Zola Simone shows versatility with lyrics and instrumentation in her latest album, “Now You See Me.” What really got to me is the diversity of sounds that she captures in the 12 tracks. From the mellow pop sounds of “Easy” she segues into different styles and beats, even showcasing her amazing rap skills in “Anxiety.”
Let’s pause and talk about that. When I talk about rap skills, I don’t mean “sounds okay but not her strong point.” This young artist has great flow, word use, and precision. I didn’t see this coming and it was a welcome surprise.
Another strong point of album is the music's depth. “Old Soul,” sums her up perfectly. Zola’s got a lot to say and each story is well thought and well said. In “Old Soul,” she talks about how she never fits in but is all right with that. “Anxiety” speaks to lies that we cannot see.
“Sideways” looks to the insanity of the world today, including (but not limited to) the school shootings that have become so commonplace today. “Harvard Square” is a personal favorite as I spent eight years in Boston and frequented this area often. In this tune, Zola pines for what was, the cool sights and sounds that can’t be found today. “Iridescent” brings a cool acoustic sound with a message of seeing everyone the same.
All in all, this is an album with so much more to than what may be expected. The sound is expertly done and Zola’s lyrics weave through them with a master’s grace. STL GLD and Dutch Rebelle, both well known in the Boston scene, offer their insane skills on “Sideways” and “Just Business,” respectively, further improving what is already a powerhouse offering.
It’s not exaggerated that this is the best album I’ve heard in awhile and I encourage you to give it a listen.
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