ZZ Ward is probably one of the most underrated artists to have come around in the last few years.

Her soulful 2012 debut Till the Casket Drops (not as gruesome as you think) was released to commercial success and positive reviews, but little-to-no airplay.

Ward is the type of act that deserves international recognition, and until she gets that she will continue to be highly underrated.

However, her new single “Love 3X”, from her upcoming second studio album This Means War, could help advance her one step closer to the widespread fame she deserves.

Stripped back and charming when it needs to be, “Love 3X” is the perfect balance of pop ballad and bluesy anthem. It plays right into all of Ward’s strengths as a singer-songwriter and could be her ticket to becoming a household name.

“There’s only one thing that would make me do all the crazy stuff I do when I’m next to you”, Ward croons in the pre-chorus. “It’s a little bit insane, but it feels so right, it’s love, love, love”. Hence the titular “Love 3 [times]”.

Since Till the Casket Drops was released in October of 2012, ZZ Ward has been busy touring and playing different festivals in promotion for the album’s four singles. She told Fuse last summer that it was “about time for album two” and that it would be written largely before she was finished on the road.

“Love 3X” is definitely a head-over-heels love song, but the way Ward chronicles the relationship gives more of a Bonnie and Clyde feel than that of two star-crossed lovers. She speaks of being reckless, throwing dishes and being hated by the neighbors while being deeply in love, in no way living out the traditional love ballad.

Overall, Wards new single is a fresh, exciting, summer anthem that definitely deserving of your ears.