Concert Review: Yuna @ World Café Live
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Last Wednesday night, World Café Live played host to the mesmerizing stylings of Yuna.
The Malaysian pop star is most famously known for her eponymous debut album and her Pharrell Williams-produced single, "Live Your Life." In presenting her newest EP, Nocturnal, the singer, reminiscent of the soulful Billie Holiday, did not disappoint.
From the moment she took the stage, Yuna captivated the crowd with her mellifluous voice, at once soft and powerful, and took the audience on a sonal adventure that incorporated aspects of pop, acoustic folk and R&B. Playing new tracks including "Rescue" and "Lights and Camera" alongside old favorites like "Decorate" and "Lullabies," and even a few covers like Frank Ocean's "Thinkin Bout You," Yuna delighted the crowd.
Though a few of her beats were a bit repetitive and some songs seemed to blur together, there's no denying she delivered a spectacular performance.
Yuna was charming not only in her performance but also in her stage presence. She kept up a playful back-and-forth with her audience throughout the show, while projecting a demure and down-to-earth facade. She's the kind of performer you want to be friends with — and not just because she's famous (but quite possibly so you can borrow her wardrobe). Opening the show was neo-soul singer Jarell Perry.
