Francesco Yates is easy to brag about. He is gearing up for a tour with starry siren Jess Glynne, and has production credits on his new self-titled EP that include Pharrell and Robin Hannibal. This soul pop singer fuses live and electronic instrumentation for a versatile, strong debut that will most likely skyrocket him to the top.
Turning 20 on September 11th – (EP release isn’t a bad birthday present), Yates started in Toronto and joined Atlantic’s roster at just sixteen. The multi-instrumentalist enabled listeners from all over the world to enjoy his FADER premiered single, “Honey, I’m Home.” (But – wait a minute – what does a 20-year-old know about coming home to his family, if only in a figurative sense?)
Needless to say, P&W is okay with having Yates’ undeniable talent being shared amongst all industry professionals. In fact, we have all been waiting for a soul like Francesco Yates. He sings from the heart – and the production on his debut EP intertwines that very soul with crashing, in-your-face arrangements as well as sweet, sweet love making sounds. The third track, “Better To Be Loved,” encompasses a nice funky bass line and early Michael Jackson days vocals that can’t make you help but groove your way onto the dance floor.
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“When I Found You,” throws back to sounds from Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSexLoveSounds” with snaps, soaring vocal breaks and delicious soundscapes. Yates has opened a portal of new lovemaking sounds. Thanks for the baby boom in advance, Franny.
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“Call,” holds up a pulsating beat as Yates soars through this sentimental tune and a tale of a binding love that we can only dream of. ‘I’m there when you call on me”. Hey! Francesco! Call us?
Dance track: Better To Be Loved
Sex track: Something Different
Whiskey track: When I Found You
Article: Hillary Barleaux
