ZZ Ward, the edgy artist known for her unique blend of blues, hip-hop, and pop, has embarked on a bold new journey with her latest album, “Dirty Shine.” This release marks her first album as an independent artist, and it’s accompanied by a series of cinematic music videos, a collaboration with her brother, Adam William Ward, that elevates the album to a whole new level of creativity.
“Dirty Shine” is an 14-song album that takes listeners on a captivating musical journey filled with a diverse range of influences and emotions. Each track on the album offers a unique sonic experience, blending bold electronic textures, rugged hip-hop beats, fiery rhymes, and infectious pop hooks. The concept of “dirty shine” lies at the heart of this album, signifying the idea of embracing one’s authentic self, imperfections, vulnerabilities, and all. For ZZ Ward, this album represents a moment of liberation, free from the constraints of major label machinery. It’s a testament to her evolution as an artist and a celebration of her newfound creative freedom.
In “Dirty Shine,” ZZ Ward wears multiple hats – singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, video director, record label owner, milliner, and now, a new mom. This album isn’t just a musical endeavor; it’s a comprehensive artistic expression. ZZ and her filmmaker brother, Adam Ward, have crafted ambitious mini-movies to accompany the songs, bringing high-concept, action-packed, and ultra-chic cinematic fantasies to life.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “On One,” featuring artist and filmmaker Jean Deaux. With its driving hip-hop grooves and an empowering message inspired by ZZ’s journey into motherhood, the song is a powerful anthem that challenges stereotypes about motherhood. The accompanying music video, part two of a mini-movie series, adds depth to the storytelling, with ZZ portraying a character who overcomes betrayal and finds new love, all while donning her signature rhinestone cowboy chic style.
Another of our favorite tracks was, “OverdoZZe,” produced by the acclaimed composer and producer Ludwig Göransson. This song exemplifies ZZ Ward’s willingness to push musical boundaries to the edge. It careens through various genres, seamlessly transitioning from pop to hip-hop, R&B to blues, and even climatic rock soloing. ZZ’s daring approach to music shines through as she fearlessly explores the intersections of different styles. “Friends Like These” is another notable track that showcases ZZ’s ability to seamlessly blend Delta blues vocals with gritty hip-hop beats. Her fearless fusion of genres is a hallmark of her style, and it shines brightly on this album.
The album’s production dream team, including Mike Elizondo, Jason Evigan, Dave Bassett, S1, and Mark Jackson & Ian Scott, contributes to the album’s rich and layered sound. Their collective expertise enhances the album’s sonic diversity, allowing ZZ Ward’s voice to shine brightly in every musical landscape she explores. Beyond the music, ZZ Ward’s personal journey adds depth to the album’s narrative. Born in Pennsylvania but raised in Roseburg, Oregon, ZZ was immersed in her father’s blues record collection from a young age. Her early exposure to artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Etta James set the stage for her blues-inspired musical journey. At the same time, her hip-hop-loving older brother introduced her to the world of rap, and ZZ began to see the connections between blues and hip-hop.
As a teenager, ZZ ventured into hip-hop clubs and started performing with R&B and hip-hop acts in Eugene, Oregon. Her journey to becoming an artist was not without challenges, but her signature fedora became a source of confidence, much like a superhero’s cape. ZZ’s relentless determination eventually led her to LA, where she joined her brothers in pursuit of careers in the entertainment industry. ZZ Ward’s career trajectory, from busking and selling demos in parking lots to earning a record deal with Hollywood Records, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. “Dirty Shine” is not just an album; it’s the culmination of her artistic evolution, a reflection of her authenticity, and a celebration of her journey.
In conclusion, “Dirty Shine” is a cinematic and multifaceted album that showcases ZZ Ward’s growth as an artist and her fearless exploration of genres. With its compelling music videos and powerful themes of self-acceptance and empowerment, this album is not only a musical experience but also a visual and emotional journey. ZZ Ward’s “Dirty Shine” is an invitation to embrace your true self, imperfections and all, and celebrate the beauty in authenticity. It’s a testament to the power of music and storytelling to inspire and uplift.
