YEARNALISM

Published: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 4:02 am

Singer-songwriter Jasmine Rose Wilson, known professionally as Baby Rose, has released her third album, "YEARNALISM," a project that delves into the multifaceted nature of longing. The 31-year-old artist posits that soul music fundamentally revolves around the yearning for something just beyond reach, be it a lost love, a cherished memory, or an unfulfilled dream. "YEARNALISM" serves as a sonic exploration of this hypothesis, with each track examining a distinct form of desire, from the ephemeral nature of romantic relationships to the resurgence of hope after disappointment, all set against varied soul backdrops.

Wilson places herself at the heart of these narratives, eschewing the role of a detached observer. Her powerful and nuanced vocal delivery, previously showcased on her 2017 mixtape "From Dusk til Dawn" and her 2019 major-label debut "To Myself," is central to the album's emotional resonance. While her earlier work demonstrated significant talent, the challenge of marketing a retro-influenced artist to a contemporary audience proved difficult for her previous label. This led Wilson to embrace an independent path, signing with Secretly Canadian for her album "Through and Through," where she broadened her musical scope while maintaining the core tenets of soul.

On "YEARNALISM," Baby Rose continues to honor her retro sensibilities, as suggested by her album cover imagery featuring a vintage microphone. However, she simultaneously pushes the genre forward by utilizing studio techniques to reimagine traditional sounds. The album subtly weaves in echoes of the past, with "But, NVM" evoking the smooth sounds of 70s pop-soul, "All My Love" capturing the vibrant energy of disco, and the duet "Is This Love" with Elmiene presenting a lush Philly soul ballad. A complementary track, "Friends Again," a collaboration with Leon Thomas, blends deep soul with quiet storm influences.

Thomas's inclusion on the album is notable, following Wilson's own contribution to his Grammy-winning album "Mutt." This collaboration suggests Wilson's connection to the mainstream pop landscape. Furthermore, her 2024 EP "Slow Burn" with BADBADNOTGOOD appears to have significantly influenced "YEARNALISM." The EP's expansive arrangements, characterized by open space and echo, are mirrored in the current album's nuanced, textured, and airy soundscapes. The opening track, "When Im Gone," sets a slightly haunting tone with its spectral harmonies and simple guitar, a mood that the album often revisits. Tracks like "Believe Me" incorporate psychedelic Mellotron, while "Sunday" evolves from a subdued guitar strum to a vibrant, fuzz-laden conclusion. Beneath these evolving arrangements, the songs are elegantly constructed, allowing Wilson to display a wide emotional range. Her distinctive phrasing complements the driving beat of "Let Me Go," and her vocal sighs lend themselves to the wistful "But, NVM." The interplay of keyboards and strings in "Jasmines Sonnet" allows Wilson to express both tenderness and strength, a blend of emotions that defines the album's subtle power.

BNN's Perspective:
"YEARNALISM" represents a compelling evolution for Baby Rose, demonstrating her ability to honor the rich legacy of soul music while forging a contemporary sound. The album's thematic focus on longing is handled with a maturity and vulnerability that resonates deeply, and her willingness to experiment with studio production and collaborate with diverse artists showcases a forward-thinking approach. While the album clearly draws from past influences, it never feels derivative, instead offering a fresh perspective on timeless themes. This blend of tradition and innovation makes "YEARNALISM" a significant artistic statement.

Tags: Baby Rose, YEARNALISM, soul music, longing, desire, vintage microphone, 70s pop-soul, disco, Philly soul, deep soul, quiet storm, Leon Thomas, BADBADNOTGOOD, alt-jazz, spectral harmonies, psychedelic Mellotron, fuzz guitar, vocal phrasing, tender, tough, understated power

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