Drawing us in with a glistening guitar soundscape and an emotive vocal performance, Simone Engel opens YES with the conceptual lyrics, “You say yes, but do you mean no, your eyes say yes, but still it feels like no, your body leans in but your silence leans away…”
We immediately connect with the raw authenticity and the lived experience that manifests with Simone’s prose. The production builds in a refined and timeless way as the rising artist showcases her exquisite range and cinematic vibes.
With its cinematic allure, there is no doubt that YES would be perfect as a sync placement in a film like The People We Meet on Vacation, or an episode of My Life with the Walter Boys. Speaking on the release, Simone Engel confesses, “I wanted to write a song about something many people experience: the confusion that can arise when words and actions don’t seem to match.”
Simone adds, “Rather than giving answers, I hope the song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find their own meaning in it.”
We love the poetic prowess that comes to life and the high emotional quotient that Simone Engel shares. Fans of some of Lady Gaga‘s more Americana ballads would be able to connect with YES. Simone shares, “Musically, I was inspired by Americana and modern country storytelling. I wanted the production to feel honest, warm and authentic, while keeping the lyrics at the heart of the song.”
The stripped-back middle eight is sublime, before an anthemic finale reprise and intricate acoustic outro that has us in awe. We love what Simone Engel has created and have added YES to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we anticipate future releases from the charismatic Dutch artist.