Joe Yorke – Hopeless (2023) Album

Label: Rhythm Steady
Produced & mixed by: Joseph Baker & Joseph Yorke
Saxophone by: Joshua Jaswon
String Quartet feat. Declan Daly, Paul Barrett, Jess & Cral Hill
Guitar on “Still Dreaming” by: Sam “Chip” Huelin
Percussion & Guitar on “Hopeless Lover” by: Eeyun Purkins
Wurlitzer and Inspiration from Juan Sevilla on “Dreaming” Saxophone
Recording Engineer: Nathan Crowe, Berlin
Strings Recording Engineer: Jacopo Chiari, Bristol
Mastered at Pressure Mastering, Bulgaria, by Matt Martin
Cover Photograph by: Khali Photography, Bristol
Design by: Joseph Yorke & Ella Bryden
Release date: 10/27/2023

Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from the north of England, Joe Yorke has made quite a name for himself on the international reggae sound system scene in recent years. Today, from Bristol, he presents ‘Hopeless,’ his third LP. This new album, available on his own label Rhythm Steady, is without a doubt his most personal work to date. A true mosaic of inspirations and influences, ‘Hopeless‘ embraces Northern Soul, Rocksteady, Doo-Wop, Soul, Roots Reggae, and Lovers Rock to paint a portrait of contemporary Britain where daily life rhymes with uncertainty and struggle.

“Hopeless“, much like the sentiment that animates many British in the face of the current economic situation, the harshness of everyday work, and the irrational exercise of political power. On this new album, Joe draws inspiration from characters encountered in his past, his own journey, and stories that have been relayed to him, to weave a musical narrative that captures snapshots of life across the UK. With his heartfelt voice and metaphorical lyric approach, he intertwines themes of love and relationships with topics of a political and social nature.

“Hopeless” touches upon the intimate and is tinged with melancholy. Its influences echo the past, but the album emerges with an undeniably modern sound that bridges the gap between the eras it evokes and the genres it harnesses. The anecdote goes that « Hopeless » had to be completely re-composed during the winter of 2022 after being accidentally erased from a hard drive, and that this version available today is even more refined than the previous one. What is certain is that, with the collaboration of English MC Solo Banton and Italian singer Marina P, with the total involvement of his partner and co-producer Joe Baker, and with the desire to work on new grooves, Joe Yorke has crafted a solid LP with a unique style.