“I wear a fedora to pay homage to those artists that inspired me,” explains L.A.-based singer-songwriter Zsuzsanna Ward. Growing up in the tranquil town of Roseburg, Ore., Ward was influenced by influenced by an eclectic group of artists, ranging from blues legends Big Mama Thornton and Muddy Waters to Jay-Z. As a result, Til The Casket Drops is a funky amalgamation of hip-hop-laced blues and soul that borders on perfection.
Entirely absent from Casket is the idea of solo instrumentation. Instead, the LP allows Ward to showcase her spectacular vocal range and versatility (which rivals and often easily surpasses that of pop diva Adele) by effortlessly navigating between bluesy growls, smooth pop notes, and a hip-hop, staccato rhythm—all within the confines of a single song.
Off the bat, the title track demonstrates Ward’s virtuosity over a steady kick drum and guitar chord beat. As a subdued violin scale builds to the chorus, the haunting, pained vocals inject overwhelming emotion into a confession of everlasting love.
“Put The Gun Down” follows with stark contrast drawn by a guitar harmony and fast-paced tambourine percussion. Ward crescendos to a soulful R&B chorus as she dispenses with the previous song’s sincerity in favor of a snarling plea: “Imma set fire to the whole damn house/Put it down.”
The mid-album “Last Love Song” offers an entirely new look at Ward; the borderline hymnal track, featuring only an acoustic guitar, a piano, and soft strings, has the singer bemoaning a broken relationship in a quivering, gospel-tinged voice.
Collaborations on Casket serve to further bolster the quality of the LP. Kendrick Lamar’s sexually suggestive verse on “Cryin’ Wolf” seamlessly blends with a hip-hop drumbeat and blues guitar runs. Similarly, Freddie Gibbs’s rapping on “Criminal” matches Ward’s R&B vocals and backing “ooh”s, helped along by percussive piano notes over bouncing kick and cymbal attacks.
Despite being a debut album, Til The Casket Drops possesses the quality of well-crafted, expertl—produced art expected out of an established musician. With this performance, ZZ Ward is far from writing her last love song.
