After two decades away from releasing new music, Patti Zlaket returns with Dance Again, an album that feels less like a comeback campaign and more like the closing of a long, unfinished chapter. Produced by Tariqh Akoni, whose credits include Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, and Weezer, the record pairs Zlaket’s seasoned songwriting with polished, roots-inspired production that never overshadows the emotional core of the songs.
The road back began in an unlikely place. After watching the documentary Immediate Family, which chronicles legendary session musicians Lee Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Russ Kunkel, Zlaket reached out to bassist Lee Sklar simply to thank him for his decades of work. That conversation eventually turned into a collaboration after she shared a new song with him, setting the stage for the year-long recording process that became Dance Again.
The album arrives following a resurgence that has steadily rebuilt Zlaket’s profile. Her March 2026 single “Love Is For You” landed on Apple Music’s New In Rock playlist alongside releases from artists including Foo Fighters, Peter Gabriel, and Ringo Starr. Combined with the reissue of her earlier catalog and a string of sold-out performances, Dance Again arrives at a moment when longtime fans and new listeners are discovering her music at the same time.
Rather than chasing contemporary trends, Dance Again leans into timeless craftsmanship. Zlaket’s background as a pianist and songwriter is evident throughout the record, with melodies that unfold naturally and lyrics that prioritize honesty over spectacle. Akoni’s production keeps the arrangements warm and dynamic, while contributions from Sklar and an accomplished group of session musicians add depth without drawing attention away from the songs themselves.
There is also something quietly inspiring about the album’s story. Zlaket stepped away from recording, built a successful career beyond the music industry, even earned a law degree, and still found her way back to the studio. That perspective gives Dance Again an authenticity that cannot be manufactured. It is an album shaped by experience rather than urgency.
For an artist releasing her first new album in 20 years, Dance Again succeeds by refusing to present itself as a nostalgic return. Instead, it feels like the work of a songwriter who has rediscovered her creative voice and is comfortable letting the music speak for itself. In an era obsessed with constant reinvention, Patti Zlaket’s return is a reminder that some stories are worth waiting for.
Featured Image: Artist Supplied
