Won't Work

UK soul singer IYAMAH delivers poignant lyricism, dynamic, bountiful vocals and zealous carvings on new track ‘Won’t Work’. The track is accompanied by a self-directed multicoloured and spiritual video filmed in India. While growing up on reggae and the sounds of African drumming, IYAMAH discovered a love for soul and hip hop. Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, she became involved in the Brighton rave scene, before moving to London to find her true sound as a soul artist. A flourishing and ever improving artist, IYAMAH’s latest offering is a sophisticated and avant-garde cut, brimming with funny, coy lyricism and subtle vocal gusts of exquisiteness. 

The artist shows herself to be a perspicacious lyricist, with writing that is profound and pithy. She offers empowering, fanciful wordplay that defies romantic cliches in an intelligent and nuanced way. The vocals are full of personality and luscious quality, with the harmonies in the chorus particularly rustic. The instrumental is compelling; the bittersweet synth and guitar chordal work support the vocals perfectly, with an adventurous bassline and snappy, sharp percussion full of attitude and acumen. The saxophone is a stand out feature, accentuating the playful counter melodies.

With tight, clean production, tenacious, overawing vocals and deft, humourous songwriting, this track is a resounding success. A talented writer, director and stylist, IYAMAH has many strings to her bow, and it seems only a matter of time till one of them hits a bigger target.