8/10

After spending much of the last few years developing a refined approach to the folk-pop sound, Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts now returns with 'New Love', a expansive and introspective album that serves as both a reflection on personal growth and a call to embrace life’s magic. Released via his own label Commonfolk Records, the record marks his seventh studio effort to date, capturing a sense of renewal while staying true to the raw and heartfelt storytelling that has defined his career so far.

Crafted with the intention of being experienced as a full-body of work, 'New Love' is structured into two contrasting halves. The first is radiating warmth and familiarity, while the other delves into more adventurous instrumentation and moodier tones. This duality gives the record a rich sense of balance, reinforcing its theme of choosing joy despite life’s chaos. Tracks like 'Learn Yourself' encapsulates its core message of self-acceptance and embracing authenticity, while other standout moments such as 'Outlaw', 'Where Does The Love Go?', and 'I’m With You' each contribute to the album’s overarching theme of finding beauty in life’s imperfections, something that the artist at the helm really hammers home across this full-length.

From busking in Byron Bay to selling out venues around the world, Ziggy Alberts’ career has always been built on sincerity, perseverance, and an unwavering connection to his audience. 'New Love' signals the next chapter in that journey, one that sees him push his innovative spirit as far as it will go, and offer up some of his most endearing material to date.