Bristol, U.K.-born singer Yola had big plans: shows, festivals and even a film role—all dashed by the pandemic. But through isolation came clarity and awakening, she planted the seeds of songs that would become the foundation of her sophomore album. The pause provided a reset for the singer who went through so many extraordinary circumstances on her way up. She faced prejudice, homelessness and stress-induced voice loss, all of which tower over the pressure of creating a successful second album.

Teaming again with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who produced Stand For Myself, Yola dove into the songbook of her upbringing to create an absolutely divine offering that spans genres.

“Where will you start living/Now that you’ve survived?” Yola sings on the effortless soul-rock grooves of the opening track, “Barely Alive.” Her vocal prowess is abundantly clear from the first notes, with a natural rise and fall testing the limits of her register. The uninitiated likely wouldn’t even guess the singer was born in the U.K.

“Dancing Away In Tears” rings in a ’70s-pop style with an orchestral flavor. The song sounds incredibly authentic to the era while infusing a modern lyrical sensibility. Rarely does an artist have such a handle on both who she is as a person and a musician. The musical confidence Yola puts on display is immeasurable. “Diamond Studded Shoes” is such a breezy and fun song that presents a serious message of inequality with bluesy and inviting sway.

Earnest acoustic ballad “Be My Friend” takes on roots/Americana road. “Won’t you be my friend out on a rainy day?” Yola asks. The melodies are so tight and intimate, which adds such a natural drama and emotional energy. She slows things down for “Great Divide,” once again an absolute showcase of the singer’s immense vocal power, with vocals cracking ever so slightly as they reach the highest reaches. The slow-grooving track even shows off her impressive supporting cast in a very understated fashion.

The dirty blues of “Starlight,” a mid-tempo bop with a bass-driven groove, pick the pace bak up. Auerbach and Yola clearly know how to make musical magic, tapping into the sounds of yesteryear to create something fresh and exciting. The sparse groove of “If I Had To Do It All Again” brings Yola to the forefront, allowing her sweet falsetto, which recalls that of Tina Turner, to show. “Now You’re Here” swims in similar waters, making for a natural pacing.

“Whatever You Want” builds up to some old-school country-tinged rock and roll. Steel guitars and an infectious bass line cross with the driving four-on-the-floor danceable beat. Yola again pushes her vocals to the max, while also leaving room for subtle and quiet moments.

The upbeat rock of “Break the Bough” was actually written in the wake of the singer’s mother’s funeral. Despite the somber topic, the song is uplifting and energetic, with a shot of positivity. The more traditional ballad “Like a Photograph” may be one of the most faithful adaptations to a throwback sound, evening mixing in a brass section for good measure. Closing track “Stand For Myself” is a masterpiece of rock and roll majesty, mixing grove and vocal drama with musical intensity. It builds from a tight groove to an all-out barrage of sound.

Yola’s moment may have been delayed, but it hasn’t been denied. Stand For Myself is a triumph in every sense of the word, one of the best releases of the year so far.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.