Cindy Zhang’s third album Parallel Universes is a compelling body of work that juxtaposes the concept of space, time travel, and alternate realities alongside the life cycle of love and how they are all interconnected in one way or another. The 11-track project takes place across different timelines and several events involved in shaping one’s emotional experience.

The project opens with the short but impactful “Schrödinger’s Cat” where Cindy Zhang sums up her dreams for a brighter tomorrow with just 4 lines. It’s a touching and blissful introduction that sets the stage perfectly for the sublime guitar-driven “Parallel Universes.” The track sees Cindy Zhang pondering the several possibilities that could occur but with a focus on the positive. Bolstered by a warm pad, smooth strings and lush guitar strings, she sings “I jump at the offer to live in this universe with you” as she pours her heart out with the most conviction. This is followed by the single “First Day of School,” a heartfelt duet that pairs Cindy Zhang and fellow singer Benzer. The track is an expression of love between two lovers in high school as they prepare to see each other after some time apart. The production is warm, and dreamy and forms the perfect backdrop for Cindy Zhang and Benzer’s heartwarming lyrics. The duo take audiences on a journey of love from the initial meeting, growing love and the good times that make the love worth it. Next is the retro-city pop “Familiar” and “Let’s Go on a Date” The former dives into a lover that left a lasting impression on her and the difficulty in trying to relive those moments with anyone else. The latter is a conceptual love/break up song that details a final date between two lovers and the emotional build-up that follows.

“Crying in My Uber” is a heartfelt love-lorn tune that explores heartbreak and emotional turmoil stemming from unreciprocated love. The track is a smooth fusion of contemporary pop with a dash of 90s R&B and comprises solemn guitar riffs and warm chords with a downtempo drum groove underpinned by Cindy Zhang’s syrupy vocal runs. Here, she reflects on past love and its effects on her current situation with lines like  “All I have for myself is resentment/And I’m tired of feeling desperate/I’d do anything for you to stay/Wish it didn’t feel any different/Not to wake up to you these days” and wishes things were much better. “Jackpot”  pairs Cindy Zhang with fellow singer Orion Song for a love ballad that dives into a tale of withering love and the breakdown of a relationship. From the good times down to the bad times, each singer details how the entire affair dissolved and how they are making steps to rise from the ashes of the past. “Time Machine,”  as the name suggests, sees Cindy excavating certain memories from the past and wishing she could always go back to delete them as lucidly as possible. The production is rich and sublime and atmospheric, and Cindy Zhang’s airy vocal runs and engaging songwriting are top notch.

The final track “Reality” serves as a culmination of all the experiences and events that shaped Cindy Zhang. Bolstered by the atmospheric strings, sublime bass-driven grooves and lush synths, Zhang finds healing in her past trauma and we get to see her grow from it as she finds that special someone who helps her along the way. Lines like “I thought that I would be beyond repair/But you made me forget all my fears/I was fragile but you handle with care/I know I see the world in black and white“ show raw emotions and vulnerability as she reclaims her strength by also finding beauty in the present.

Overall,  Parallel Universes packs a punch, emotionally speaking. The soundscapes are atmospheric, cinematic and layered while Cindy Zhang’s vocal performance throughout is outstanding.

Keep up with Cindy Zhang  | Soundcloud: Spotify: TikTok : Website: Instagram