Ziggy Alberts’ latest single, “Where Does the Love Go?”, is a contemplative folk ballad that continues his signature stripped-down acoustic style, yet dives deeper into emotional and lyrical complexity. Released as a preview of his forthcoming album *New Love* (out February 2025), the track encapsulates both personal reflection and universal themes of love, connection, and self-awareness.
Musically, the song is minimalistic but effective. Ziggy’s gentle acoustic guitar playing, complemented by subtle hand claps, creates an intimate atmosphere. This production choice allows his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics to take center stage, evoking the influence of José González and Nick Mulvey. The song’s simplicity reflects Alberts’ ability to convey deep emotions with only a few elements, focusing the listener’s attention on the story rather than embellishment.
Lyrically, “Where Does the Love Go?” strikes a balance between personal vulnerability and broader social commentary. One standout moment, “People talk about sex, hardly talk about touch, laying on the floor with my hands on your stomach in Perth,” vividly captures the paradoxes of modern relationships—an emotional rawness often missing in contemporary love songs. This line, and others, reflect Alberts’ introspective nature, as he questions where love goes when relationships end or fade. His explanation—that love only exists if we embody it—is profound and lingers after the song finishes.
Ziggy’s vocal performance is sincere and unpretentious, perfectly suited to the track’s intimate mood. He has a way of delivering lyrics that feel conversational yet poetic, drawing the listener into his world of quiet moments and unspoken emotions. The song’s emotional tone is complemented by its subtle dynamics, building softly but never reaching an overwhelming peak, which maintains a sense of calm and reflection.
While “Where Does the Love Go?” stays true to Alberts’ folk roots, it marks a maturation in both sound and subject matter. It’s a testament to his growth as an artist that he can still capture the breezy, sun-kissed essence of his earlier work while addressing deeper themes. The influence of his long-time collaborator Garrett Kato is palpable, both in the song’s polished yet natural production and in the shared light-heartedness behind the scenes that Alberts describes with fondness.
In conclusion, Ziggy Alberts has delivered another folk gem with “Where Does the Love Go?”—a song that feels both timeless and timely. Its minimalistic production, soulful vocals, and introspective lyrics make it a standout in his growing discography. Fans of his earlier work will appreciate the consistency, while newcomers may find themselves drawn in by the track’s warmth and thoughtfulness.
This track showcases Ziggy’s strengths as a storyteller and musician, but some listeners might long for a slight evolution in arrangement. A bit more experimentation in instrumentation could elevate the song even further, though its simplicity is undeniably a key part of its charm.
–Dave Dennison
