Versions

I'm really into unique female vocals. This is my first try with Zola Jesus. I haven't gotten the chance to explore the electronic originals of hers. Still, this album stands out for me. I've seen complaints that the lyrics are too simple. While it may be so, I think of the words as almost a sort of chant more than poetry. In fact, I think there's something very primal and ritualistic about the music of this album in general. Zola Jesus's voice is strong and honest, yet full of emotion. The primitive sound of the drum beats mix with the refined strings compliment her voice to create a certain air of melodrama.The album to me is very romantic, and thus makes me feel really feminine when I listen to it. All the songs have something to offer. My favorite would have to be "Sea Talk". Give this album at try. It's unique and avante garde without being snobby.

This album is one of my current favorites and has been for a while. Personally, I think the sound is better on this accompanied version and a lot of the tracks sound better than the originals which is a rarity in my findings. While the whole album cover to cover is listenable and even rather good, it is a couple songs that are the real takeaway from this gem. Fall Back, Hikikomori (a Japanese word that more or less means to be withdrawn socially), and Seekir are not only my favorite tracks of the album but some of my favorite tracks in the last couple of years. Kudos to the Mivos Quartet for the accompaniment that provides a deeper,darker and fuller tone to the tracks and almost a slight dissonance at times that actually is additive to the music. Great album.

If you loved 2011's Conatus, you will enjoy this. Versions contains songs from Conatus but played on strings and given the orchestral treatment. The songs are slowed down and the beats replaced with violins, viola and cello. Nika Roza Danilova's vocals are forefront and beautiful. Lyrics you may have missed on Conatus due to all the drumming are clearly heard. Even though I know the songs from Conatus, the arrangements are so different it is like an entirely new album. Highly recommend.

4th studio release from dark chanteuse Nika Roza Danilova, out of Madison, Wisconsin is a collaboration with producer J.G. Thirlwell (Foetus), who helps flesh out softly poignant, orchestral arrangements that emphasize the strength, tone & purity of Danilova's exceptional voice. You get beautiful, mesmerizing, neo-classical electro-Goth indie pop ballads that recall Liz Frasier (Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil), Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes) and Diamanda Galas.

It's really great to hear these songs in different form. It truly is like listening to a different album because each song takes on a completely different sound and emotion than the original work. The standout tracks for me are "Night", "Sea Talk", and the CD only track "Vessel".

The combination of a voice with a capital V, backed by a string quartet is surprising and beautiful. The music is haunting and romantic. This is the second CD I've bought by Zola Jesus and I was not disappointed. Versions is a work of art.

Love these alternate takes on Zola's classics!

I expected a better album considering the reviews but it fell short. Not as sophisticated as I thought it would be.

Album meno forte degli altri per via che sono dei "mix" di brano già contenuti negli strepitosi album

Beautiful voice, amazing arrangements

Da ich diese Künstlerin liebe, habe ich mir diese Scheibe mit neuen Versionen alter Lieder gegönnt - auf Vinyl. Die Klangqualität ist super - als ob Zola Jesus persönlich im Wohnzimmer stünde. Top.

I think this is thebest work so far by Zola Jesus,,, and I've already loved the twoprevious albums,but this one...hum!!Definitely a must have!

Si te gusta Zola Jesus y te encantó Conatus, seguro que este disco en directo acompañada de orquesta te va a encantar.