Album of the Week: Zsela Commands the Spotlight with ‘Big for You’

The music scene has been set ablaze with Zsela’s debut album, Big for You. A long-anticipated work from the Brooklyn songstress, it has finally landed with the gravity and grace of a comet.

Here is why you need to sit up and listen:

• Her voice – it’s not just unique; it’s otherworldly. Zsela weaves through the octaves with the kind of ease reserved for the most skilled vocalists, leaving you spellbound.
• The fusion of art pop and R&B is seamless and evocative, with each track layered to perfection, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
• ‘Lily of the Nile’ opens the album like a mystery, its otherworldly qualities reminiscent of a cosmic Sade, compelling you to repeatedly indulge in the experience.
• The single ‘Fire Escape’ toggles between sparse sultriness and bold synth-swathed R&B, showcasing Zsela’s versatility and keen ear for sultry melodies.

The album is studded with intensity and delicate poise. Take ‘Moth Dance’, a track that may remind you of FKA Twigs, both of them having shared the nuanced touch of co-producer Daniel Aged. With a backdrop of experimental beats, Zsela’s smoky tones rise and hover like the creature of the song’s title – entrancing and haunting.

But the album Big for You isn’t just Zsela’s show. It’s also a family affair. With her father, Marc Anthony Thompson–known as Chocolate Genius–and other luminaries such as Marc Ribot and John Medeski contributing to the mix, Zsela’s roots in neo-soul and jazz are palpable.

Zsela’s ability to shift from the controlled, contemplative strain of ‘Still Swing’ to the more playful, almost unmoored ‘Easy St.’ speaks to her dynamic range. And through tracks like ‘Brand New’ and ‘Now Here You Go’, she dips into the neo-soul heritage with ease, offering whispers of sweet melodies.

Despite the layers of careful composition and the spectral quality of her voice, one thing is clear – Zsela has the ability to pack a punch with her music. As a listener, you’re left with the sense that she’s only begun to tap into the depths of her potential. The sonic textures she creates are just the starting point of an expansive journey.

Will we have to wait another few years for more? Let’s hope not. Zslea’s ‘Big for You’ beckons repeat listens – but more importantly, it heralds the arrival of a transformative voice in contemporary music.