Japan-born, New York-trained, NAO YOSHIOKA has delivered some interesting music over the last few years, notably her ‘The Truth’ album. Her music isn’t classic or traditional soul – she filters those genres through her own prism and describes herself as a “progressive” soul singer.
‘Flow’ is her just-released, new album and it’s been prefaced by a series of singles – a soothing, gentle ‘Let It Flow’ and two beaters – ‘My Love’ and ‘Nobody Chase Me’. Those three tracks are album focal points and all three were collaborative efforts – ‘Let It Flow’ a Swizz Beats production, ‘My Love’, a collaboration with Dutch muso, Jarreau Vandal and Nobody Chase Me’, a duet with LA based Devin Morrison.
The sound and collaborative nature of those three tracks represent this album’s calling card. As well as a consistent neo-soul vibe, the 12 tracker boasts an expansive guest list. Joining those already mentioned, ‘Flow’ also features input from MXXWLL, JAEL, Reuben James, Big State and Takuya Kuroda.
From those names, Big State features on the album’s standout ballad, ‘Knock On Your Door’. It’s a properly soulful ballad with Big State channeling his very best Anthony Hamilton.
Elsewhere, as you’d guess from Ms Yoshioka’s background and the guest list, the overriding flavour is progressive neo-soul veering, in places, towards R&B. The album opener, ‘Free As A Bird’ sets the tone. This is another collaboration with Jarreau Vandal. ‘Feeling So Bright’ (guest here is Aussie muso MXXWLL) is another classic neo-soul artefact while ‘Selfish’ has plenty of charm too. This is a stalely clipped beater and good to see Brummie singer/songwriter/keyboardist Reuben James playing a part here.
We’re told that ‘Flow’ is the singer’s response to the pandemic. Remember that? She says she’s using her music to help rediscover light and hope and by using guests from across the globe (they come from places as diverse as the US, UK, Netherlands, Australia, and Japan), she hopes to bridge gaps and help unite a divided world. Noble sentiments.
‘Flow’ is out now via Sweet Soul Records.
(BB) 3/5
