There are comebacks—and then there are moments like this. Patti Zlaket’s return isn’t a nostalgia act or a flashback to past glories. With her new single “Clock Keeps Tickin’”, she proves that time hasn’t dulled her artistry—it’s deepened it. A quietly powerful release, “Clock Keeps Tickin’” is the first glimpse of Zlaket’s upcoming album Dance Again, and it arrives with the weight of experience and the polish of seasoned talent. Produced by Tariqh Akoni (known for work with Christina Aguilera, J.Lo, and Weezer), and featuring legendary bassist Lee Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), this single is a masterclass in understated elegance.
The song opens with gentle piano and a ticking motif that mirrors its central theme—time, its passing, and what we do with it. But rather than wallow in melancholy, Zlaket infuses the track with something harder to pin down: earned hope. Her voice, rich and resonant, carries the bittersweet lyricism with grace—there’s vulnerability here, but also clarity, wisdom, and undeniable strength. the track feels timely and timeless. Written by longtime collaborator Gary Hyde, the song’s central message—acknowledging the urgency of time while choosing to press forward with purpose—strikes an emotional chord. “Clock keeps tickin’, hearts keep breakin’, still we find the will to try again” could’ve been cliché in lesser hands. But Zlaket doesn’t just sing the words—she’s lived them.
The production is warm and cinematic without being overbearing. Akoni’s touch is light but effective, giving space for Sklar’s melodic basslines to add depth without crowding Zlaket’s vocal. It’s a team of pros doing what they do best: letting the song breathe and speak for itself. This single also marks a deeper narrative arc in Zlaket’s story. After years away from recording—though never fully away from music—“Clock Keeps Tickin’” signals not just a return, but a rebirth. The spark was reignited after she watched Immediate Family, the documentary on Sklar and his bandmates. One message and one leap of faith later, Zlaket found herself back in the studio with the very musicians who shaped the soundtrack of her youth. There’s something quietly radical about an artist returning not to chase trends, but to honor their voice exactly as it is now—and that’s what makes “Clock Keeps Tickin’” special. It’s not trying to be young. It’s not chasing radio. It’s authentic, lived-in, and emotionally resonant. And in doing so, it lands with more impact than a dozen flashier singles.
If this first track is any indication, Dance Again is shaping up to be not just a comeback album, but a career-defining one.
Produced by Tariqh Akoni | Featuring Lee Sklar | Out Now via Meridian (ECR Music Group)
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English