Yebba Returns After Five Years
Yebba makes a long-awaited return with her new album *Jean*, her first project in five years. The record is deeply personal, exploring themes of grief and forgiveness, and marks a significant evolution in her artistry. The album was also highlighted on social media as one of the standout New Music Friday releases.
Yebba's 2021 debut album, *Dawn*, was named in honor of her mother, who died by suicide shortly after a video of Yebba performing went viral. The critically acclaimed record, produced by Mark Ronson, was a deep exploration of that loss and featured a rich sound palette drawing from jazz and R&B. During her time away from solo work, Yebba became a highly sought-after collaborator. She was featured on Drake's 2021 album *Certified Lover Boy* with the track "Yebba's Heartbreak" and also worked with artists like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and A$AP Rocky. A viral performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" alongside musician Jacob Collier further cemented her reputation as a powerhouse vocalist. The clip was widely circulated and praised for years before the full version was officially released. The new album *Jean* is named after her late grandmother, a woman Yebba says gave her permission to be fully herself. The project was written entirely by Yebba and created over the past five years with collaborators John Rooney and composer James Francies. Lead single "Yellow Eyes" showcases a more intimate, restrained vocal performance. Of the new sound, Yebba said, "I wanted to experience singing in a different way than I had before." While no tour dates have been formally announced, the Arkansas-born artist has indicated that she is "ready to give the road a try" in support of the new record.
