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!

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!

This wasn't my favorite album. I still love Zola Jesus and will forever consider myself a fan. My opinion but I feel that she sort of slipped here. Waiting to see what sort of things she does in the future.

Always looking for new music. Definitely a different style.

Not as dark or interesting as her previous work. I still dig it, just not as much as Stridulum II or Conatus.

One of the best albums of 2014, hands down.

This shipped on time and the album itself is phenomenal.

Love Zola Jesus!

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.

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.

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

Super album. Everything about this album is good. Songs like Dangerous, Hunger, Nail etc, . Can listen to it over and over again.

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.