Yebba, formerly known as Abbey Smith, stands out as a prominent singer-songwriter in the contemporary music landscape. Renowned for her exceptional vocal range, drawing inspiration from gospel, soul, and R&B, her album Dawn offers a unique musical palette that caters to all. She’s arguably one of the best neo-soul artists of this generation, and fans of Adele, Lucky Daye, Lianne La Havas, Amy Winehouse (and more) should definitely give her a listen.
Upon discovering the album, I was captivated by Yebba’s song ‘Boomerang’, which skilfully fuses elements of country, pop, and soul. Inspired by a friend’s tumultuous and abusive relationship, the track skilfully encapsulates the emotions of anger and a yearning for karmic justice, reflecting the pain of witnessing a friend endure mistreatment. The lyrics, beginning with “If I shoot him in the stomach, Then he’s hurting on my dime, And if I shoot him in the head, Then he’s dead, And he’s livin’ on my mind”, vividly convey the intensity of the situation.
After listening to the whole album, I was drawn back to ‘October sky.’ Yebba’s description of a childhood memory resonated with me; she has the ability to evoke nostalgia, and a certain sadness of longing to be back in your childhood. Her talent for storytelling and stirring emotions, paired with her flawless runs, expressive vibrato, precise control, and versatility, elevates the album to a perennial favourite of mine.
Despite being one of the comparatively less widely recognized tracks on the album, ‘How Many Years’ stands out as a poignant and elegantly crafted composition. As explained by Yebba in her Tiny Desk Concert, the song poignantly captures her complex emotions and grief following her mother’s tragic passing through suicide several years prior. The lyrical narrative adeptly articulates the nuances of grief, creating a resonant and evocative experience for the listener.
Yebba’s connection to her work shines through every song, inducing heartbreak, love, nostalgia, and more to listeners. In a tribute to her late Mother, Smith changed her name to the nickname she was given as a child. In an old tweet, Smith explains that ‘I’m changing my artist name to YEBBA. I’m making a promise to keep searching for my own reflection. To me, this is not a stage name; it’s not an alter ego; it’s not some great declaration. This is who I am.’ In an industry characterised by superficiality, transient connections, and prioritization of financial gains over artistic quality, Yebba emerges as a beacon of hope, embodying the authenticity and original artistry which I believe is hard to find these days.
I would highly recommend Yebba’s complete discography to all, with a particular emphasis on her Dawn album, which stands as a masterful work of art. The album adeptly encapsulates a myriad of universal thoughts and emotions, complemented by the exceptional storytelling prowess of one of the most talented vocalists in the industry.