Blues rock powerhouse ZZ Ward kicked off 2025 with a bang, dropping “Love Alive,” a compelling new single that coincided with the announcement of her upcoming album Liberation. Released on January 17, the track not only showcases Ward’s unmistakable return to her blues roots but also sets an intriguing tone for her fourth studio album.
The 3-minute-27-second single, which feels both fresh and wonderfully familiar, marks Ward’s debut release under the legendary Sun Records label. This pivotal transition to independence comes on the heels of her remarkably well-received 2024 EP Mother, which first hinted at her deeper dive into authentic blues territory.
At its core, “Love Alive” brilliantly demonstrates Ward’s ever-evolving talent. The track’s infectious hand claps practically dare listeners not to join in, while the masterfully layered arrangement weaves together all the elements blues fans crave – from the chunky, groove-laden guitar work to the rock-solid rhythm section, all serving as a perfect backdrop for Ward’s signature sultry vocals.
The songwriting here feels deeply personal, with Ward tackling the raw complexities of fighting for a relationship teetering on the edge. While the lyrics might suggest vulnerability, her commanding vocal performance exudes a quiet confidence that adds fascinating layers to the emotional narrative.

This latest release builds upon Ward’s impressive industry track record, which began turning heads with her 2012 debut album ‘Til the Casket Drops.’ That record spawned several hit singles, including ‘Put the Gun Down,’ which has amassed over 22.8 million streams, and ‘365 Days’ with more than 8.2 million plays. Her collaboration with Gary Clark Jr., ‘Ride,’ from ‘The Storm’ (2017) has become her second most-streamed track with nearly 20 million plays. The sophomore album proved equally impressive, claiming the top spot on the Billboard Blues Charts and featuring notable collaborations with Grammy Award winners Fantastic Negrito and Gary Clark Jr. The album also produced fan favorites like ‘Sex & Stardust’ and ‘Move Like U Stole It,’ each garnering millions of streams.
Ward’s current musical direction reflects a deliberate and passionate return to her earliest influences. Finally freed from the commercial constraints of major label expectations, she’s seized the opportunity to fully embrace her blues foundations under the nurturing umbrella of Sun Records. This artistic liberation was beautifully evident in her 2024 EP Mother, which boldly mixed original material with reimagined Sun Records classics. The project was skillfully produced by industry veteran Ryan Spraker, whose impressive credits include work with Weezer and Eli “Paperboy” Reed.
The arrival of “Love Alive” builds palpable anticipation for Liberation, slated to drop on March 14, 2025. The album represents Ward’s first full-length project since stepping into motherhood, a profound life transformation that has clearly influenced her recent creative direction. According to updates on her Instagram, this deeply personal journey has pushed her toward what she describes as her most honest and authentic work to date.
If “Love Alive” is any indication, Ward’s artistic renaissance is just beginning. The single strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary, suggesting Liberation might just be the album that reminds everyone why she’s been such a compelling voice in blues rock for over a decade.