Even the most unstereotyping and musically cultured musicologist might fail to recognize the nationality and religion of this singer-songwriter after listening to a whole album of hers. That's because Malaysia's Yuna doesn't make it obvious that's she is of Eastern background and Islamic heritage. Her beliefs are not forced upon the listener and also her music is far more influenced by the west. She doesn't want to be thought of as "that Muslim lady" and but a normal everyday woman that can write and sing.

 

Her debut album "Yuna", showed that a woman with a hijab can still express universal themes and sing songs about: difficult relationships (Stay) and acceptance, shown in the noticably Pharrell Williams produced track "Live Your Life". This being her most successful hit to date, particularly in the U.S. She proves that she can relate to the world around her and refuses to have her identity pidgeon-holed and the same goes for the description of her music. To call it pop would be lazy when it can range from adult alternative to soul and to lounge.

 

So, one year later Yuna is back with a new album "Nocturnal". It shows similar themes to the previous album. The commonly understood theme of love is once again represented but this time as a hopeful and longing companion in "Lovely Intermission." This album is also far more mature, pleasantly rounded and consistent in it's quality to it's predecessor containing far less twee and stale fillers. Her crafty song writing is mixed with African vibes this time on energetic destined-to-used-in-an-advert-for-seaside-resorts "Rescue" and the Toto-Africa flavoured lead singer "Falling." But Yuna still can't stick to a style and picks inspiration off trees, as shown when she creates smooth motown vibes on "I Want You Back" and imagines a long lost Ellie Goulding single on "Colours." The world is a curious place for her and her passionate excitement might keep her up all night. MTH