:: LZ Love - My Higher Ground

LZ Love

LZ Love has lived. On her debut album ‘My Higher Ground’ she takes us on a spiritual journey, and you just know she has that first-hand experience necessary to be able to write such insightful lyrics. Born in Chicago and now living in Austin, Texas, the live musical capital of the world, she began singing at her mother‘s church as a child. LZ showcases her rich vocal talents throughout the entire album in a variety of styles, evidently borrowing from her childhood influences as well as her current surroundings. Much of her debut has a meloncholy element whilst still remaining hopeful, and perhaps that's her biggest asset. LZ is relatable, warm, unassuming and ever-searching. The lament 'Never Had A Love’ strangely channels Prince, or at least what he may have sounded like if he went acoustic. It is a prime showcase of LZ‘s brave lyrics, especially when she painfully admits “From being rejected and all alone…I never had a love of my own/One that I can say really truly loves me”. The gospel and southern-blues sound of title track 'My Higher Ground’ and self-penned ‘Words’, with co-lead vocals by Michael Franti, are up-beat offerings, providing the album with some needed musical relief. This is especially the case with ‘Something Good’, which is as inspirational as it can get. The girl shows us that she still knows how to have fun on ‘Don't Stop’, with it‘s guitar-heavy sound and infectious beat. Elsewhere, 'Mama’ and ‘Thank You’ pay homage to her greatest inspirations, her mother and her faith. The outro ‘Trials’ is a soulful accapella where LZ assures us “They say if you wait/Your time will come/I'm going to keep on working…Till my day is done”, in case you didn't pick up on her conviction and determination already. Here, her voice is left to it's own devices and the results are stunning. LZ's time certainly has come and her day is just beginning.