Zedd- Clarity

Posted by Nick on Oct 3, 2012 in Album / EP, Sick Playlists & Mixtapes | 2 comments

Breakout German producer Anton Zaslavski, known in the music world as Zedd has finally released his debut album to many eager fans. Zedd has made his imprint on a couple parts of the music world already. He not only dropped a banger of a remix in Breakin' a sweat, but has produced tracks for pop superstars Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

The ten track album, Clarity which is being released on Interscope Records, isn't 45 minutes of that pure crunchy grinding electro-synth that Zedd has made us all crave. For such a young producer, it's a surprise to hear such versatility in every track. The album features some truly beautiful vocal work by artists such as Ellie Goulding, Heather Bright, and Ryan Tedder (Known for his work with Onerepublic and mega hit house hit "Calling").

All that being said, the album as a whole does stray a bit from the genre of 'hard hitting electro' that I have come to expect of Zedd. The opening track, "Hourglass" has one of the prettiest melodic hooks I have heard in a song, but then drops into a cheery lighthearted synth. Not to say that it's a bad thing, just not a 'Zedd' sound. The next two tracks were the only releases before the actual release of the album. "Shave it up" and "Spectrum". Both are fantastic tracks. "Shave it up" was a release on Skrillex's OWSLA label and is the epitome of a 'Zedd synth line'. It has been cut a bit shorter, remastered and has an added orchestral section for the album. The ridiculously popular "Spectrum" which was released as a single with a handful of remixes, really sets the tone of the album. The breakout hit combines complextro, a beauty of a synth, and a vocal line that is almost impossible not to sing along to done by Matthew Koma.

It's going to be hard to be the track after Spectrum, and unfortunately "Lost At Sea" falls a bit short. The combination of Ryan Tedder, and a simple chord progression that has only a hint of trademark Zedd sounds makes it a radio friendly weak spot on the album. It is quickly redeemed after listening to "Clarity." The vocal work, done by Foxes, is reminiscent of of "Spectrum" without sounding repetitive. The gorgeous melody is aided by an almost choral drop with very slight electro influences layered under it. Could not have asked for a better title track.

"Codec" is an example of Zedd 2.0. His maturing production skills all come together perfectly on this track. Complextro, strings, crunchy rough basslines all make this a breath of fresh air. I was absolutely wowed by the production work on "Stache." A sure-to be hit, it breathes on its own. It has a french house sound, with a Zedd kick. The second drop will take the breath out of you. My favorite track of the release

When I saw that Zedd was collaborating with Chicago based producer, Lucky Date, on the track "Fall into the sky" which features tracks by Ellie Goulding, I wasn't sure what would come of it. What spawned was an electro track that punches you with every squeaky drop. The track has a lot going on without sounding crowded. No sandpaper-rough synths in "Follow you down" which features Bright Lights on vocals. A very progressive track with a lighthearted synth. On my first listen through, when the album reached "Epos" I somehow knew it was the last track on the album without looking at it. Cut up complextro sounds, heart slamming chords, and a greasy greasy bass all put together mark the end of Zedd's Clarity.

Overall, the album more than deserves a listen. Do not be put off by the really poppy aspects of the album, as it all comes with trying out different sounds. Zedd isn't selling out, he is growing as an artist and exploring new sounds. Clarity is on iTunes exclusive release right now, but will be out in all major outlets next week. Buy it now RIGHT HERE.

Check out the official music video for "Stache" and previews of every track down below. Let us know what you think!