YEBBA, Distance | Track Review 🎵

Rising pop singer YEBBA, already a Grammy winner, shines on her first single of 2020, “Distance,” set to appear on her debut album.

“Take me back to the distance / Late night cooking in my kitchen /… Dirty dancing in my room / … Sending my love all over to you.”  Abbey Smith, best known as YEBBA is already a Grammy winner.  That’s right, before the versatile Arkansan pop singer/songwriter has released a studio album, she’s already earned music’s most prestigious award as a featured guest on the PJ Morton record, “How Deep is Your Love”.  Hopefully, Smith doesn’t stop at just one Grammy, given her incredible musical gifts, which she’s not only shown on various collaborations, but exhibits masterfully on “Distance,” expected to appear on her debut album.

“Distance” plays to Smith’s strengths – it doesn’t compromise her eclecticism or versatility.  While it falls under the umbrella of pop, this classy record has elements of R&B/soul, jazz, and singer/songwriter.  YEBBA sings with incredible refinement, never under nor over-singing in the least.  Her sense of balance and control is nothing short of amazing to the nth degree.  Besides a classy vocal, she gets a production assist by one of the best of the best, Mark Ronson.  Given Ronson’s hand in the production, “Distance” gets retro cues that only amplify its awesomeness – who doesn’t love to hear horns?

As far as the songwriting, the form of the song is a bit unconventional, yet maintains both order and stability.  There is only one true verse, which doesn’t arrive until after a chorus and a refrain, both of which follow it in reverse order.  Yeah, it’s different, yet works perfectly.  The most dynamic section of this love-driven joint is the outro, where YEBBA becomes even more potent, yet still barely breaks a sweat.  “I’ll be sending all my love,” she sings, continuing, “You’re the only one that I’ve been dreamin’ of, it’s true.”

Final Thoughts

If for some reason YEBBA has yet to be added to your listening rotation, now is the time.  “Distance” is a beautiful, chill, must-hear single from this rising star.  Yes, she’s collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson, Robert Glasper, Sam Smith, and won a Grammy with PJ Morton, but “Distance” is the proof that it’s her time to shine as the lead artist.

YEBBA • “Distance” • RCA • Release: 5.8.20

Photo Credit: RCA