On Repeat: "Evergreen" by YEBBA
I usually can tell if I'm going to love a song within the first thirty seconds. If I'm not moved by that point, it's highly likely that I'm hitting the next button by the one minute mark. This is not the case for "Evergreen" by the artist Abbey Smith, also known as YEBBA on the stage. From the moment I heard YEBBA's soulful voice sing the first few words of the song, I was hooked.
The lyrics caught my attention first, which are co-written by YEBBA and Janée Bennett. In the chorus, she earnestly sings "So will you wait for me? My evergreen. I know it's just as hard in Heaven." I sense a feeling of grief and loss as she sings, "I can't see the forest for the trees." It's evident that this song is for someone that she dearly loved and lost.
Yet, even with the sorrow, I also hear the conviction and serenity in her tone. The melodic harmonies put me at ease. Perhaps, it's the undercurrent of Gospel in the music. By verse three, YEBBA, her vocal runs, and the organ player are definitely taking us all to church.
“Standing at the water’s edge
The Mississippi’s overflowing
Hold your current in my hands
You bring the meaning to my moments
Oh, I can’t see
The forest, for the trees
So will you wait for me?
Will you wait for me?
Will you wait for me?
My evergreen.”
YEBBA does not shy away from conveying emotion through her music. She sings with honesty and passion that is very palpable. She sings from the gut and you feel it. The mask is off when you hear her sing and see her perform. And that is often a rare act for music artists today. Perhaps that's why the live performance of her original song "My Mind" at Sofar New York went viral on youtube a couple of years back and caught the attention of millions.
YEBBA still may be new to many music listeners, but she is well loved in the music community that appreciates real soulful artists. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists such as PJ Morton (who I will dig into his catalogue in another post), Chance the Rapper, and A Tribe Called Quest.
My hope is to hear more original music from YEBBA in 2018. If "Evergreen" is any indication of what's to come from the talented vocalist and songwriter, then sign me up.
Editor's Note: On March 30th, Beats 1 Radio released a stunning video of YEBBA performing "Evergreen" at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in New York City. Watch the performance below. It's such a blessing.