ZZ Ward’s “Blue Eyes Blind”: Idolator Premiere

Carl Williott | September 28, 2012 6:00 am

ZZ Ward‘s self-described “Dirty Shine” sound combines her soulful voice with gritty arrangements that stomp and crackle. Ward’s music feels elemental, which is probably why she has worked with people across the pop spectrum — everyone from OneRepublic‘s Ryan Tedder to Dr. Dre protege Kendrick Lamar.

All those pieces are intact on her new song “Blue Eyes Blind.” On the single from her forthcoming debut LP Til The Casket Drops (out October 16 and available for pre-order on iTunes), Ward sounds like a troubadour who has spent equal time weathering the road and rocky relationships. Even though the track features a crisp drum machine beat and drizzles of synthesizer, the hand-claps and impassioned oohs give it a bluesy, backwater vibe. Listen to the song after the jump.

[wpaudio url=”//static.idolator.com/uploads/2012/09/27/03_Blue_Eyes_Blind-2.mp3″ text=”ZZ Ward — Blue Eyes Blind” dl=”0″]

“Blue Eyes Blind” was produced and co-written by Ludwig Gorannson, who also produces Childish Gambino and wanted to link up with ZZ after hearing ZZ flip Gambino’s “You Know Me” on her track “Overdue.” Of this track, Gorannson said: “the song is something I’ve been trying to do musically for a while, finally getting to clash elements of blues vocals and hip-hop beats together.” He says “clash,” we’d say “bring together in a slick yet tasteful wedding ceremony.”

Does this single have you excited for ZZ’s debut? Let us know in the comments below, or on Twitter and Facebook!

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