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Zoey Madison's "Love Like You" Is a Reminder That Great Ballads Never Go Out of Style

Emerging pop artist Zoey Madison ushers in the summer season with a piano-led ballad.

By Whitney MillerPublished 4 months ago • 3 min read

Pop music has always had room for spectacle, but its most enduring moments are often its quietest. A piano, an unforgettable melody and a voice capable of carrying every word without unnecessary embellishment. This is a formula has outlasted every passing trend.

On new single "Love Like You", New York singer songwriter Zoey Madison embraces that tradition, delivering a ballad that values craftsmanship over instant gratification.

Listen here:

Written by Madison alongside Matt Chiaravalle and Aimée Proal, "Love Like You" doesn't rush to make its point. The opening piano leaves plenty of space for Madison's voice, inviting listeners into the song before the arrangement gradually widens. By the time the cello of Dave Eggar and the violin of Ada Pasternak enter the picture, the track has transformed.

Much of the song's strength lies in Madison's vocals. Possessing a remarkable four-octave range, she could easily turn every chorus into a technical showcase. Instead, she allows emotion to dictate the performance rather than vocal gymnastics. The impressive notes are there when they matter, but they don't distract from the story unfolding beneath them.

Producer Matt Chiaravalle deserves equal credit for creating an arrangement here. Layered harmonies, subtle percussion from Charlie Paxson and the warmth of live strings all work together to elevate the song while keeping Madison firmly centre stage.

Madison's appreciation for classic Hollywood storytelling is another quality that quietly shapes her work. There is a theatrical sensibility to "Love Like You", especially in the way every musical decision serves the emotion of the scene. It's a refreshing contrast to much of today's pop landscape.

That commitment to storytelling is perhaps what makes "Love Like You" resonate most. Rather than relying on familiar pop formulas, Madison trusts the song to do the heavy lifting. She allows moments of silence to linger, melodies to breathe and emotion to develop along naturally. It's a confident approach that reflects an artist who understands that connection isn't created through volume but through connection.

Whether it's the expressive string arrangements, the carefully layered vocal harmonies, or the understated elegance of the piano, every choice feels right for the song.

"Love Like You" may not chase trends, but that's precisely its strength. Zoey Madison has delivered a ballad rooted in timeless songwriting, elevated by exceptional musicianship and with vocals that knows when to soar and when to simply tell the truth.

About Zoey Madison

New York-based singer-songwriter Zoey Madison is carving out her own space in contemporary pop by combining exceptional vocal ability with a storyteller's instinct. Possessing a rare four-octave vocal range and an extended whistle register, she draws inspiration from legendary voices including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, and Ariana Grande, while shaping a sound that is unmistakably her own.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Madison has further refined her craft through vocal training with Craig Wich and renowned coach Stevie Mackey, whose work on NBC's The Voice has helped shape some of today's biggest artists. Her career has also included collaborations with acclaimed director and choreographer Kenny Ortega and a memorable performance alongside her childhood inspiration, Kristin Chenoweth.

At the heart of Madison's music is a deep appreciation for storytelling. Influenced as much by the golden age of Hollywood as contemporary pop, she writes songs that explore the moments that define us: love, hope and uncertainty. Whether delivering an intimate piano ballad or an uplifting pop anthem, she approaches every performance with honesty, nuance and a voice that effortlessly bridges technical precision with emotional connection.

Her latest single, Love Like You, captures that artistic vision, pairing heartfelt songwriting with sweeping orchestration to introduce listeners to an artist whose greatest strength lies not simply in how she sings, but in how she makes every song feel lived-in and genuine.

Keep up with everything Zoey Madison on her Website

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Whitney Miller

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    Written by Whitney Miller