Zedd releases ‘TELOS’ which merges signature sounds with innovative collaborations: Listen

Zedd makes a triumphant return with ‘TELOS,’ blending classic EDM sounds with innovative collaborations.

Zedd, the celebrated DJ and producer known for hits like ‘Clarity’ and ‘The Middle,’ has released his eagerly awaited album, ‘TELOS‘, on August 30, 2024. This marks his first studio album in nearly nine years, following his acclaimed releases ‘Clarity‘ and ‘True Colors.’ ‘TELOS‘ represents a fresh chapter in Zedd’s career, showcasing his evolution and a more collaborative approach to music.

‘TELOS‘ is notable for its extensive collaborations, with Zedd working alongside eight different artists across nine of its ten tracks. The album’s title, which translates from Greek as “ultimate goal,” reflects Zedd’s ambition to create a timeless and cohesive work that showcases his growth as an artist. In an interview with The Atlantic Journal-Constitution, Zedd revealed, “It is an album that for many years I doubted I could create… I wanted something timeless, something that I would be proud of forever, and something that is very detailed, where every song leads into the next.”

The opening track, ‘Out of Time,’ features Bea Miller and sets a dynamic tone with its atmospheric strings and synths. This song smoothly transitions into a more complex arrangement, setting the stage for the rest of the album. Bea Miller returns on ‘Tangerine Rays,’ where her vocals combine with a funky piano progression and energetic beats. This track highlights Zedd’s ability to merge pop and EDM elements, creating a song that is both catchy and emotionally engaging.

.@Zedd's highly anticipated album 'Telos' is finally here! 🥹🔥 pic.twitter.com/fuFnPcsVOD

— We Rave You (@weraveyou) August 31, 2024

‘TELOS‘ also explores different styles with tracks like ‘Shanti,’ which mixes Zedd’s bass-heavy production with tribal house influences. This song features orchestral elements and a changing tempo, offering a blend of classical and modern sounds. ‘No Gravity,’ featuring Bava, follows with a similar tribal-house vibe but provides a more relaxed listening experience with its melodic and rhythmic elements.

Another standout is ‘Sona,’ featuring the Irish folk group the olllam. This track combines jazzy grooves with a pop-progressive buildup, creating a lively and danceable atmosphere. It’s reminiscent of Zedd’s earlier work while introducing new, uplifting elements.

Remi Wolf’s collaboration on ‘Lucky’ adds a fresh, upbeat feel to the album. Her distinctive voice pairs well with Zedd’s energetic production, making this track a highlight of the album.

‘Descensus,’ featuring Dora Jar, brings a theatrical touch with its dramatic vocals and electro-house beats. Meanwhile, ‘Automatic Yes,’ a collaboration with John Mayer, blends Mayer’s rock and blues vocals with Zedd’s dynamic beats, showcasing a long-standing musical partnership.

The album concludes with ‘1685,’ featuring Muse. This six-minute track draws inspiration from Bach’s ‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’ and incorporates classical elements with modern rock influences. Muse’s contribution, including vocals from Matthew Bellamy, provides a grand and sophisticated ending to the album.

Overall, it’s great to see Zedd back with ‘TELOS‘, blending his iconic sound with fresh, innovative elements. The album not only highlights his signature EDM style but also embraces new musical directions, making it a compelling and well-rounded addition to his discography.