From Dusty Springfield to Amy Winehouse, there is a long and proud tradition of British singers reinterpreting American soul music to wondrous results. The latest artist in this lineage is Yola (née Yolanda Quartey), a Bristol-based singer/songwriter whose vintage sound would have been right at home at Memphis’ legendary Stax Records. Yola began her career as a session singer for artists such as James Brown and Massive Attack before striking out on her own as a solo performer. Her 2019 full-length debut Walk Through Fire helped to make her an overnight sensation and earned high praise for its effortless blend of country, soul, pop, and rock that was reminiscent of artists such as the Staple Singers. Her follow-up, Stand for Myself, was also regarded as a modern classic and earned the singer a second Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. Although Yola’s music clearly pays homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s, it is probably best described as simply “timeless.”