Mentioned in Dispatches: She Is Joya – Joya

If Carole King were starting today, emerging not out of the Manhattan songwriting industry but had instead paid her dues in Hong Kong musical theatre, the result would be something like Joya, for she writes songs that capture the same pop chops and the balladic brilliance of that classic artist.

But, of course, this music is very much of the here and now; there might be more contemporary sonics at work from time to time, songs like Credit brimming with poised modern pop grooves, but she also exhibits the same timeless qualities that have made the likes of King endure. Anyone can write pop songs; writing pop songs that last a lifetime is a different matter. I’ve got a feeling that Joya may just stand the test of time.