ZZ Ward’s latest album, ‘Dirty Shine‘ is a testament to her journey as an artist and her unwavering commitment to being her authentic self. The album, released under her independent label Dirty Shine Records, showcases ZZ Ward’s evolution as a musician and her fearless fusion of alternative, blues, hip-hop, R&B, and rock influences.
The concept of “dirty shine” serves as the album’s guiding principle, representing authenticity and embracing imperfections. ZZ Ward’s artistic rebirth as an independent artist has allowed her to fully express herself without the constraints of major labels. This newfound freedom has resulted in an outpouring of creativity, including her foray into directing music videos, crafting signature fedoras, and connecting directly with her fan community.
‘Dirty Shine‘ is a cinematic 11-track journey that weaves together an eclectic mix of musical styles. From the bold electronic textures to the rugged hip-hop beats and sensual R&B vocals, ZZ Ward’s versatility shines brightly. The album’s lead single, ‘On One’, featuring Jean Deaux, is a powerful anthem that celebrates the strength of motherhood and defies stereotypes.
The accompanying music videos for ‘On One’ and ‘Forget About Us’ form a captivating mini-movie, blending elements of a Zombie-Western love story with ZZ Ward’s unique fashion sense. These visuals are a testament to her artistic vision, adding depth to the album’s storytelling.
One standout track, ‘Friends Like These’, channels the spirit of Delta blues, with ZZ Ward’s gritty vocals seamlessly merging with hip-hop beats. ‘OverdoZZe’, produced by Ludwig Göransson, is a genre-blurring masterpiece, weaving together elements of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and blues.
‘Dirty Shine‘ benefits from the expertise of a stellar lineup of producers, including Mike Elizondo, Jason Evigan, Dave Bassett, S1, and Mark Jackson & Ian Scott. Their contributions elevate the album’s production quality, making it a sonic delight from start to finish.
ZZ Ward’s journey from a small town in Oregon to her current status as an independent artist is a testament to her determination and talent. ‘Dirty Shine‘ encapsulates the essence of her musical evolution and her commitment to being true to herself. With a slate of additional singles on the horizon, including ‘Evil On The Inside’, ZZ Ward shows no signs of slowing down.
In conclusion, ‘Dirty Shine‘ is a bold and refreshing musical offering from ZZ Ward. It’s an album that not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also embodies the spirit of embracing one’s authenticity. ZZ Ward’s “dirty shine” is a beacon of creativity and empowerment that resonates throughout the album, making it a must-listen for fans of genre-blurring music with a message.
