REVIEW ON OYEBOLA WEB 3 MUSIC COMPETITION WEEK 40

When I first had the chance to listen to the cover of @oyebola "It Is Well With My Soul", I was totally unfamiliar with the song. However, immediately after the first line was delivered, "When peace like a river attended my way," I found myself suddenly relaxed. The song really grabbed my attention straight away.

The song is indeed strong. It's one of those hymns that people recognize and love. A lot of artists have performed it, but every single one of them brings something new. This one touched me on a very intimate level as if the singer was not only performing but also communicating.

The voice was gentle and consistent. It was not powerful or flashy. The voice conveyed feeling without forcing it. Every word was allowed to be heard. That is what gave the song its power. Very often the most minimalist presentation can have the greatest effect.

Moreover, I observed the timing as well. The artist took his time and was not hurried. Each verse was delivered properly and the next one could be started. That moment when I got to hear “My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more” stopped me for a second. The words seemed to be living, not merely performed.

Nothing was added to the presentation to confound the central message. There were no effects or gloss to hide the ruggedness of the rawness. Just a plain voice, calm and truthful. The refrain "It is well, it is well with my soul" seemed like solace. Every time it re-entered, it brought more tranquility.

The thing that really made an impact on me was the truthfulness. It was not the voice of a person who pretended to be impressive. Rather, it was one imploringly laying down his heart. That really makes a difference.

I also felt a shift in emotion near the end. When the words reached “And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight,” the tone carried hope. It felt like longing for something real, something close. That moment gave the song even more depth.

The performance was quiet yet powerful. The artist conveyed their message as if it were soft waves, unchanging and trustworthy. The performance was not only audible to me, but also tactile. After the finale, “It is well, it is well with my soul,” I was thinking about my life. The tune made its way through my ears to my heart, which is the hallmark of a memorable song.

One thing that impressed me most of all was that it was so simple. There were no big instruments. There were no huge effects. Just a voice that spoke the truth. And that was enough.

@oyebola did not only cover the song but seemed to be very sincere and emotional. The pacing of the artist allowed the theme to breathe, and the truthfulness made it memorable. It was not a show with a big audience. It was a moment of having an experience that still stays with you even after the song.

Link to her entry 👇