Shahrzad Sepanlou, one third of the original Silhouettt (and my personal favorite of the three), has returned to the music scene after taking an extended hiatus. Choosing to take time to experiment with her musical sound and develop her own style, this artist returned to the music world with a double whammy, releasing her experimental world influenced album “To (You)” in 2009 and now her newest release “Yek Rooz (One Day)” in 2010.

Always choosing to stick to her artistic ambitions more so than commercial appeal, Shahrzad Sepanlou has been relatively “indie” in her musical palate and this formula has suited her well over the years where she can release quality music that showcases her pure, angelic vocals and messages and melodies that can stand the test of time. Shahrzad Sepanlou’s newest collection features 9 beautiful tracks and is another stellar release to add to her musical catalogue.

1. YEK ROOZ TOO TEHRAN: The opening lines of this song echo the dire need of freedom, which then leads into a melodic and slow moving rumba (with a bit of a Mediterranean feel). The song contains a deep socio-political message (territory that is fairly familiar to this artist). While singing about a how one day a cleansing rain will come and Tehran will be free to experience more heavenly things (without the fear of a dark and obscuring shadow hanging over), Shahrzad gives a beautiful and heartfelt performance. The lyrics are full of imagery and life, the song is very personal in its delivery, and it is a great way to start off the album: dramatic, optimistic, and positive.

2. MAA (FEATURING FARAMARZ ASLANI): Farzin Farhadi’s signature saxophone styling starts this song off with a rather cool and atmospheric feel. Suddenly, Faramarz Aslani’s vocals pierce through the musical backdrop and then soon after Shahrzad’s own appears to create a duet about how two individuals will not be able to reach each other and that the distance that separates them is the only logical solution for the two… The lyrics are haunting and both artists’ performances are sharp and articulate; with the music in the background, it almost give the track a foreboding and ominous feel.

3. AZ MAN TAA MAN: A playful little girl sings an adorable intro into what is my absolute favorite song on this collection. Ever since I heard this track many years ago, I instantly fell in love with its smooth, relaxed, and innocent feel. I was hoping she would release this track on an album, and my silent prayers have finally been answered. This is the Shahrzad Sepanlou that I love: deep, introspective, seductive, and sophisticated. The music and her voice form a perfect partnership and the song is a stand out on the album. The melody of this track is outstanding and the production is sharp and crisp. This is a wonderfully executed track and a true standout on the collection!

4. KI FEKRESHO MIKARD?: The next track screams sophistication and elegance as the piano intro leads into a Latin inspired lounge track. The track’s simplistic creation (a piano and saxophone overlaying the percussion backdrop) gives it a very bare boned and almost acoustic feel. Very fresh in its development and style, while also maintaining a retro and antique feel, this type of song really lets her voice shine through.

5. KOMAKAM KON: Warm strumming guitars open up the next song, which has an almost acoustic composition throughout. With a very laid back and almost lamenting feel to the track, Shahrzad is asking for someone’s help so that she, along with her love, doesn’t reach an untimely death. Very smooth vocal performances from Shahrzad, which make this a very feel good track to just sit back and relax and enjoy.

6. CHEH KONAM?: An atmospheric backdrop with an acapella performance by Shahrzad usher in the next track on the album. Her haunting vocals pull you in as the song’s lush ambience takes a complete turn and transforms into a techno beat. My favorite part of this track has to be the chorus where the electric guitar’s riffs tear through the pulsating beat and accompany her voice as she effortlessly hits the high notes of her vocal register. This is a rather unique track and easily stands out amongst the other songs in the album due to its innovative composition and its instrumental and vocal performances. This is absolutely flawless in its production and execution.

7. SAFAR: Farzin Farhadi’s saxophone comes back into the spotlight as he opens up the next number on her album. More acapella vocals come into play as Shahrzad sings with a guitar as the only accompanying instrument. Her vocals and both the guitar and saxophone perform acrobatics across the song and make it one of the most minimalistic pieces on the collection. Clearly meant to emphasize the message of the song, I feel the way this track was done fit the meaning perfectly. There was a sense of vulnerability in the instruments and her voice that really touched me when I heard this song. This is a very moving and haunting piece.

8. GHAZAL FOOROOSH: With an intro reminiscent of the great Carlos Santana, Shahrzad Sepanlou brings out her inner rock chick on this track. Almost chanting and shouting in the beginning, she quickly tones it down and begins to use her vocal instrument to shine through the lashing background rhythms. This is a very unique track. Although, not my personal favorite song on the album as I felt her vocals were a little held back and hindered by the tracks loudness, I still felt this was a great performance from her and it’s refreshing to see this side of her shine through.

9. MESHKI YAA TALAAI?: A young Shahrzad Sepanlou introduces herself and wants to sing a song for you: that is the opening to this very smooth jazz sounding song with the aid of Farzin Farhadi’s saxophone. Very rock-ish, but not as much as the previous track, this song seems to mix all the elements of this album together as a strong closer to the collection. With a very lounge feel on the track, the piece showcases her voice as she longs for the “truth” in the message of the song. This was an interesting and rather introspective way to end the album.

This album was a phenomenally strong piece of musical art. Shahrzad Sepanlou and her musical team created a collection that really put a lot of her signature styles and sounds together into one complete and well though out package. “Yek Rooz” featured chic and smooth jazz-fusion, lush orchestral arrangements, strong vocals, rock sensibility, impeccable instrumental delivery and pure heart and emotion. It may not be an album that brings everyone to the dance floor, but it is still a superb piece of work that sinks into your soul with each and every listen. The lyrics and the messages she is trying to interpret really touches you and her sweet and angelic vocals are as rich and as strong as ever. I was thoroughly pleased with this work and it showed an artist blossoming and discovering her musical niche. Here’s to the next Shahrzad Sepanlou album (and if it is anything even remotely close to this work then it will surely be another masterpiece in my eyes.)