In the final quarter of 2025, fresh face Zahriya Zachary quietly released what might just be one of the best debuts of 2025. Her first full-length project, “Rediscovery,” isn’t loud, flashy or attention-grabbing. Her career wasn’t launched with a viral hit. Her melodies are primed more for smaller, solitary moments of reflection than for bigger pageantries of public consumption. Perhaps the uncommercial appeal of “Rediscovery” is what makes it so utterly refreshing.
If Zachary’s warm, inviting vocal feels familiar upon first listen, it’s because you’ve likely heard her on Patrick Mayberry’s No. 1 single, “Lead On Good Shepherd.” Additionally, she’s formerly collaborated with Brian Johnson and Rave Jesus. Although there are a few glimpses of her wide vocal capacity, like on the crescendoing conclusion to “Gift Of Salvation,” on the whole, Zachary’s voice is beautifully soft, sweet and controlled.
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For her introductory release, she unveils a deeply personal, incredibly peaceful project. Led by piano — an instrument she’s been honing since she was six years old — “Rediscovery” chronicles her process of peeling back the layers of her faith and unraveling some of the misconceptions she’s held about God and His character.
“This project is my journey with Jesus over the past three years in song form. The untangling, relearning, messy and vulnerable journey that I have walked out with Jesus. Returning to the simple truth and beauty of the Gospel. The relinquishing of false control and perfectionism,” the newly engaged songstress shares. “My hope for this album is that it would be a stone of remembrance for myself and those that listen. A place to return to in the drought or storm. To remember that He is kind; He is love; He is everything… He is available and ever-present. He has never left. This is my rediscovery of the radical love of Jesus Christ.”
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The 13-track collection begins with the title cut, setting a compass for the introspective thematic direction. On both the opening selection and sister follow-up, “Better Than I Thought,” which she wrote with Benjamin William Hastings and Hank Bentley, Zachary contends that the Lord is kinder than she previously imagined. “I thought I’d reach the ceiling of Your grace, but You’ve got more mercy than I’ve got mistakes,” she sings.
Song by song, she’s learning to drown out the noise and listen for His voice; and she’s surprised by what she hears. Instead of condemnation, she discovers unconditional love. Instead of anger, she finds empathy. Instead of judgement, she encounters compassion.
In tuning her heart to recognize His, Zachary simultaneously discovers her identity as a beloved daughter of God. Nowhere is this more obvious than on “Loved By Love,” a sparsely produced, poetic ballad she penned alongside Abbie Gamboa, Abbie’s husband Gabriel and Abbie’s brother, Oscar.
On “Stay,” crafted with Bernie Herms and April Cushman, and its successor, “Home Away From Home,” Zachary takes up residence in the presence of Jesus, longing for His Spirit and savoring His company.
Album standout “Shine On Me,” featuring labelmate Edward Rivera, is one of only a handful of offerings that radiates energy as the two vocalists relish the light of God’s love. “Captured My Heart” also possesses a rare pop cadence, amidst a swirl of dreamy, contemplative melodies.
On both a prelude to “Better Than I Thought” and closing track “Relief” — which Zachary composed with her fiancé, Cadence Helser — she shows off her natural gifting as a refined pianist with two instrumental moments. Offering space for reflection and rest, these instances — void of vocals — speak to the heart of who the Texas native is: a true artist.
“Rediscovery” paints a portrait of a God who’s as tender as He is powerful. As Zachary discerns His voice and uncovers more of His nature, she helps the listener do the same, challenging us to not accept our theology at face value. Instead, her music reasons it’s worth the time and effort required to rediscover God for yourself, for who He truly is.
The newcomer doesn’t serve up dance-inducing bops or congregational friendly faire for churches to sing. She doesn’t offer an avant-garde artistic expression. Yet, in all its simplicity and pureness, “Rediscovery” feels rebellious. In a world whose calling card is hustle, Zachary invites us to pause, ponder and even question our beliefs.
“Rediscovery” feels like the beginning for an artist who already views life, faith and calling as a marathon not a sprint. And with that in mind, her debut effort is simply a glorious starting line.
