I was impressed by Yola’s first LP, Walk Through Fire, in 2019; I’m triply impressed by her new album, Stand For Myself, here in 2021. It’s a revealing piece of work, I think, and a surprisingly effective “of the moment” album that isn’t at all interested in trying to be about “the” moment or even “a” moment outside of Yola’s personal experience, which is a lot better than some top-down nonsense that’s intentionally and upfront about being about how crazy things are right now.
You may read my full review of the record for Paste Magazine, if you so choose!
A Constant Visual Feast 