Angels Would Fall" (Etheridge, Shanks) – 4:39 "Stronger Than Me" – 4:08 "Into the Dark" – 4:59 "Enough of Me" – 4:39 "Truth of the Heart" (Etheridge, Shanks) – 4:31 "Mama I'm Strange" – 4:29 "Scarecrow" – 5:21 "How Would I Know" – 4:15 "My Lover" – 5:45 "Sleep" – 7:10 [standard pressing] / 4:39 [Limited Edition pressing] "Touch and Go"* – 4:36 "Cherry Avenue"* – 4:29 "Beloved"* – 7:54
* Limited Edition bonus tracks
Personnel Melissa Etheridge – acoustic guitar, vocals Kenny Aronoff – drums, marimba, shaker Jon Brion – guitar Mark Browne – bass guitar Matt Chamberlain – drums Steve Ferrone – percussion, drums Rami Jaffee – keyboards Jim Keltner – drums Greg Leisz – guitar, mandolin, lap steel guitar, pedal steel guitar Brian MacLeod – percussion, drum loop Pino Palladino – bass guitar John Shanks – dulcimer, guitar, harp, marimba, background vocals Patrick Warren – keyboards Gota Yashiki – programming
Production Producers: Melissa Etheridge, John Shanks Engineers: Marc DeSisto, Greg Goldman Assistant engineers: John Aguto, Tom Nellen, Geoff Walcha Mixing: Bob Clearmountain, Tom Lord-Alge, Chris Lord-Alge Mastering: Bob Ludwig studio technician: Brett Allen Art direction: Scott Denton Cardew Artwork: Scott Denton Cardew Photography: Barbara Green, Rocky Schenck Hair stylist: Bernhard Tammé
Charts Chart (1999) PeakpositionCanadian Album Chart6European Albums (Eurotipsheet)73
Certifications
Notes