When ZZ Ward dropped Liberation—her first album after saying “goodbye” to labels and their endless “how about this instead” suggestions—I could feel that fresh wind of freedom blowing through all 14 tracks. The first time I played Liberation, vivid images of an open summer road immediately came to mind, with ZZ Ward cruising down it in a vintage convertible, sincerely singing about her own experiences.

Her smooth yet confident delivery grabs attention from the very first second, while the slightly raw soulfulness naturally makes you nod along to the rhythm. The core idea of Liberation is that ZZ Ward is no longer bound by anyone’s directives or corporate constraints—this time, she stands as an independent artist with a clear vision. The shift to releasing music on her own gave her the space to embrace any emotion, any idea, without looking over her shoulder at label-imposed demands.

What adds even more depth is the fact that ZZ Ward recorded this album as a mother, juggling (if that’s the right word) parenthood and the creative process. Naturally, that leaves its mark—some themes feel warmer, while others come across as strikingly honest and full of joy. The album comes together like a collection of stories about holding on and believing in something better, even when facing serious obstacles. And yet, it all sounds remarkably cohesive, likely because ZZ Ward puts a strong focus on positivity, warmth, and inner strength—drawing from both her love for her son and her unwavering commitment to staying true to herself.

Musically, you can catch nods to classic soul and blues, with retro beats slipping in here and there, bringing to mind nuances of Amy Winehouse’s albums—especially in terms of groove and vocal delivery. But ZZ Ward knows how to shape these influences without making them feel like direct replicas. She blends a refined rhythm with a modern touch, adding just the right amount of rasp and passion.

The album packs 14 tracks, each revealing a different side of ZZ Ward—powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and confidence in her musical vision. Altogether, it sends a clear message: she has found her path and moves freely within it. The title Liberation might highlight exactly that, since throughout the tracklist, you can hear that nothing holds her back from following her inner voice.

ZZ Ward moves through the album smoothly yet assuredly, balancing moments of emotional intensity with delicate, almost intimate pauses. There are no filler tracks—everything is structured to guide the listener through a carefully mapped-out journey, from raw strength and drive to tender, introspective moments.

“Mother” sets the journey in motion, establishing the tone for the entire album. Here, ZZ Ward fully embraces her sensual, almost primal blues sound. Her voice is deep and resonant, carrying weight and intention—she holds onto something vital and refuses to let it slip away. You can feel her vocals sinking in, creating a sense of closeness and warmth. Then comes a moment of reflection with “I Have No One.” This is the kind of song you put on late at night, close your eyes, and simply let yourself drift. Her voice soars effortlessly, while the instrumental remains soft and meditative, pulling you into a space of introspection. But there’s no time to stay still for long, because “Cadillac Man” bursts onto the scene. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to speed down an open highway or just surrender to the rush of the moment.

And then comes the true sense of freedom. “Naked In The Jungle,” “Liberation,” and “Lioness” form another thread in the album’s narrative. “Naked In The Jungle” radiates a feeling of release, as if ZZ Ward has shed the last of her restraints and is fully immersed in the moment. In “Liberation,” she digs even deeper into her inner state, turning the song into a kind of personal manifesto. “Lioness” brings the momentum back—guitars, horns, a rolling rhythm. This is the moment in the album when it becomes undeniable: this woman knows exactly what she wants and is moving toward it without fear.

“Sinner’s Prayer” is a moment to pause before the final note. Gentle jazz piano lulls you in as ZZ Ward takes the lead, fully unveiling her vocal depth. It’s easy to imagine this one in a live setting, where its rich, organic sound would only grow stronger. The closing track, “Something You Got,” is light and mesmerizing. Here, ZZ Ward leaves us with something warm, something you want to keep close and play again and again. Personally, I just enjoyed the way ZZ Ward lifts the mood time and time again with her bold energy. Sometimes she takes risks, slowing things down unexpectedly, only to crank up the volume or pull focus with a striking chorus.

I’d say Liberation marks a milestone in ZZ Ward’s career, highlighting the full bloom of a distinctive talent that stands out for its cohesion. From a major label to complete independence, from a singer once willing to follow someone else’s terms to a mother making music on her own terms—this album is the result of a long journey. Everything aligned to bring fans, and really any music lover, a little more light, warmth, and motivation.

I highly recommend listening to this album from start to finish at least once—that’s the best way to truly grasp the energy it carries. And chances are, like me, you’ll find yourself coming back to these songs again and again. And by the way, it’s a big year for ZZ Ward and her fans! The tour in support of the new album has already kicked off. It’s one of those moments when everything comes together perfectly—new music, new cities, a new chapter in her career. If you’re lucky enough to catch her live, you’re in for a powerful show filled with that raw, electrifying energy that comes through on the record.

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