Shining Star by Souzan Zechkis: A Vocal Pop Gem That’ll Tickle Your Ears
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug for your soul, Shining Star by Souzan Zechkis is worth a spin—or ten. This UK-based singer has self-released an album that’s equal parts heartfelt and cheeky, with vocals so smooth they could butter toast (and probably make it taste better too). The genre? Pop. The style? Vocal-heavy goodness. And if you’re wondering what makes this record stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter tunes, buckle up.
First off, props to Souzan for tackling some absolute bangers while adding her own twist. Tracks like “Killing Me Softly” and “Fields of Gold” are covers we’ve all heard before—but not like this. Her version of “Killing Me Softly” hits different. It’s stripped back, raw, and dripping with emotion. You can practically hear her heart breaking through the speakers. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from yet another cover of this classic, but Souzan turned it into something fresh without trying too hard. No frills, no overproduction—just pure vocal magic.
Then there’s “Fields of Gold.” Sting wrote it, Eva Cassidy made it iconic, and now Souzan gives it her own dreamy spin. What sticks with me here isn’t just how she nails those high notes—it’s the way she slows things down, letting each word breathe. By the time she gets to the chorus, you might find yourself staring wistfully out the window, thinking about sunsets or first loves or why you haven’t watered your houseplants lately. Yeah, it’s THAT kind of vibe.
The rest of the tracklist reads like a mixtape your cool aunt would’ve burned onto a CD back in the day. From “Summertime” to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” Souzan takes risks blending jazz standards, lullabies, and pop ballads into one cohesive project. Is it weird hearing someone belt out nursery rhymes as if they’re auditioning for Broadway? Maybe. But does it work? Surprisingly, yes.
One thing I gotta say—this album doesn’t need a fancy label backing it. Souzan clearly poured her heart into every note, and it shows. She didn’t rely on flashy production tricks or celebrity features; she let her voice do the talking. And honestly? It speaks louder than most chart-topping hits these days.
So, would I recommend Shining Star? Absolutely. It’s quirky, emotional, and unapologetically human. Plus, who else is gonna turn “Promise Me” into a tearjerker AND follow it up with a jaunty rendition of “Bear Necessities”? Only Souzan Zechkis, folks.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans—you didn’t know you needed it until it showed up, and suddenly everything seems a little brighter. Now excuse me while I go listen to “Killing Me Softly” again… and maybe cry in the shower.
