Concert Review: Yael Naim Is A Thoughtful Songstress
After a ten-year hiatus, Yael Naim returned to song and stage with her album Older. The singer known for her youthful sound, like her hit “New Soul”, rightfully titled her album and performance. She comes off immediately as a woman with experience and wisdom, or older. Still, she exudes a vivacious personality that amplifies her talent.
Yael is one of the best composers in the music world. Each of her songs stem from her heart both lyrically and musically, which can be noted in their depth. Her song “Coward” is a powerful ballad that targets straight for an emotion rarely spoken of but commonly felt. The song is emotive and fascinating because it is both layered and innovative. We all love a sad song, but mainstream ones can feel formulaic in their sounds and words. Yet, as Yael repeatedly wails the word “coward” over her beautifully created orchestrations, you think of the many times you have beat yourself internally. The song literally embodies the thoughts of self-loathing everyone feels when he or she thinks they have not done enough or could have been bolder, (i.e. a coward). To have a song so perfectly embody mental anguish and depression is rare, despite it being such an abundantly used theme. Sure, you are sad, but Yael exemplifies sadness in a way that is so pure, you even become self-reflective during her song. Such an impact is just another sign of her immense, individual talent.
When Yael is not perfectly exuding emotional turmoil through her amazing riffs, both in voice and piano interplays, she transitions into a “sirenesque” persona. Her high-pitched notes ooze with sensuality as she tussles her trademark curls to flirt with the audience. Her onlookers cannot help but fall in love with her because she is such a dynamic, sweet personality. It may seem odd to say that positivity is sexy, but there is a lightness to her spirit that makes her performance both bright and evocative. Her cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” is one of the best because she completely alters the pitch, range, and tone to create a hauntingly seductive version. Yet, she smiles with a brimming appreciation for the stage that everyone, even the hardest heart, smiles as well. That, in total, is what makes Yael Naim so internationally renown: she is a genuine joy.
From the minute she steps on stage, Yael bursts with a joyous energy that elevates her talent. Personally, I have to applaud Yael as a pianist. In the middle of a pop tune, she can plug-in a classical piece to rival Bach like no other. Her style is like a bohemian, free spirit form the 70’s. She kind of resembles a young Joni Mitchell with her ability to capture human vulnerability so personally. When you hear her sing you feel every effort and thought that went into it. She is so intricate and intimate with her creative energy that you want to absorb it for yourself.
It takes a special soul to write, compose, perform, and sing songs that are so clearly and uniquely her own. Yael is 100% her own artist, and the happiness she exudes at performing her own music is infectious. She even was applauded in for an encore, of which she generously played a few more songs after an hour and half performance. She simply enjoys the intimate connection her presence gives to the audience, and my only hope is that it is not another 10 years till we can hear more of her talent and spiritual growth.
Yael Naim – A Siren Songstress played for one performance only on February 22, 2016 at The City Winery in New York City. Her Official Website
