BONUS: Distance by Yebba

This bonus episode highlights one of my favorite new artists, Yebba.

Transcript

Love Lines from Distance by Yebba

Like many mainstream music fans, I first learned of singer Yebba on the Drake album, Certified Lover Boy. The song is only about two minutes long, so you might consider it more of an interlude. Nonetheless, “Yebba’s Heartbreak” is a standout track. It’s serene and haunting with a melodic piano accompanying soothing vocals that ruminate on the desire to remind a lover of their worthiness.

“Yebba’s Heartbreak” could’ve just as well been the song we talk about today. It almost was. I went back and forth on whether to dig into lines from that tune or focus on those from “Distance,” my favorite song on Yebba’s debut album, Dawn.

A few details helped me lean toward this choice. For starters, “Distance” is Yebba’s song, on Yebba’s album. Then, it’s longer, allowing more material with which to work. Third, it’s just an alarmingly beautiful track, unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Both songs fit this description, which lead me to my most impactful realization—the voice is the story here. And you get to witness its full breadth on “Distance.”

Abigail Elizabeth Smith will make any song feel poignant. She just has one of those voices. One of those distinct, piercing tones that give a song resonance it couldn’t otherwise achieve. You’d never know Yebba hails from West Memphis, Arkansas. Though in fairness, you can’t connect her voice to any region or dialect. It is very much a singular sound.

On “Distance,” Yebba shows her range with seemingly effortless runs and breathy transitions. We get the full falsetto in all of its enchanting splendor. And the lines.. My goodness, the lines are poetic, gently tugging at your most delicate heart strings.

Like those composing this stanza:

I still get so lost in the feeling 
And I can't imagine losin' you
Ooh, ooh
If your heart can't find a new reason
For someone special to hold onto
I wonder if I would do

What grips me most tightly here is a quick, unexpected run Yebba serves up when transitioning from the first half of the stanza to the second. That “Ooh, ooh” you see sets it off. Then the substance and sentiment of these lines solidify my obsession.

It’s how Yebba acknowledges that this person isn’t obligated to love her though she can’t fathom losing them. It’s the humility of “I wonder if I would do.” Because no matter how wonderful and attractive we might be, we can never take for granted someone choosing us. 
This song communicates such an understanding. The songstress comprehends not being owed anything and the magnificent fortune it is for someone to hold you as their object of affection. She recognizes the sweet magic of this outcome, especially when it is most desired.

Yebba embodies the idea that it’s not what you say but how you say it. Because frankly, she could sing anything and make it sound glorious. Yet, “Distance” offers one example of many that what she has to say is pretty powerful, too.