Let Lolo Zouaï Empower You with French-Infused R&B-Pop in 'High Highs to Low Lows'
Is there a French-Algerian-American songstress more impressive than the amazing Lolo Zouaï? Highly doubtful. A 24-year-old R&B pop princess, Zouaï shares her personal anecdotes through trap-infused pop tunes, which she has appropriately described as "bittersweet bangers." Moving from Paris to San Francisco to New York City has greatly affected Zouaï's musical development, as she has now perfected a hybrid of ethereal soundscapes. With this refreshingly innovative approach, Zouaï channels classic R&B, Algerian Raï, and Bay Area hip-hop in her glossy debut album, High Highs to Low Lows.
The 12-track project immediately throws us into a frenzy with the electric title track, "High Highs to Low Lows." Outlining the countless injustices Zouaï has had to overcome over the years, this hypnotizing song incorporates French, with Zouaï explaining that without life's worst downs, the celebrated highs would be meaningless. Keeping up with her bilingual discography, Zouaï narrates her complicated past in "Moi" and experiments with more laidback electronics in "Chevy Impala." The bubbly "Caffeine" features harpy instrumentals paired with Zouaï's sweet choruses as she confidently sings about wanting to pursue someone physically without risking any emotional backlash.
Zouaï stresses female empowerment in "Ride," as she rejects male dominance in the bedroom with heavy breathing and seductive whispers in the language of love. The captivating "Here To Stay" is a serene tune highlighted by subtle violins and Zouaï's inviting vocals, while "Look At Us" is a low-key track with stirring beats and demanding electronics. A fan favorite, "Desert Rose" encourages individualism and acceptance as Zouaï reflects on her seemingly conflicting French-Algerian identity.
What eases into a delicate narration of Zouaï's somewhat troublesome childhood, "Summers in Vegas" is about questioning whether or not someone genuinely loves you. "Out the Bottle" is a lighthearted anthem that sees Zouaï celebrating her well-earned success as she treats herself to a delicious bottle of the finest rosé on a first class flight to Paris. Immediately after "Out the Bottle," Zouaï reels us back into reality with "Blue," which is an honest realization that unbearable hangovers can be our worst enemies some days. Sung entirely in flawless French, "Beaucoup" is the intimate closing track that sees Zouaï suggesting that sometimes relationships are meant to end so both people can continue to grow without each other.
On High Highs to Low Lows, Lolo Zouaï reflected,
"Creating 'High Highs to Low Lows' has been the best experience of my life. Even though I only started writing it a year and a half ago, I feel like I've been writing this album for my whole life. Every song reaches into a moment in my life that's very personal to me. It's hard to write a post on IG that can convey exactly how I'm feeling, but I think you guys get it."
Brush up on your French with Lolo Zouaï's exquisite debut album, High Highs to Low Lows, below:
Catch Lolo Zouaï on the 'High Highs to Low Lows' tour this spring!
