Taiga

My first Zola Jesus album. I have become deeply immersed into this album. I never thought I was going to love it as much as I do. Taiga is one of those albums where the majority of songs, on first listen, did not stand out at me. I only bought the album because of one song: I heard Dangerous Days on the radio one day, wrote down some of the lyrics in my phone, and looked it up once I got home. I was intrigued by Nika's unique voice and that rhythmic beat in the song was killer. I soon pulled up Spotify and listened to the album for the first time. As I mentioned previously, the album as a whole didn't grab me. However, that didn't stop me from buying it on Amazon and after hearing the songs numerous times in my car's cd player, I fell in love with this artist. Many Zola fans have noted that this album is more mainstream than her previous albums, which - from the little I have heard of them- is true. But comparing the songs on this album to songs that are played 1000 times on Top 40 radio, these songs are nowhere near mainstream. The most accessible track on the album to mainstream listeners is Dangerous Days, so no wonder that was the one I ended up hearing on one of the more low-key radio stations in my city... though I did hear Hunger on the same radio station a couple of weeks later. Here are some of my highlights: Dangerous Days - very fun track, sounds simple, but this song is complex, her voice is stunning on this track. I can definitely see why this was a single. Hunger - who can deny this song, that brass riff is giving me everything I've needed in life, this song is absolutely amazing. It makes me want to jump around and just act like a spastic individual. Ego - The first time I heard this song, I didn't really dig it. In fact, I would often skip it. However, one day I finally gave this song my undivided attention... then I fell in love with it. This song is one of the best songs on the album! It really grew on me. Addicted! Lawless - Perhaps the only song that could put Ego out of the running as the best song on the album. Again, didn't really pay much attention to this one. But after multiple listens, I've just reached nirvana with this track. This is a song that can get stuck in your head all day and night. It is that good. And it's very meaningful...well...all of her songs are. Hollow - A really amazing track. I feel as if this song should've closed out the album instead of It's Not Over. The instrumental interlude on this track is to die for. Zola Jesus, why have I not heard of you before? I just HAD to review this album. Even if Zola Jesus never reads this, I hope my review will help someone else fall in love with this wonderful artist. Zola Jesus is starkly underrated. It's almost a crime that she hasn't got as much recognition as she deserves. The music on the TOP 40 radio today cannot and will not ever compare to the little masterpieces that Zola Jesus has conjured up. Taiga is very overwhelming to listen to from start to finish, but it's a good kind of overwhelming. Nika's voice is so POWERFUL. Just brilliant! Buy this album! It is well worth it!

One of the best albums of 2014, hands down.

Such a different album from her prior two. Saw her in concert, first show of the tour. This album on vinyl has crisp sound, definitely recommend getting it.

I actually didn't like this album on my first listen but it grew on me fast. And for me, albums like that end up being lasting favorites. I hope this is the case here. Right now it fizzles out for me after Nail but those first nine songs are delicious! I caught her show in Chicago last night and her performance was electrifying--her vocals were spot on! This is a young and very talented artist finding her way and I love the journey she's on!

Her brightest and most polished album to date. Gorgeous vocals and powerful lyrics. It's growing on me faster than any of her other work.

Always looking for new music. Definitely a different style.

I bought this CD as a pre-order. I was excited to receive it and listen to it as I consider myself a Zola Jesus fan, but was actually disappointed with the direction that she took to become more popular/famous. Don't get me wrong for hating on her decision, that is not what I mean. I just simply have to express how anti climatic it was to have to listen past track 2, as I noticed how poppy it was. I really had to force myself to listen to it again to maybe get "used to it" and a second opinion, but I just couldn't. I didn't want to discredit her for trying to gain more followers. I'm just too much of an underground goth guy to have to desensitize myself to like pop. I loved the rest of her albums, I think they are genius. GENIUS! So I gave it 3 stars because I like her too much as a person and musician to have to ding her album. Listening to track 1 is like listening to things to come. She delivers her awesome voice to start off what is to come of a new beginning. Track 2, grew on me. When I first heard of its release I didn't really like it. Listening to it again in the album puts it all back into perspective and you find it to be a great song with a lot of meaning. The rest of the tracks, like I said before after track 2 it gets too poppy for me. I don have to say though that her 8th track Nail does remind me of her previous work. It hits a soft spot. It pains me to have to admit it, but it is by far the hardest album to listen to.

This shipped on time and the album itself is phenomenal.

first caught this girl on Jools Holland ( Dangerous Days ) magnificent, brilliant, great song brilliant backing ( especially the drums ) and the way Zola used the stage, then heard some more songs on you tube so had to have this CD and not disappointed love it will be buying more of Zola and following her.

Great album. Only downside is the quality of the disk, it jumps a fair bit after a few listens. It's a little vexing but the sound itself is fantastic. Easily my favourite work by Zola Jesus so far.

Zola is moving towards pop without leaving her dark side at all and the outcome is superb. Great Vocals + chilling reverbs, less goth - more epic sound make a dark-pop masterpiece to listen from first song to last.

Another great album from Zola Jesus, each album varies from the previous one

Again found this artist as a result of watching the very influential Jools Holland on the BBC. Excellent CD with some of the finest drum work particularly on the Dangerous Days track I've ever heard. Superb.