Yebba - Dawn - Review

Yebba - Dawn

by Zena Grieg

published: 18 / 10 / 2021

Label: RCA
Format: Download

Poignant and diverse debut album from Memphis -born singer-songwriter Yebba

Review

The singer-songwriter Yebba, a preacher’s daughter from Memphis (real name Abbey Smith; her stage name her first name in reverse), has just released her debut album, four years in the making. The producer was Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner Mark Ronson, who has worked with Amy Winehouse, Adele and Lady Gaga. He described Yebba as “one of the best vocalists I’ve ever had the luxury of being on the other side of the glass for.” On ‘Dawn’ Yebba, who has worked previously with Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons and Drake, showcases her talent in a wide range of musical moods and complexions. Accompanying her is an outstanding band, including bassist Pino Palladino and the Roots’ drummer Questlove. Yebba’s roots are in gospel and blues, but she is equally adept at folk and piano ballads. Powerful emotions drive the twelve songs with several - including ‘How Many Years’ - “How many years will it take these tears to dry?/…I’ll try not to miss you too desperately/Live out the wonder, way past the borderline” – addressing the suicide of her mother in 2016. The cathartic closer, the emotive ballad ‘Paranoia Purple’ features a recording of her mother’s voice and the album title, while welcoming a fresh start, is also a direct tribute to Yebba's mother. Highlights include: the haunting opening track ‘How Many Years’; ‘Stand’ with its vocal virtuosity and poignant, grief-laden lyrics; the dramatic, angry ‘Boomerang’, her response to a friend’s escape from an abusive relationship; ‘Your Love Came Down’ with its dance, pop groove; and the sultry, R&B and jazz-inflected ‘Distance’, nominated for a Grammy. An impressive debut album, marked by ethereal vocals and authentic lyrics, ‘Dawn’ is a confident, accomplished start to an auspicious musical journey.

Track Listing:-

1 How Many Years
2 Stand
3 Boomerang
4 All I Ever Wanted
5 Far Away
6 Dawn
7 October Sky
8 Louie Bag
9 One More Smile
10 Love Came Down
11 Distance
12 Paranoia Purple