McEvoy decided to take the fourth album and head down the independent road. "Yola" was a turning point in McEvoy's musical direction. Released in 2001, it reflected the acoustic, jazz-influenced style she had developed on stage with Brian Connor. For McEvoy it was a new departure and one that found favour with music media. Irish Music Press described it as ... "her finest album", "a brave rejection of the predictable", "musically daring...beautifully atmospheric". International press lauded it as "a back to basics triumph", "beautifully restrained", "a classic", and "McEvoy’s best release to date". Extensive touring throughout the U.S. and the UK followed. In 2002, "Yola" was named "Record of the Year" by Hi-Fi+ Magazine.