Yazz: The Pioneering Voice of British Soul and Dance

Yazz, born Yasmin Evans, is a British singer who rose to international fame at the forefront of the late-1980s club and pop scene. Hailing from London, her defining achievement was the massive global success of her 1988 single "The Only Way Is Up," which became an anthem and topped the UK Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks.

Early career

Born in 1960, Yasmin Evans grew up in London and began her career in fashion before turning to music. Her initial foray into the industry was as a backing vocalist, which led to her discovery and the formation of her band, Yazz and the Plastic Population, setting the stage for her entry into the burgeoning acid house and dance movement.

Breakthrough

Yazz's breakthrough arrived spectacularly in 1988 with her debut album, "Wanted." The album's second single, a vibrant cover of Otis Clay's "The Only Way Is Up," propelled her to stardom, selling over a million copies in the UK alone and earning a platinum certification. This success established her as a leading figure in bringing the energy of club culture to the mainstream pop charts.

Key tracks

The Only Way Is Up — This platinum-selling number-one single defined Yazz's career and became an enduring dance-pop anthem of its era.

Stand Up For Your Love Rights — The lead single from "Wanted" was a top-ten hit that first introduced her bold, soulful sound to the British public.

Fine Time — A successful collaboration with the production duo Coldcut, this track showcased her versatility within the electronic dance genre.

Where Has All the Love Gone — This 1993 release marked a return to the charts, demonstrating the lasting appeal of her vocal style.

The momentum continued with her second album, 1990's "The Natural Life," which produced further hits. Throughout the early 1990s, Yazz remained a consistent presence on the charts and a popular live performer, collaborating with artists like Aswad and contributing to various projects.

Fans of Yazz's soul-infused dance pop should also explore the work of similar UK artists. Lisa Stansfield shares a deep soul and R&B vocal quality that defined the same period. M People delivered a similarly uplifting and house-influenced sound fronted by a powerful vocalist. Soul II Soul pioneered a sophisticated blend of R&B, soul, and club rhythms from London. Sinitta was another key figure in the late-80s UK dance-pop scene with major chart success.