By Brian Rock
Blues vocal powerhouse, Ruthie Foster accentuates the positive on her new album, Just Say Yes. Inspired by a post-it note she left to herself when she was on a hiatus from music, the album is a call to embrace life fully. Leaning into her gospel roots, Foster shows that everything in life is either a lesson or a blessin’. With a little faith and perseverance, we can survive the hard times; and with a little open-mindedness, even learn from them.
Musically and lyrically, “Yes,” is the centerpiece of the album. Mellow, grand piano chords give way to electric guitar, drums and organ as the mood shifts from contemplative to explosive. As if receiving an epiphany, Foster sings, “When life comes a knockin’ asking “Are you home?’, you better say Yes!” Whatever happened in the past doesn’t matter because, “You know we’re always learning and there’s always more to find.” Bold gospel chords and backing vocals emphasize the sentiment. But Foster makes clear that life isn’t just about saying “yes” to the things you want. She urges us to say, “yes to a little more conversation. No, we ain’t gotta see eye to eye. Maybe we can find some truth between us. Baby I’ll love yours if you love mine.” “Yes” means also allowing others to experience their version of “Yes.” If we can say “Yes” to uniting and working together, then “There’s no need to worry about those mountains we must climb.” The soaring melody portends the beautiful world we could create by working together.
But before we can make peace with others, we must first make peace with ourself and our God, however we perceive that. The gritty Chicago blues of “Tangled,” shows how we can lose ourselves in a toxic relationship if we don’t know ourselves. The soulful, Memphis blues of “Doubling Back,” shows how easy it is to keep going back to a bad relationship when we don’t love ourselves. “Reachin’,” takes a folk/blues moment to self-reflect. Knowing that she’s searching, but not quite sure what she’s searching for, she asks for someone “to shine a little light on me.” “Sitting Still,” finally helps Foster find herself. Against a backdrop of power ballad piano chords, she sings, “It ain’t the runnin’ or climbin’ uphill, a race to the finish, or chasing dollar bills. Peace is gonna find me, I know that it will. It’s loudest in the quiet, when I’m sitting still.” Having found herself, Foster sings a lullaby to, “Take Time,” to enjoy life and our part in it. Now at peace, Foster can look back on previous unhealthy relationships, and say, “Thank You.” The Chicago blues tones strike an accusatory tone as she recounts the pains of past lovers. But her new point of view allows her to say, “Thank you for lighting my fuse.” The pain of the past was exactly the kick start she needed on her path to enlightenment. Newly liberated, she no longer feels compelled to say yes to bad relationships. Now she is free to, “Mabe it Up.” The lively Piedmont blues tune hints at potential and promise, but still keeps Foster in the driver’s seat. “Hold On,” is her Gospel blues declaration of love when she finally finds her perfect partner. Singing, “I’m a gonna love you to my dyin’ day,” she is professing a love rooted in joy, not need. Background singers echo her jubilation and testify to the power of love. “Come On Up,” takes love to a deeper, spiritual level. Having found herself, she extends a hand to those still struggling. Backed by pulsing gospel organ chords, she sings, “I know everybody stumbles. I can help you if you fall.” Listen to this song and imagine the people you judge, you criticize, maybe even despise – then picture yourself reaching out a hand of fellowship to them. With her powerhouse vocals and gospel/blues rhythms, Ruthie Foster has shown us how to build a better world, if we have the courage to, “Just Say Yes.”
ruthiefoster.com | fb | buy
Brian Rock
Latest posts by Brian Rock (see all)
- Ruthie Foster Just Say Yes - August 31, 2026
- Adam Chaffins Trailer Trash: Doublewide - August 29, 2026
- Neon Moons Day Late and a Dollar Short - July 24, 2026
