Yael Naim “She Was a Boy” album review

Album cover

You probably heard her easy-going voice on a Macbook Air computer as she sang the 2008 hit song “New Soul.” In collaboration with percussionist David Donatien, Yael Naim’s latest album, She Was a Boy, is a refreshing change from the rebellious, pop princess wannabes heard on the radio. NPR states about the first Israeli hit solo artist in the U.S., “...the multilingual singer crafts a mysterious and delicate sound which utilizes elements of folk and jazz, but her effortless blend of English, Hebrew and French is what makes her music irresistible.” 

Photo by Zoriah

She Was a Boy has already earned Naim the Victoire de la Musique” (France’s Grammy equivalent) in the Best Female Singer category. The album title track, Naim remarks, is about a “woman with a strong character who’s not ashamed of her masculine side…(and a young child) pure enough to see her as she is.” It is obvious that the songs in She Was a Boy are deeply personal, as they reflect personal fears and the perceptions of others. While Naim’s is known for her folk-pop sounds, her new album incorporates ballads and acoustic blues. Personally, my favorite songs are “Come Home” and “Go to the River” because of the upbeat rhythms, and “Stupid Goal” because I find the lyrics relevant and, consequently, comical. 

The most impressive aspect of Naim’s She Was a Boy is that she wrote and composed all the music herself, with the exception of “Go to the River,” which Donatien wrote and arranged. Naim also recorded the songs in her own studio and played many of the instruments herself. Knowing this, I instantly think of is singer/songwriter Beck, who is known for writing his own courageous lyrics, as well as composing, arranging and playing the many of the instruments in his own albums. 

So, do I like this album? Absolutely. 

I received Yael Naim’s album, She Was a Boy, for free from Sneak Attack Media. Not all personal opinions expressed reflect those of Naim, Donaitien or Sneak Attack media. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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