It’s not often that a name and description catch your eye that you can’t help but delve into and immerse yourself and that exactly what happened once I saw Nao Yoshioka.
Japanese born and raised Nao Yoshioka embodies what soul is not being held back by expectations and labels. Traditional and contemporary are blended to create her own style whilst her influences are written on her sleeve. Praise has followed Nao Yoshioka wherever she goes with Rolling Stone stating, “Impeccable Neo-Soul” and EARMILK claiming, “One of the most exciting new talents”. These claims are further backed up by the iconic venues like Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz Café and Blue Note she has headlined.
‘Self’ allows the listener into the mind of Nao Yoshioka as it’s the most personal yet as she states, “The album is the sound of me finally facing and accepting every part of myself- the hopeful side that chased the light and the hidden side that felt weak or ‘never enough’.” So, what does ‘Self’ have instore for us, and will this be her ‘The Scream’?
Afrobeat inspired drumbeat riddles ‘Changes’ whilst the lilting voice describes that of a journey most go on. Electronic strings fill the gap, and the backing vocals accommodate.
Bongos are the backbone of ‘You Got To Feel’ and the switching narrative creates a dynamic that many fail at. The saxophone blurs the lines between R&B and Jazz effortlessly.
‘Safe Place’ offers a beach like atmosphere with the drum machine and keys being uplifting. Vocals are like velvet and suede combing to create bliss.
Pharrell like four count beat opens ‘Pieces with Me’ and stays as the foundation whilst the keys flounces over. Vocals are poised as well as offering a playful demeanour. The bounce between vocals creates a dynamic duo with sweetness and sharp coming from either side.
Sultry guitar playing struts through ‘In the Rain’ and the angelic vocals pierces the gaps between. Backing vocals welcome you to St Peters gate and acts as the anthesis of the guitar and drumbeat.
Late Nineties have been resurrected through ‘Inner Universe’ with deep bass and vocals that could cut through stone. Keys run in the background popping up to add depth. The ability to hold a note is showcased.
Eerie instrumental brings the darkness out in ‘Shadow’. The use of both male and female vocals offers the dynamic of the angel and devil sat on your shoulder. The beat is a countdown to an obvious demise.
‘Heartbeat’ could slot in on ‘Speakerboxxx/The Love below’ but on the Andre 3000 side. The deep bass runs rampant through the track, and the vocals blend together creating a beautiful lilac colour.
The only track that doesn’t feature additional artists, ‘Side of You’ layers of vocals take you into Nao Yoshioka world. The bassline being sung shows the capability of her voice.
Keys and Jazz inspired drumming is the root of ‘Yet to Come’. The expert trumpet playing by Keyon Harrold add to this Jazz feel. Optimism bleeds from the vocals.
‘Self’ blends R&B and Soul without missing a beat creating a unique and modern take on the genres. Nao Yoshioka’s vocals are immense throughout with the range being hard to come by. Each song has a life of its own as well as fitting into the concept of self-discovery. Instrumentals vary throughout with deep bass and regimented drum being consistent.
Nao Yoshioka: Self – Released 17 July 2026
Yoshioka – Pieces of Me feat. Mỹ Anh (Visualizer)
