For many Yola’s unique selling point was that she was a black British artist who had vintage soul and country influences – she stood out in a good way, genre-fluid but gaining Americana awards and Grammy award nominations in the roots categories. There was an appetite to hear a powerful black female voice like hers sing the kind of soulful music that so many white men like Chris Stapleton etc were having success with.
However all was not well behind the scenes. Yola has admitted in a new interview with Rolling Stone that she felt unhappy with her previous record label situation and the ‘cookie cutter bullshit’ way they operated. Yola didn’t feel at home in Nashville or in the Americana/country genre, feeling like people saw her as ‘the plus-size Black woman who serves you at the sacrificing of herself.’
So for this new EP Yola then looked to work with producers and writers who would let her guide the process and connect her more to her authentic self as a black woman and artist. She leaned into other influences including pop, funk, 80s r’n’b and disco producing a collection of songs that showcase her powerful voice in a different way.
Opening track ‘Future Enemies’ is the most contemporary pop sounding song on the E.P., with a pulsing beat and lyrics about modern dating. Yola sounds superb, her powerful vocal delivery still unmatched. ‘Temporary’ is another song about the perils of dating, this one has a gorgeous disco inspired vibe.
The song that is probably the most similar to her old vintage sound is ‘Symphony’ which starts with a funk inspired beat, before leaning towards a soulful celebration.
Title track ‘My Way’ is a blistering attack on her previous situation and an embrace of her own destiny. The song sounds like an 80s empowerment anthem – a brilliant setting fire of everything that came before.
The EP finishes with the euphoric ‘Ready’ which was inspired by her growing up in the UK and the experiences of the Windrush generation. Musically she wanted the song to reflect the beauty and escapism of the Notting Hill Carnival and you really feel she’s captured that essence.
On ‘My Way’ Yola has found a place of freedom and joy which is infectious. You can’t help but root for her success, in whatever genre she sings in.
I’m excited to be seeing Yola at Celtic Connections next Sunday playing the Roaming Roots Revue and I’m hopeful for a full UK tour to hear how she’s going to merge her past songs with this new direction.
Highway Queens 
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