WATER IN THE DESERT
After releasing three singles in 2024, ZADA debuted her first full-length album, WATER IN THE DESERT, on March 1. ZADA has been working on her craft for over a decade, coached by Lis Lewis and the Songwriting School of Los Angeles, and started releasing original music in 2022. Raised in Canada, ZADA feels deeply connected to the earth and nature and channels that into her work. The best way to describe ZADA’s work is fluid. Everything about her vocal style, lyrics, and production seems to just flow out of her organically. Her songs drift by effortlessly, enveloping the listener as they go. ZADA also found a sweet spot between nostalgic and modern music. Her tracks feel like they could have come from the 80’s & 90’s, but remain interesting and fresh. WATER IN THE DESERT is a complete thought, representing different facets of ZADA while telling her story.
WATER IN THE DESERT opens with “Atlantic Times,” a single originally released last August. ZADA frequently credits nature as her inspiration, something that’s instantly clear in “Atlantic Times.” The track starts with just a pulsing beat and repeated piano notes. It’s a rhythm that comes from the outside world, almost like street noise, but not as industrial. Instead, it’s a heartbeat from the earth itself as the world moves around ZADA. Despite staying a bit reserved, ZADA’s vocal tone is always clear and soulful. She’s crooning about a lost relationship, wistfully wondering what they are up to now as she can’t quite let go. WATER IN THE DESERT feels like a journal, with ZADA looking back at the stages of her relationship from start to finish. “Atlantic Times” sets the stage for what’s to come.
“Deep End” cover art via The Bloom Effect
WATER IN THE DESERT album artwork via The Bloom Effect
Following “Atlantic Times” is “Deep End.” I previously reviewed “Deep End” as a single when it was released in November. As mentioned in that review, ZADA possesses incredible skill for utilizing sound to build landscapes. Her music paints a visual image, blending the senses. Pizzicato notes bubble by, and she dives deeper and deeper into her strength. She continues to prove her expertise in building soundscapes through the production of her following track. Something about “Ice On It” evokes imagery of a couple slow dancing in their kitchen on a quiet, early morning. A grooving counter melody in the bassline nestles alongside the lyrics, and a light guitar sprinkles notes here and there. ZADA’s vocals are sweet and comforting, and she’s relishing the moment, taking it slow. It’s intimate and vulnerable, taking the time to really sit in her feelings and be grateful.
All of the sweet intimacy in “Ice On It” gives way to raw vulnerability in “Walls.” Waxing waves of synth simmer, keeping the intensity just below the surface. Ringing vocals and a quick beat from a drum machine join in, providing a moment of calm before the storm. As the chorus hits, bright synth chords, rapid beats and passionate vocals break through to release all of the pent-up emotion. Once again, ZADA expertly uses music to conjure up imagery, this time of her tearing down physical walls as she sings about letting go of her emotional ones. She returns to the restrained synth and simpler beats for each verse, allowing the choruses to shine through as powerful and honest. She bares her soul, pouring her all into this partnership. At the album’s midway point, “All In Your Mind” presents an entirely new style. Lyrical phrasing and swirling synths have been replaced with pulsing beats and staccato instrumentation. She’s no longer smitten and naïve, pivoting instead towards a more seductive and empowered position. The dynamic of their attraction shifts from infatuation to turbulence and power plays. Both the relationship and the style of music prove to be unsustainable for ZADA, as she returns to soundscapes and soul in the following tracks.
As the album progresses, it becomes clearer that this relationship is falling apart. Both “Sweet Things in Life” and “Dive In” detail mismatched efforts at maintaining the partnership. A nostalgic, 80’s style synth and a twinkling piano in “Sweet Things in Life” feel dreamy, but the lyrics hint it is becoming a nightmare. ZADA’s waking up and realizing that they are not seeing eye to eye. She’s heartbroken, desperate to stay in this dream a little bit longer. Following with “Dive In,” ZADA reflects on her past willingness to be all in and how it blinded her from realizing she isn’t receiving that same level of enthusiasm. Plucked, stilted guitar notes and a heavier snare presence keep the energy lifted while muted synth horns and bassline bring in funk elements. As ZADA asks what exactly they have to offer, she wonders if they ever were ever willing to “dive in.”
ZADA closes out WATER IN THE DESERT with the more subdued “Highways & Borders.” Muted drums and solitary piano chords punctuate dreamy synth tones and heavier reverb in yearning vocals. It’s a bittersweet track. ZADA’s looking ahead at the journey before her, knowing the right person is out there. Slowly and with intention, she’s taking deliberate steps forward. But there’s no rush, no worries about the destination. Every day, every mile, and every highway brings her closer.
Following this albums release, ZADA played shows at the Kennedy Center and SXSW festival. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and her vocals are just as gorgeous live. If you’re lucky enough to see her, you’ll be instantly hooked.
