Yola - Stand For Myself ⅘
Yola (or Yolanda Quartey to her mum) is an English soul singer with a gloriously big voice and this is her second album. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys it treads a very authentic 70’s path.
With lush arrangements behind a lovingly analogue sounding band, it's a perfect vehicle for Yola’s soulful vocals, which never push themselves too far, it's a controlled performance which shines. The album flows from disco to soul to country with general ease and all the styles seem to fit Yola who has no problem with whatever style the song requires. Her heartfelt performance on the big ballad ‘Great Divide’ absolutely shines and takes the song to new heights with every verse.
Hopefully ‘Stand For Myself’ will take Yola to a much bigger stage, her versatility and talent looks like it’ll be shining for decades to come.