ZZ Ward has always been a force in the modern blues scene, but with her latest EP Mother, she takes things back to the raw, unfiltered sound that first made her a standout. Released via the legendary Sun Records, Mother marks Ward’s most personal and authentic collection yet, showcasing her growth as an artist and a person.
The six-track EP dives deep into the emotions of motherhood and rediscovery, but it’s far from a typical ode to family. With tracks like the gritty title song “Mother” and the haunting new single “I Have No One,” Ward wrestles with the complexities of parenthood and identity, channeling the pain, strength, and resilience that come with balancing life as an artist and a mother.
One of the standout elements of Mother is its unapologetically bluesy production. Ward pulls no punches, leaning into the raw, Chicago blues sound that first inspired her career. From the searing guitar solos to the gut-wrenching lyrics, every song is packed with emotion, revealing layers of experience that Ward has yet to fully explore—until now. Tracks like “My Baby Left Me” and a reinvented, blues-heavy take on her breakout hit “Put the Gun Down” showcase her vocal range and storytelling prowess, while the Sun Records classic “Cadillac Man” reaffirms her ability to tackle—and transform—tradition.
The EP’s latest single, “I Have No One,” takes a slower, more introspective turn, layering Ward’s smoky vocals with horns and a gospel-infused backing choir. The result is a raw, cathartic exploration of loneliness and yearning—a song that stays with you long after it’s over.
As Ward prepares to hit the road for her headlining Dirty Sun Tour next month, it’s clear that Mother is more than just a return to form. It’s a bold declaration of artistic freedom and a reminder of the power that comes from embracing your true self.
