how is YEBBA so good?

/ samjohnson
I hope this observation on how she sings helps you figure out how the voice works better, so you can learn how to make smart choices in your own voice.
Social Media:
/ oksamjohnson
/ samjohnson
Go to www.vocalease.net to sign up for lessons with Sam or Marc through video chat!
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[@mr.smiley597]

It is so strange. Every time she makes any of these "dirty" sounds, it seems as though she is vocalizing someone crying or screaming in agony. I have never really heard anything this expressive. Incredible.

[@jupitersmalls1507]

Mr. Smiley YES! You’re spot on! Her voice is a fantastic instrument!

[@101FineMan]

it’s like vocal wailing or something

[@erincoughlin4187]

Great way to explain it. It’s almost primal.

[@TheWanderingCheetahCam]

Spot on!!!

[@sonyaharris2401]

@Buttons They make me sick

[@IAMSLAY]

I love this performance by Yebba. This is actually one of her first performance weeks from her mother taking her own life. You can see the raw emotion and pain in her voice. She’s said recently that she actually doesn’t want to sing this song again because she felt like she did this song tribute to her mother here in this video. Incredible.

[@erinfearns6844]

SLAY whoa. That just adds a whole other demention to this performance. Wow. Just wow.

[@MedievalSolutions]

@@erinfearns6844 dimension, please

[@byzinski]

SLAY Her mother committed suicide sometime after this performance at Sofar NYC in 2016

[@erinfearns6844]

Null Identity troll much?

[@blissboo3892]

@@erinfearns6844 Come on now, nothing wrong with correcting your error especially when its so close to "demented" which changes your intended comment.

[@DatBRejectz]

There are parts in this song where she actually sounds like a person who is crying and making that whaling sound, but she incorporates it so melodically and beautiful that it is so unique.. I can't remember watching a performance with so much raw emotion

[@serious7179]

Same...this is perfect and raw for me

[@avionterria7855]

Her mom had committed suicide the week prior 😥

[@SnailHatan]

@@avionterria7855 No, she hadn’t. Stop repeating lies. Do actual research. Her mom died after this performance.

[@sethra777]

Ah, Sam, your delight in her runs and general stylistic choices is just a joy to watch. It's clear you love music, love vocal work, and love what you do.

[@chloewhite225]

I love the way she uses her voice to produce natural narrative in her song. Just if you had found out your partner had cheated on you, your emotion might build over time in that moment, she really captured that in the way she manipulated her voice and I was really with her in the story of the song. P.S. I wish anyone would look at me the way Sam does when he is fangirling

[@barbllm]

New goal: find someone who looks st you the way Sam Johnson looks at Yebba.

[@AChickAndADuck]

It’s the same with any art form - writing, painting, singing - you learn the rules first so you can break them later in the way that’s most meaningful and effective.

[@jupitersmalls1507]

Chels W YES! This variety and range is all by stylistic design. It’s brilliant! WOW!!

[@Idontknowwhat2type]

Its like she is actually currently experiencing what she’s singing about and I know she is probably not which makes this so phenomenal. Like holy crap.

[@jouansmothers7873]

She actually was. Her mom had just committed suicide a few weeks before this performance. She doesn't perform this song anymore because of that.

[@brandonvalle1631]

She was. That's what makes it so much better.

[@xkhhusm2010]

ITS BEEN 84 YEARS since I’ve waited for this reaction.

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

Worth the wait I hope?

[@xkhhusm2010]

Sam Johnson that and more! Now you’re obligated to react to ‘Gravity’ with Clark Beckham and ‘Evergreen’. Ready, set, go!

[@therealpepeu]

Oh, I’ve only waited for 7 hours and 15 days.

[@jerseybultaoreune6107]

Gravity. Gravity. Gravity.

[@MissizSmith]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Lorenaa6252]

Sam: Having the time of his life Me: Crying in my bedsheet because that performance made me feel things, I didn't even know I had in me

[@andrewgames5391]

Yebba does that to me too.

[@GraceAShipley]

Yes! Singers can so rarely make that happen for me but the raw emotion in this causes so much empathy

[@kristinemedina2839]

Exactly

[@ryath1030]

Right I have never cried during a song Adele has gotten me close. This chick I need more, I've never even heard of her before. I look her up, turns out she's only has three songs and she hasn't made a song in Forever.

[@iwutlaoha]

Yeah she seems to have a crazy ability to pull emotion from people

[@joannasaadati8810]

Her ability to be so raw and emotional yet keep her sound so clear is amazing 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@avionterria7855]

Her mom had just committed suicide the week prior to this performance. She has retired performing this song.

[@nicolamoir8839]

Ladies, find yourself a man who looks at you like Sam looks at someone singing well 😍

[@caylapelkey3305]

Yaaaaas

[@crash419animations5]

Guys find girls who like you for who you are not what you do 😄

[@atiyauthmani8516]

you mean the way he is laughing maniacally while she's pouring her guts out 🤷 I think he's uncomfortable with the display of real, raw emotions, and this is his way of coping" with the intense emotionality in her song....i.e., to laugh.

[@akeemrollins2327]

Me: So Yebba, when you sing what do you feel? Yebba: Yes.

[@missrhonda8891]

AJ Rolli 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😂🙌🏾

[@jojo1234a]

I wasn’t aware of YEBBA until now, thank you for the video xx

[@wonderwend1]

And its criminal that we weren't

[@bawby06]

Don’t Leave Me Lonely - Mark Ronson ft. Yebba

[@mcd5478]

Me either! 😳 she’s fabulous

[@duolink8171]

Best part of me!

[@amandafeliciano542]

Oh please go listen to Evergreen if you haven't, she wrote it for her mother. It's so gorgeous

[@caityrook]

New Title: Watch Sam fangirl for 20 minutes straight

[@coolcat1530]

For very good reason :P

[@Roanoak]

I’m taking the ride with him... :)

[@calliemyersbuchanan6458]

I loved seeing two people react in such different ways. Marc is still and silent almost in tears and Sam looks like he's on a damn roller coaster just over here lovin the ride! lol

[@deirdrefalk368]

This video's got me shook! Ithis is exactly how I feel about singing/performing and how relatively rare it is in the current arena. It really saddens me, but seeing this has given me some hope. Sam, I love how upbeat and humble you are. If I was in a position to study with someone I think you'd be the guy. Love your work! Anywhere we can see you perform online?

[@OneEphraimite]

LMFAO

[@veronicagray812]

And today is the day I discovered Yebba. THANK YOU! ❤❤❤

[@CatCo37]

Veronica Gray Same.

[@fairylovr33]

Oh good I’m not the only one 😉. She’s amazing! Will be wanting more of her for sure.

[@shilohstore6086]

I second that I'm kind of pissed off I haven't heard of her until now

[@KayHarperOfficial]

Watch her sing Gravity and Evergreen. She is working on her album now!

[@Cinnabuns75]

Same

[@ioanam.2981]

It took me so long to figure out that Dr Marc isn't next to Sam...

[@Rechard1107]

#trippy

[@antonielfilhofotografia5170]

I SEE YEBBA, I CLICK

[@dymonbarrett736]

Ditto

[@bgenesisthomas9146]

Dymon B. She has another song! Mark Ronson featuring Yebba!

[@robinanna5531]

Agreed!

[@SandraSaysStuff]

Jesus, I must've been living under a rock. Instant fan. It's so satisfying to witness such prowess from a performer. Thank you for reacting to this!

[@ShaKyraDominique]

I glad yall pointed out that it’s different then expected because some voice coaches i’ve seen react to this just tear this performance to shreds but this isnt some classical music technical performance its raw and unadulterated singing not always heard

[@avionterria7855]

Her mom had committed suicide the week prior to this performance. She dedicated the performance to her mom and retired performing this song.

[@GarageStudio7]

*I can't wait for her to release her debut album;* she deserves to be a World Renowned Vocalist! ✨ Her voice is reminiscent of a blend between *Adele & Jazmine Sullivan's* voices but with her own uniqueness 💛

[@kenrryfonseca729]

The tone of Adele and the Agility of Jazmine! Also the husky voice.

[@rangerange6108]

I hear more of Aretha Franklin and Kim Burrell in her voice. She’s just so incredibly talented.

[@RelishWithReCheil]

Kenrry Fonseca YES! The husky part of her voice is so beautiful!

[@LUckybones25]

Sounds like a bit like Kim Burrell too. 😱

[@Dog3D]

First time hearing her. Her voice is amazing. Soothing and powerful at the same time

[@blippacg]

Wouldn't call them mistakes. When you're emotional your voice isn't "clean", it cracks and gets high pitched and is anything other than clean. She's conveying emotion incredibly well.

[@emilyduke4255]

Brian Lippa when everything is perfectly controlled and balanced it can get boring really fast. You need something else in there to add to it. Technical perfection is amazing... but there’s way more to singing than that. I agree the emotion in this song is so amazing like you can just feel everything she is feeling

[@jupitersmalls1507]

More importantly, she uses her voice to depict uneven and broken experience, so she should be breaking intentionally to reflect that. Her work is brilliant; none of her stylistic choices are mistakes.

[@avionterria7855]

The emotion was especially raw as her mother had just committed suicide the week prior to this performance. She no longer performs this song...she dedicated this performance to her mom. Yebba was the nickname her mom gave her. She has returned to her birth name Abbey Smith.

[@LUckybones25]

She’s on the verge of tears in this performance. You can hear the shakiness in her voice.

[@chrismartinez144]

1:12-1:42, You know it's good when Sam hesitates to pause the video that long lol 😂

[@laurenlongfellow9714]

Chris Martinez I think he was finding the note she was hitting on his keyboard.

[@uiteren2845]

Chris Martinez She only does this to 2 artists so far. Yebba and SoHyang

[@christycm5946]

I'm so glad you reacted to her! First time I watched/listened to this, I was a puddle of tears on the floor. I'm not even in this kind of pain anymore, but her performance instantly took me back to an intense moment of my life where I DID feel this way, such a primal thing. Her voice is so incredible, she's so skilled but she's also so raw and honest and open and vulnerable. There is nothing affected about her performance; it cuts so deep. She broke me too!!!

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

Never heard this performance before. No sh!t started tearing up after 45 seconds. That's powerful. Someone who can tap into just feeling and use it as fuel to enhance your skill and technique to another level... THAT's the goal. You can't do that until you know you who are first. Thanks for doing this one.

[@SouchiMousy]

That's exactly how I feel! You can tell she's at the point of breaking down and you are there every second with her!

[@RenaaWretchless]

This is definitely one of those videos and voices that is so close to perfection for me. SO glad you analyzed this!! Edit because I just finished the video: I love how lost you both were because you were just so captivated by her performance. Emotion, for me, has always been the distinguisher for my favorite artists.

[@BenchSantosMusic]

Please react to Clark Beckham and Yebba's cover of Gravity by John Mayer! You'll surely love it 👍

[@MzEstefania]

I could easily go back to the original video and just enjoy this performance, and I have many times. But I still come back to watch this commentary because they are such in awe of her and show their true love and appreciation of their work and her talent.

[@melaniesullivan9947]

That part where the pikachu picture popped up and she had added that grit i was in love. I think it was on purpose and added so much.

[@danielordonez4308]

YES OMG FINALLY. I LOVE HER. THANK YOU SAM

[@shannamduff]

Sam freaking out is the greatest thing ever. Cause I looked just like that too the first time I saw this video by YEBBA. Incredible!

[@ju57in]

I have really being enjoying your channel of late and i must say that your channel is so genuine! Coming from other videos doing react videos where their responses are put on and overreact to try and make things interesting your responses are clearly genuine and it feels like we are just a friend you are just having a chat with which make your videos feels completely real. SO thanks for making me feel like im your friend :)

[@shrinerspark]

Sam doesn't need to try... he just is. :)

[@mickey2ky]

O my fing God dude.. she's not only talking to this dude but she's literally talking to us like "you know what I'm talkin bout" shes portraying that moment in conversation where you get so lost in the situation youre explaining and almost forget they're there and then when you click back in you're like 'know what I'm taliin bout dude?" You miss the needed visual emotion. What a performance.. holy sh&+

[@briannacheung]

She took us to CHURCH

[@G1nger_Snaps]

Someone mentioned Clark Beckham and Yebba’s cover of gravity... I 100% agree that would be such a great cover to review!!! It’s beautiful! Loved this! ❤️

[@musa2775]

Ohhhh that's where I know her from. Thank you!

[@Kmplee]

Gravity, is amazing! I keep replaying it to hear it again. Clark Beckham’s voice and piano skills are mesmerizing. With the addition of Yebba, they “go to church”

[@jaylin3331]

Finally shes getting some recognition!!! She has a song called Evergreen that's amazing too!! I cant wait for her album! I love how you mentioned how captivating she is because we dont see that often! That vulnerability, that performance, that EXPERIENCE she just took us on omg. I love her so much.

[@avionterria7855]

She also has a Grammy.

[@Resjek]

47 seconds in, that quickly into the video and I'm already going to find her album right now. I shit you not I'm not prepared for how amazing this video will be.

[@paxonearth]

I'm a 54 y/o rock and roller, and I don't generally get into all the vocal gymnastics, but I can't get enough of this girl. I really think she's a once-in-a-generation talent. Her vocal control, pitch, clean tone, dirty tone, everything is just so spot on. Plus, there's a sweetness to her, something very real in her emotional delivery. I hope this young Arkansas girl becomes huge.

[@thepreciousvelma]

Marc is watching this with such revere like he has been through real pain and Sam watches like someone who admires the pure talent. It’s a beautiful reaction from two different perspectives.

[@kimpeek7586]

This woman is so freaking amazing. Her singing was so emotional I wanted to cry, hug her, and tell it will be okay.

[@mcr9.84]

you're my favorite vocal coach to watch when it comes to reacting to people's voices. You don't just look at all things technical but you also take in the emotion and passion of people's performances. An amazing singer is not only technically good, in my opinion, they are also very passionate and emotional in their singing. It really makes the performance magical I think.

[@carolcarol3938]

I absolutely L O V E hearing that you are able to let that "analytical/voice teacher" part of Sam go and just be immersed in the performance.....while important to have those skills, it would be SO sad if that was all you could hear. I asked a question about your ability to be able to do this months ago, and now this video has answered that. I hope it's "controllable" and something that can be turned off when you want to listen for the sake of enjoyment. Loving YEBBA too.

[@MyParacosm]

Her voice is so beautiful n unique... i literally cried 😱😭

[@chatterbox2457]

Thank you for introducing me to this amazing breath of fresh air! 😍🎶

[@DreamingCatStudio]

She’s astounding. Got chills. Reminds me of how Janice would wail with pain, equally beautiful.

[@lynnemartin2291]

Thank you - I have never heard this lady and I love her voice. Reminds me on some notes of Janis Joplin. Great song, so heartfelt.

[@mctcurious]

Thank you for your discussion at the end. The sense that she's out of control is IMO purposeful, artful and fully about expressing the song's story as an artist. Yet, musically she seems to me utterly coherent. I never felt that she was losing the plot. She's like a trapeze artist that you're sure is going to fall, yet they understand exactly what their limits are and how to take you to the edge of your seat and your nerve endings.

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

Very well said

[@billizetti]

I’ve seen this performance so many times, and I am still in awe of her. It was great to hear your appreciation of her.

[@andreacollins3204]

I’ve watched and I mean this every single reaction ever to this song. I still cry. This song breaks my heart but heals it. Thinking of her mother committing suicide always makes me appreciate how beautiful abbey is inside and out.

[@wishywashywara]

Im so glad you did yebba!!! Please do her performance of evergreen next!!

[@linalu5881]

YESS...I Love that song

[@shilohstore6086]

Extra yes

[@aileenemaldonado2229]

YESSSSSSS

[@laurenraubaugh9542]

This was beautiful! I'd never heard this song before. Thank you. She reminds me of Adele but I love that extra rasp and unique vocal tone she has. The "dirtiness", like you said. Wow. And, on a sort of unrelated note (but I have to try, I've been hoping forever!!!), I'd literally pay you $100 to react to Freddie singing Somebody to Love in 1981 (Montreal), just because it's nice to see you smile and fangirl like this, haha. The runs and just inimitable quality baffle me and I want you to explain to me how it's possible, like you did here. :)

[@Tsunamiieh]

Dude, what the fuck man. That was organic emotion put into words for sure.

[@aliciazambri4237]

Her video is on heavy rotation in my daily KZbin watching. I literally can't get enough of this song and her voice in it. And I literally cry every time. I can feel her pain.

[@skylcharybchristine7821]

She colours the way that gives me the same feeling I get when I listen to Nina Simone. So good!

[@Successor123]

She is not singing it with style in mind, she is singing from her soul! She has lived this song and she's telling you her story.

[@angieoak2933]

GOOSEBUMPS!! GOOSEBUMPS MAN!!! Plus, love your reaction to the performance, and DAMN that was a hell of a brilliant performance!

[@monsieurpickles9230]

Her voice in this song has so many colors and textures I am IN LOVE.

[@violetenergy4392]

Yebba went to the Belmont School of Music in Nashville, TN. Love her.

[@ssj2189]

That explains her soulfulness this girls is it...I will be searching her up 👍

[@serious7179]

This lady is offf the chain! I have tears and chills...

[@BlJkScTr]

She’s extremely good at letting her voice what it will. She goes to these unstable configurations but doesn’t push it over the edge like most people would do if they tried. She lets the mic do the work it can and focuses on phrasing, dynamics and making her vowels interesting. Her runs are super clean. Notes are defined yet connected. And her lack of pushing allows her to slide around her range smoothly.

[@cam6d]

I just want her to release an album!

[@joannasaadati8810]

She's working on it 💜🙏

[@faunsolo]

She was only 21 WHEN SHE SANG THIS, DAMN.

[@danielroberson5932]

Her gospel influence is very evident. 👏🏾

[@shilohstore6086]

Sam's joy brings joy.

[@shilohstore6086]

Sorry I had to leave for 4 hours and watch everything I could find on Yabba.

[@grizzlybeargames6466]

This dual analysis setup is particularly good, very enjoyable to hear experienced technical input... and to watch two people at once have their mind blown

[@branimirvalentic3035]

finally some big chanell giving my girl YEBBA some well deserved exposure. Thanks Sam for breaking down not only her vocals but the whole preformance

[@xlibris3149]

OMG!! She got the most beautiful voice I heard for a long time. She gave me all kinds of feelings. I was tearing up just by her voice and feelings she is giving! I am shook!❤❤❤

[@sethromines8841]

The way she just finishes with “so that’s that one” makes me giggle every single time.

[@anitapaulus937]

Her performance of “Evergreen” is exceptional.

[@elianon247]

How am I this early?! But seriously, this performance is what got me interested in vocal coach reactions a year ago. It's so remarkable, and one of the most reacted to performances.

[@toodledo6186]

Thank you so much for reacting to YEBBA. It was so satisfying to see your reaction. Her performance still hits me right to my soul even after watching it countless times

[@manon7249]

“I am shooketh” haha almost didn’t catch it

[@lacyaych2357]

It's not on Spotify! What a cruel world...

[@studioalexis1725]

Lacy H no but her song evergreen is! Also check out her song with rudemental!

[@hunnerdayEDT]

Nooooo! I must download this 😭

[@mzsweetypie2812]

it's on Soundcloud though that's where I found it

[@chioma916]

@@studioalexis1725 taste!

[@jarjarinks]

She has it available on her website for download! She made it available over a year ago to commemorate her mother. www.yebbasmith.com

[@nicolecurren4764]

I am SO glad you reacted to this. I adore YEBBA! I have watched this performance dozens of times, and i still get emotional every time. Her recording of Gravity with Clark Beckham is fantastic as well.

[@garronteed]

Abbey's got Dr. Reynolds talkin' about Mozart breaking the rules. I really hope she's seen this!

[@BoogieBitch69]

*Sam* : well according to the encyclopedia of msnsjshsnsnsnsnsmshbssn *Marc* : mmhmm.....yeah *head nod*

[@VKeurick]

React to Jazmine Sullivan singing Home as an 11 year old! It'll be great, she's amazing.

[@claudeseymour]

YES!!!! Jazmine is one of the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. I doubt Sam will do it though, we'll see...

[@arxsyn]

I think she takes some cues from Jazzy at times

[@missliss2581able]

I absolutely love watching people who really know singing react to really good singers. You can always tell how they feel about it when they make the “stank face” 😂 Great reaction!

[@JinniferStYves-tz1dd]

watching sam be speechless.... priceless

[@ashleyreupena]

I love that you actually analyze and give different options for singers instead of just saying they sound "great" Or "terrible". Even if it's not what the usual person would think is pleasing to the ear, you don't get rude. You point out the good things and then say what better choices they could've made for different parts that they sing. That to me is an actual vocal instructor. ❤ subscribed!

[@kristinemedina2839]

That made me sob OMG even with the pauses...so beauuutiful

[@annemorgan2064]

The emotion she projects with her vocals is amazing

[@brianblackwine4738]

Finally!! I’ve been waiting for this for too long.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

Great voice/interpretation and Sam, you are simply a pure joy to watch & listen to as well. So happy I found your channel last year!

[@TinEE189]

I remember the first time I heard this. I was mesmerised for weeks, and I couldn't stop playing it! It's one of my favourite live performances, and top 3 wish I was there vocals moments!!

[@mosafi6710]

I've been waiting for this for so long, aka 3 months 😅 Hearing two different teachers/coaches react to Yebba's emotional and dramatic performance is eye opening. I like the fact that you two fed off of each other's analysis and comments. It's informational and yet you keep it positive. Love that you looked like you were enjoying the performance with those little laughs and smiles. Thank you Sam for another great video 😊 Also, can we become best friends, Sam.

[@anbar]

I love her so much

[@Trulyamayzing]

Yaaaaas I was waiting for you to discover this amazing woman 🤧❤️

[@lydibudi7292]

marc is in love and sam doesn’t know what to do with his emotions and just starts laughing 🤣

[@trentt5310]

An absolutely perfect reaction and review. I loved this and all of your comments.

[@junehiott4831]

Sam, watching you listen to music is such a joy💜 Thanks for sharing... Yebba is incredible!!!

[@tmackie1694]

Several times during this performance, I felt shivers in my body. Yebba hits a frequency - both literal and emotional - that causes a physical reaction in the listener. This is phenomenal and RARE. It’s like a superpower!

[@breadwinner8785]

THANK YOUUU!! i’ve been waiting for you to do yebba! i love hearing what you have to say

[@rebeccaclement99]

Wow. Never heard of her before this. I started tearing up because her talent is beautiful and emotion in it. This was perfect. Chills.

[@elvellarambles9151]

Hey it’s Dr Marc again!! Hi Dr. Marc! Elvella did not know Yebba before today, she’s been missing out!!

[@bubbasmama2123]

Sam, you're so amazingly well spoken. You express yourself and explain things to us beautifully. THANK YOU!!!

[@byusuf4953]

Wow, wow, wow! What incredible singing. I felt every second of her moving performance. I also loved how taken you were with the performance I.e. 'she's speaking these to someone and we all invited to watch that'. Great reaction and analysis 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾

[@Snoooo]

I can't believe that I haven't heard about her earlier! This send chills down my spine like crazy + amazing commentary, thank you Sam!

[@Fadilanse]

holy shit, who is that? she's on another dimension of performance

[@Hooverpixie24]

Pan Makser says it in the title. Her name is YEBBA

[@nevilleseptember333]

THEEEEEEEEEEE BEST and MOST insightful reaction or review that i have ever seen. I left a comment on Tara's reaction where she just broke the performance down technically, saw it all as showmanship and completely ignored the "who, when, what and why" as you guys rightfully put it... it was like she took all the emotion out of this most emotional and powerful performance. You said everything that everyone feels when they watch this... i said the perfect imperfection of an emotional delivery... it is what locks you in and makes you actually feel the song instead of hearing it... This performance didn't need me to imagine anything or try and paint a picture in my mind... it was alll their in the delivery i felt every word! Great job guys. You understand MUSIC as a whole and the power of it all. BRAVO ALL ROUND!

[@kimmyball4961]

I need to thank you Sam. You have introduced me to artists I would have never heard! Music is my life, so again thank you!! ❤