Dirty Shine

Last updated
Dirty Shine
ZZ Ward Dirty Shine.png
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 8, 2023 (2023-09-08)
Genre
Length38:20
Label
  • Dirty Shine Records
Producer
ZZ Ward chronology
The Storm
(2017)
Dirty Shine
(2023)
Where Did All the Love Go?
(2024)
Singles from Dirty Shine
  1. "Tin Cups"
    Released: October 14, 2022
  2. "Baby Don't"
    Released: March 24, 2023
  3. "Ride or Die"
    Released: May 3, 2023
  4. "Forget About Us"
    Released: June 16, 2023
  5. "On One"
    Released: July 28, 2023
  6. "Evil on the Inside"
    Released: October 13, 2023

Dirty Shine is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter ZZ Ward and her debut release through her independent label Dirty Shine Records. [1] [2] The album follows The Storm (2017) and features vocals from Aloe Blacc, Jean Deaux, and Vic Mensa. A deluxe edition named the Dirty Deluxe was released on November 17, 2023.

Contents

In promotion of the album, Ward embarked on her One Hell of a Night Tour.

Background

As her first release as an independent artist, Ward wanted to be able to have complete control and freedom, saying that "you can get sidetracked trying to please other people, or label and what they want from you or what they see from you." [3]

The phrase "dirty shine" means to be embrace your authentic self and while being dirty and rough around the edges. It was started when Ward released her first album Til the Casket Drops. [4]

Singles

The lead single, "Tin Cups" with Aloe Blacc, was released on October 14, 2022, with a music video released November 16. It is her first song in two years following "Giant" in 2020. Ward stated that "the addition of Aloe elevated this song and added depth that only an artist of his caliber can." [5]

A second single, "Baby Don't" featuring DijahSB, was released March 10, 2023. [6] A music video for the solo version of the song was released March 24. The video is part one of a series of videos written, directed, and produced by Adam William Ward. [7]

The third single, "Ride or Die" featuring Vic Mensa, was released May 3, 2023. [8] It is part two of the music video series.

The fourth single, "Forget About Us", was released June 16, 2023. [9]

The fifth single, "On One" featuring Jean Deaux, was released July 28, 2023. [10] The music video omits Deaux's verse and includes a solo verse from Ward. It is the finale of the music video series.

The sixth and final single, "Evil on the Inside" was released on October 13, 2023. It was included in the Dirty Deluxe edition of the album.

Critical reception

Dirty Shine received widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised Ward's versatility in blending the blues rock and hip-hop genres and her overall performance. Pete Francis from Blues Rock Review called the album "different in a great way", giving it an 8.5/10. He also named "Ride Or Die", "Dead Or Alive", "Baby Don't", "Tin Cups", and "Don't Let Me Down" standout tracks. [11]

Track listing

Dirty Shine [12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Welcome to Dirty Shine"
  • Aossey
0:42
2."Ride or Die" (featuring Vic Mensa)
3:51
3."Fadeaway"
  • Aossey
  • Symbolyc One
  • Epikh Pro
3:46
4."On One" (featuring Jean Deaux)
  • Bassett
3:03
5."Slow Hum Hymnal"
  • Aossey
  • Aossey
1:07
6."Dead or Alive"
  • Elizondo
3:17
7."Forget About Us"
  • Jackson
  • Scott
2:43
8."Friends Like These"
  • Ward
  • Bogart
  • Tom Peyton
  • Ryan Spraker
  • Frederik Thaae
  • Spraker
  • Thaae
3:28
9."Baby Don't"
  • Bassett
3:09
10."North Bank Blues"
  • Charles Ward, Jr.
  • Epikh Pro
0:42
11."OverdoZZe"
  • Göransson
3:16
12."Cut Me Loose"
  • Ward
  • Aossey
  • Bogart
  • Griffin, Jr.
  • Lowery
  • Aossey
  • Symbolyc One
  • Epikh Pro
3:02
13."Tin Cups" (with Aloe Blacc)
  • Kiriakou
3:00
14."Don't Let Me Down"
  • Ward
  • Bogart
  • Bassett
3:08
Total length:38:20
Digital Dirty Deluxe Edition [13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Evil on the Inside"
  • Bassett
3:31
16."The Mend"
  • Ward
  • Bassett
3:37
17."The Dark (Dirty Shine Mix)"
  • Ward
  • Bogart
  • Bassett
2:51
18."Ride or Die (Demo)"
  • Ward
  • Burdon
  • Chandler
  • LeMay
  • Lomax
  • Mensah
  • Parker
 3:10
Total length:51:30

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Gibbons</span> American musician (born 1949)

William Frederick Gibbons is an American rock musician, best known as the guitarist and primary vocalist of ZZ Top. He began his career in Moving Sidewalks, who recorded Flash (1969) and opened four dates for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Gibbons formed ZZ Top in late 1969 and released ZZ Top's First Album in early 1971. He has also maintained a solo career in recent years, starting with his first album Perfectamundo (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stones Throw Records</span> American independent record label

Stones Throw Records is an American independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. Under the direction of founder Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw has released music ranging from hip hop to experimental psychedelic rock. LA Weekly deemed the label an "eternally evolving experiment" in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

<i>Its a Mans World</i> (Cher album) 1995 studio album by Cher

It's a Man's World is the twenty-first studio album by American singer and actress Cher released on November 6, 1995, by WEA, a label of Warner Music UK. This is also the start of her second stint with Warner Music Group. With an adjusted track list, the album was released in the United States on June 25, 1996, by Reprise Records. As of 1997, the album has sold 700,000 copies worldwide. In the UK the album peaked at number 10 and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling more than 100,000 copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aloe Blacc</span> American singer (born 1979)

Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, known professionally as Aloe Blacc, is an American singer and rapper. He is best known for his guest performance on Avicii's 2013 single "Wake Me Up", which peaked on the charts in 22 countries, including in Australia and the UK. As a lead artist, he is known for his singles "I Need a Dollar" and "The Man", the latter of which topped the UK Singles Chart. Aside from his solo career, Aloe Blacc is also a member of the hip hop duo Emanon, alongside American record producer Exile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alice Smith</span> American singer-songwriter

Alice Smith is an American singer and songwriter, her style anchored in rock, R&B, blues, jazz and soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Need a Dollar</span> 2010 single by Aloe Blacc

"I Need a Dollar" is a song performed by American singer Aloe Blacc, written by Blacc, Leon Michels, Nick Movshon and Jeff Dynamite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loving You Is Killing Me</span> 2011 single by Aloe Blacc

"Loving You Is Killing Me" is a song by American singer Aloe Blacc, with music and lyrics by Jeffrey Scott Silverman, Leon Marcus Michels, Nicholas Anthony Movshon and E. Nathaniel Dawkins and produced by Leon Michels and Jeff Dynamite.

<i>Red Hot + Rio 2</i> 2011 compilation album Charity Album by Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series , (Various Artists)

Red Hot + Rio 2 is a collaborative album released June 28, 2011 as part of the Red Hot Organization's series of tribute music records that aim to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The album aimed to pay homage to the influence of the Tropicália genre and cultural movement that arose in Brazil in the late 1960s. The Tropicália movement was noted for its genre-bending sound that melded influences of 'traditional' Brazilian music like samba, forro, and Bossa Nova with international styles of pop, rock, funk, and soul music. Likewise, Red Hot + Rio 2 included collaborations of some of the Brazilian artists that pioneered the Tropicália movement along with international artists from various genres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ZZ Ward</span> American singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania

Zsuzsanna Eva Ward, known professionally as ZZ Ward, is an American singer-songwriter. She released her debut EP, Criminal, on May 8, 2012. Her debut album, Til the Casket Drops, was released on October 16, 2012. "Put the Gun Down", her first single, broke into the top 10 on the AAA radio chart on February 3, 2013, staying there for 10 weeks, and also broke into the top 40 on the Billboard Alternative chart. On March 2, 2017, Ward released the single "The Deep". Her second studio album, The Storm, was released on June 30, 2017, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart in July 2017. Her third studio album, Dirty Shine was released independently on September 8, 2023 to critical acclaim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wake Me Up (Avicii song)</span> 2013 single by Avicii

"Wake Me Up" is a song by Swedish DJ and record producer Avicii, released as the lead single from his debut studio album True, released on CD by PRMD Music and Island Records on 17 June 2013. It was written by Avicii, Mike Einziger, and American soul singer Aloe Blacc, who provides vocals for the track. Mike Einziger of Incubus provides acoustic guitar, while Peter Dyer provides keyboard on the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aloe Blacc discography</span>

The discography of American singer Aloe Blacc consists of five studio albums, five extended plays and 47 singles. On July 11, 2006, he released his first LP album, Shine Through. He then toured across Europe and the US with Emanon, while working on his second solo album. In 2010, Blacc released his second album, Good Things, on Stones Throw records. The first single "I Need a Dollar", made major chart success in over 15 countries in Europe, peaking number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and also charting in the top 20 in Australia and New Zealand. He later released a second single from the album, "Loving You Is Killing Me" which also attained chart success in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In 2013, Blacc collaborated with Swedish DJ/Producer Avicii on a song titled "Wake Me Up!" for the first single from Avicii's debut studio album True. Blacc partnered up with Coca-Cola in 2014 and released an exclusive charity single titled "Together (RED)". The money paid for the song was donated to AIDS research.

<i>Wake Me Up</i> (EP) 2013 EP by Aloe Blacc

Wake Me Up is an EP by American singer Aloe Blacc. It was released as a solo version after the big success of "Wake Me Up!" by Avicii. The similarly-titled Aloe Blacc EP Wake Me Up includes an acoustic version of "Wake Me Up!". It was released on October 22, 2013 on Aloe Blacc Recording, Inc. under exclusive license to XIX Recordings LLC / Interscope Records. The EP release was successful in its own right charting on a number of singles charts, notably Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

<i>RetroHash</i> 2014 studio album by Asher Roth

RetroHash is the second studio album by American hip hop recording artist Asher Roth. The album was released on April 22, 2014, by Pale Fire and Federal Prism Records. The album was solely produced by American production duo Blended Babies and features guest appearances from ZZ Ward, Currensy, Coyle Girelli, Vic Mensa, Major Myjah and Chuck Inglish.

<i>Lift Your Spirit</i> 2013 studio album by Aloe Blacc

Lift Your Spirit is the third studio album by American musician Aloe Blacc. The album was released on October 25, 2013, through Interscope Records, the album was released in the United States on March 11, 2014, and April 7, 2014, in the United Kingdom. The album has charted in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The album includes production and co-songwriting from DJ Khalil, Pharrell Williams, Elton John, Theron Feemster and Rock Mafia. Strings for the entire album were arranged and recorded by Daniel "Danny Keyz" Tannenbaum. The album received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 57th Grammy Awards in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Man (Aloe Blacc song)</span> 2014 single by Aloe Blacc

"The Man" is a song by American singer Aloe Blacc. First included on his EP Wake Me Up, the song was later released as the second single from his third studio album, 2014's Lift Your Spirit, on Interscope Records. Blacc co-wrote the track with Sam Barsh, Daniel Seeff, and its producer DJ Khalil and Alex Finkin. Additionally, Elton John and Bernie Taupin are credited as songwriters as the song interpolates the melody and the lyric "you can tell everybody" from John's 1970 song "Your Song".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Verge (song)</span> 2015 single by Owl City featuring Aloe Blacc

"Verge" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his fifth studio album Mobile Orchestra. It features guest vocals from American singer Aloe Blacc and was released on May 14, 2015 as the lead single from the album.

<i>Til the Casket Drops</i> (ZZ Ward album) 2012 studio album by ZZ Ward

Til the Casket Drops is the debut studio album by ZZ Ward, released on October 16, 2012. The album generated three singles, "Put the Gun Down" which reached number 7 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs, "365 Days" which reached number 4, and "Last Love Song" which reached number 15.

<i>All Love Everything</i> 2020 studio album by Aloe Blacc

All Love Everything is the fifth studio album by American musician Aloe Blacc. The album was released on October 2, 2020, through BMG. The album includes the singles "I Do", "My Way", and "Hold On Tight".

<i>Cry No More</i> (Danielle Nicole album) 2018 studio album by Danielle Nicole

Cry No More is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Danielle Nicole after Wolf Den. Her first release was a self-titled EP. Cry No More was released on February 23, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Jon & the Wreck</span> American music group

Robert Jon & the Wreck is an American five-piece blues rock and Southern rock band. Formed in Orange County, California, United States, in 2011, the ensemble has released several albums and toured extensively. Their 2021 album, Shine a Light on Me Brother, was described by one reviewer as their "best album to date which is saying a lot. It's a great album from start to finish".

References

  1. "ZZ Ward Announces Her First Independent Album 'Dirty Shine,' Out 9/8". Onstage Magazine.com. 2023-07-28. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  2. Ehrenclou, Martine (2023-07-30). "ZZ Ward Announces New Album 'Dirty Shine' Shares Video". ROCK AND BLUES MUSE. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  3. "INTERVIEW: ZZ Ward polishes up the 'Dirty Shine' on new album". RIFF Magazine. 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  4. Ehrenclou, Martine (2023-07-30). "ZZ Ward Announces New Album 'Dirty Shine' Shares Video". ROCK AND BLUES MUSE. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  5. "ZZ Ward Releases Soulful Single 'Tin Cups' Featuring Aloe Blacc". JamBase. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  6. McIntyre, Aliyah (2023-03-10). "ZZ Ward & DijahSB release the "Baby Don't" single & lyric video". HipHopCanada. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  7. ZZ Ward - Baby Don't [Official Music Video] , retrieved 2024-03-11
  8. Pettit, Conner (2023-05-10). ""Ride or Die" (feat. VIC MENSA) - ZZ Ward". Pop Passion Blog. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  9. ZZ Ward - "Forget About Us" [Official Music Video] . Retrieved 2024-03-28 via www.youtube.com.
  10. Rosa, Vanessa De La (2023-08-01). "ZZ Ward Releases "On One" Music Video to Support New Album 'Dirty Shine'". V13.net. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  11. Francis, Pete (2023-09-08). "ZZ Ward: Dirty Shine Review". Blues Rock Review. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  12. "Dirty Shine by ZZ Ward" . Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  13. "Dirty Shine by ZZ Ward" . Retrieved 2024-02-02.