Stand For Myself
Easy Eye Sound, 2021
9/10
The English sensation Yola is back with a sophomore album, and her healthy pipes are certainly in fine form across a dozen diverse and substantial tracks that illustrate her politics, life experiences and sentimental side with much power and precision.
“Barely Alive” starts the listen with Yola’s flawless and smooth pipes guiding the R&B flavored climate that takes help from Aaron Frazer on drums and Tom Bukovac on electric guitar, and “Dancing Away In Tears” follows with some firm pop ideas embedded in the dreamy delivery.
Moving on, “Great Divide” trims the pace back with sublime balladry where Yola’s stunning pipes are spotlighted alongside soothing backing vocals, while “If I Had To Do It Again” enters darker territory in its stylish and retro landscape. “Whatever You Want”, the album’s best, then puts an Americana spin on Yola’s delivery as the timeless Nashville influence is present.
Further still, the rowdy “Break The Bough” illustrates an amazing vocal range as the lively energy will get your body moving, and the title track exits the listen with some very modern sounds amid her funk filled talent that again proves just why she’s been worthy of 4 Grammy nominations already.
Plenty of people possess a great voice and can sing. However, few will ever come near the greatness Yola achieves with her instrument, and with guests like Dan Auerbach and Brandi Carlile, among many others, it’s quite likely that Stand For Myself will see just as much, if not more, praise as her debut.
Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Robert Finley- Sharecropper’s Son