It’s been nearly ten years since his last studio album, and Zedd finally returns with his 10-track Telos, following a decade’s worth of anticipation.
Nearly ten years since his last album, Zedd has returned with Telos, an audacious and genre-defying masterpiece that reaffirms his place as one of the most innovative artists in electronic music. With a decade’s worth of anticipation, Telos delivers an immersive, multi-dimensional experience that showcases Zedd’s unparalleled ability to blend classical elements with his signature dance-pop sound.
From the outset, Telos feels like an ambitious project – and it is. Zedd has assembled an eclectic mix of collaborators, ranging from rock legends John Mayer and Muse to alt-pop darlings like Remi Wolf, Bea Miller, and Dora Jar, to the hauntingly iconic voice of Jeff Buckley. The diversity of these artists doesn’t just serve to enhance the album; it elevates it into something transcendent, where every track offers a new perspective on Zedd’s musical prowess.
The album opens with “Out of Time,” featuring Bea Miller. It’s a brooding, yet uplifting track that sets the tone for what’s to come – a sonic journey that is as unpredictable as it is captivating. Miller’s vocals, layered over Zedd’s meticulous production, create an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive, pulling listeners into the album’s intricate world.
As Telos progresses, it becomes clear that Zedd has taken great care in crafting each song to stand alone while also contributing to a cohesive narrative. The collaboration with Muse on the album’s closer, “1685,” is particularly striking. This 6-minute epic fuses orchestral strings with booming bass and electronic elements, creating a piece that feels both timeless and futuristic. The Bach-inspired arrangement is a nod to Zedd’s classical roots, yet it’s executed with a modern twist that is nothing short of breathtaking.
One of the album’s standout moments is Zedd’s reinterpretation of Jeff Buckley’s “Dream Brother.” This track is a significant milestone, marking the first time Buckley’s estate has allowed an artist to reimagine his work. Zedd’s version is a delicate balance of reverence and reinvention, keeping the soul of the original intact while adding layers of electronic textures that make it his own.
“Lucky,” featuring Remi Wolf, is another highlight, bursting with energy and vibrancy. The song’s infectious beat and Wolf’s playful vocals make it an instant hit, reminding fans of the catchy, danceable tracks that first put Zedd on the map. Yet, even in these more straightforward moments, there’s a complexity to the production that speaks to Zedd’s growth as an artist over the past decade.
Tracks like “Sona,” where Irish folk meets arena-sized electronics, and “Automatic Yes,” featuring John Mayer, further demonstrate Zedd’s ability to fuse disparate genres into something entirely new. The former is a harmonious blend of traditional flutework and modern beats, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded. The latter, with Mayer’s smooth guitar riffs and Zedd’s polished production, is a breezy, feel-good anthem that will likely become a fan favorite.
Telos is not just an album; it’s an experience – a deep dive into the mind of an artist who is unafraid to push boundaries and explore new territories. It’s a bold statement from Zedd, one that cements his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of electronic music.
“Telos has multiple meanings, one of them being ‘accomplishment’ or ‘completion of human art,’” says Zedd of his new album’s Greek title. “I’ve always dreamed of creating an album that, 30 years on, I can look back and be incredibly proud of. That will be just as amazing then as it is right now, because it’s not based on trends or sound design that might fall off — it’s based on music, just like the albums that shaped me growing up that I still adore to this day. With Telos, I created something I didn’t think I was capable of — it just took a bit of time to get there.”
As Zedd prepares to embark on his North American Telos Tour, including the first two-day edition of his Zedd in the Park festival, the excitement surrounding this release is palpable. With sold-out shows across major cities and a finale at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, it’s clear that Telos is not just a return, but a reinvention, and fans are eager to be part of this new chapter in Zedd’s illustrious career.
In a world where music can often feel formulaic, Telos is a breath of fresh air – an album that challenges, surprises, and ultimately, delights. Whether you’ve been a fan of Zedd since his early days or are just discovering his music now, Telos is an album that demands to be heard, experienced, and savored.
