Intricate, colorful harmonies?  Check.  Soaring vocal displays?  Check.  Vocal acrobatics and a rollercoaster of melisma that leave fans dizzy (and giddy) with musical joy?  Check. You already know we’re talking about none other than TGJ’s favorite gospel girl group Zie’l.

With worldwide wowed audiences in their rearview since their mid-2000s debut ‘Genesis’, the talented trio – best known for their electric remake of the Clark Sisters classic ‘Is My Living In Vain’ – ready its official follow-up EP for a spring 2014 release.

Kicked off by the high-spirited, foot-stomper ‘Redeemed’, it now seems the divas are looking to redeem their (rightful) place atop gospel charts.  Until we get our hands, eyes, and ears on the latest from the ladies, we’ll take the time to reflect on three reasons why we love them…and why you should too:

1.  Harmonies

Not since the Clark Sisters have we seen a set of ladies just kill it on the harmony front.  The highs, the lows, and everything in between, Crystal, Keyondra, and Christina definitely and decoratively check every box on our must-hear list! These girls never walk off stage without giving at least 5 good “yaaas”-worthy harmonic moments.

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2.  They shine as a trio and by their lonesome(s)

When you think of most of the greatest girl groups in history (i.e. Destiny’s Child, The Supremes, TLC), there is usually one member who always stands out and above the rest.  But, Zie’l – like En Vogue before them – prove that it’s completely plausible to have equally talented entities in one vocal supergroup.

We love that each lady brings something to the table by her lonesome, but also bring it as a group.

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3.  They have remained true to their sound

Even in the gospel realm, it is not uncommon for acts desperate for hits to stray away from their signature sound to embrace (what they think) the masses want to hear.  Zie’l has (so far) steered clear of this, arguably our favorite trait of theirs. Indeed, since their genesis, the ladies have tip toed the fine line of contemporary, Urban-tinged gospel sounds with aspects of the genre’s more traditional offerings.

Stacked from top to bottom with runs that wear out the scale (in a good way), they have a sound they can call all their own. And, we want it to stay that way

*****

Want to know more about Zie’l? Check ’em out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!  Their latest single ‘Redeemed’ can be heard below:

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