REVIEW: ZZ Ward – ‘Liberation’

For over a decade, ZZ Ward has been carving out her own lane in modern blues-rock, channelling the raw energy of the legends she grew up admiring while infusing the genre with a fresh and contemporary fire. And after yet more praise under her belt recently, the LA-based powerhouse returns with her latest full-length album ‘Liberation’, a record that cements her reputation as a dynamic force in the scene, blending grit, soul, and fearless storytelling into an electrifying collection.

Across fourteen tracks, Ward weaves together swaggering guitar licks, smoldering vocal runs, and a fierce emotional depth. Tracks like ‘My Baby Left Me’ bring a foot-stomping, blues-infused groove that harks back to rock’s golden age, while the album’s stunning title-track dips into more vulnerable, introspective territory, showcasing her ability to balance raw power with delicate, soul-baring moments.

One of the undeniable strengths of ‘Liberation’ is Ward’s commanding vocal presence. Delivering every lyric with conviction, she effortlessly glides between soulful rasp, bluesy wail, and smoldering croon to create a beautifully moving listen. Whether she’s driving a gritty, guitar-drenched anthem or slowing things down for a moment of tender reflection, her voice remains the unshakable anchor, guiding the listener through a whirlwind of emotions.

While ‘Liberation’ is undeniably rooted in blues and soul traditions, Ward continues to push the boundaries, infusing the record with modern production, bold arrangements, and an undeniable urgency. There’s a rawness to the songwriting, a sense of reckoning and triumph that makes the album’s title feel more than fitting.

After a streak of standout releases, ‘Liberation’ may just be ZZ Ward’s most compelling work to date; a bold, heartfelt statement from an artist who refuses to be anything less than authentic, powerful, and fiercely her own.