October 3, 2021 — Sometimes, for me, contemporary music is simply too perfect. In this era of ProTools, many producers and artists put everything on a laptop grid, aligning the beats and the bass-line, use pitch correction, substitute synths for real instruments, and otherwise drain the life out of their recordings. The sheen and perfection are admirable, but not memorable. The magic of “musicians in the moment” is sadly missing.
But when I heard Yola’s new album Stand For Myself, I smiled immediately. Easily one of the best records of 2021, it features organic, real instrumentation and showcases Yola’s lovely and supple vocals, which are in no need of auto-tune. While the overall vibe of the record leans towards a rich blend of Country/Americana, there is one track, “Now You’re Here,” that has a classic, Memphis soul soundscape and is sure to delight SoulTrackers. Have a listen and enjoy!
By Robb Patryk
