The story of British artist Yola is, in many ways, a dream come true. Her journey has taken her from poverty, homelessness and abuse to a trajectory joining Massive Attack, opening for James Brown and, now, recording her debut album in Nashville with The Black Keys' Dan Aeurbach. Yola has a distinctive voice that walks a fine line between trad country and classic soul. "Faraway Look" has a '60s Dusty Springfield quality and "shady Grove" sounds like a Phil Spector production fronted by Bobby Gentry. In addition, the title track has a strong biographical element and "Ride Out in the Country" suggests a hint of Dobie Gray.
Rating: 8/10
Easy Eye Sound/Nonesuch Records
Producer: Dan Auerach
