Ziggy Alberts, the Sunshine Coast troubadour with a penchant for poetic resonance, has returned with his seventh studio effort, New Love, and it’s a record that demands your attention—if not for its ambition, then for its heart. In an era where so many artists chase the ephemeral glimmer of trends, Alberts firmly stands against the current, weaving together a tapestry of the lived experience with an artistry that feels both timeless and profoundly personal.
From the outset, New Love invites listeners into a space that feels familiar yet refreshingly rejuvenated. The album is split into two distinct acts, marked by the breezy folk of Side A and the rock-infused, country-tinged explorations of Side B. The juxtaposition not only highlights Alberts’ versatility but also captures the essence of a journey—a musical odyssey that reflects the dichotomy of modern existence with its chaotic beauty.
Opening with “Flowers Bathed in Sunlight,” we’re greeted with a gentle, sunlit vibe that sets the tone for the introspective ride ahead. The song is a celebration of simplicity, a recurring motif throughout the album, and this is where Alberts shines brightest. His ability to distill complex emotions into accessible melodies reveals a songwriter at the height of his powers. He’s not merely strumming along; he’s crafting moments that resonate deeply.
The title track, “New Love,” serves as an anchor for the album’s thematic exploration of renewal and rediscovery. Its chorus is a melodic mantra, a reminder that love—like life—is malleable and ever-evolving. “Where Does The Love Go?” follows, pulling listeners through a poignant lens on fleeting relationships, and it’s a testament to Alberts’ lyrical prowess. Here, he paints a stirring picture that captures the bittersweet essence of human connection, underpinned by an infectious rhythm that lingers long after the final note.
However, it’s “Learn Yourself,” the album’s standout single, that truly encapsulates the essence of Alberts’ artistry. Written on the North Shore of Oahu, the song is a sonic postcard that marries introspection with a vibrant warmth. Against a backdrop of sun-kissed melodies, Alberts urges us to find joy in the simple moments—an ethos that reverberates throughout the album.
What’s remarkable is the organic production that breathes life into New Love. Co-produced with Garrett Kato, the record captures the rawness of its creation—imperfections are not just accepted, they’re celebrated. This authenticity allows the emotional weight of the tracks to resonate with palpable intensity; every strum of the guitar, every whispered lyric seems to echo the truth of the lived experience.
As we venture into Side B, tracks like “Outlaw” and “Responsibility of the Dreamer” shift the tone, introducing a more expansive sonic palette that flirts with rock and country influences. These songs build upon the groundwork laid by the earlier tracks, showcasing Alberts’ ability to traverse musical landscapes while keeping his heart firmly planted in the soil of sincerity. Yet, no matter how far he ventures from his folk roots, the soulfulness of his delivery remains the album’s beating heart.
As New Love unfolds, one senses an overarching narrative—a story of self-discovery and the beauty of returning to one’s roots. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in a world often obsessed with the new and shiny. Ziggy Alberts reminds us that true joy often lies in the simplest of things.
In a landscape filled with artists vying for attention through gimmicks and spectacle, New Love stands out as a beacon of authenticity. Ziggy Alberts is not just crafting songs; he’s weaving an experience that invites listeners to embrace the magic of the everyday. This album is a testament to his growth, a celebration of the human experience, and a call to choose joy in our chaotic lives.
In New Love, Alberts has delivered not just music, but a manifesto for living—one that is bound to resonate for years to come. It’s an album that should not only be listened to but felt, from the first note to the last embrace of silence.
-Tony Zappos
