Zoee has been having an enormous 2026 and it is far from over. We are deep into the release cycle for album two now, and a new set of themes is beginning to take shape. It’s going to be such a hot winter!
The new songs are noticably darker and more introspective than last year’s debut, Butterfly Effect, and I am loving the contrast. Today’s song, Habit, follows on from Secret Garden in the heat of one of the hottest summers. The new song presents love as a form of addiction and is more poppy than last year’s country-pop songs. I think one of the main reasons I love this song, apart from Zoee just being so grounded and approachable despite her growing profile, is that they contrast to last year - their unexpectedness increases their impact.
Let’s dig in!
The hook is instantly catchy and sticks in the mind long after you first hear it: I gotta have it, I got a habit. Also this time, the vocal delivery is quite flat, almost monotone, which makes the singer sound slightly robotic. She is completely zoned out on this love addiction!
Zoee herself sent us a few lines to help us unpick the background to the song:
“Old jackets, mixtapes, rose-colored glasses, champagne and late-night memories become the evidence of a relationship that is increasingly difficult to quit,” she says. “I loved the idea of treating a person almost like a bad habit you know you should probably break, but you don’t really want to. It’s flirty, messy and a little dangerous.”
Zoee suggests that it was the previous song, Secret Garden, when she first pushed more towards pop than country, and that Habit continues the path. I really thought I picked up a more poppy element right away in February’s Hand Me Downs but there is no doubt that these latest two are full-pop tracks.
I have been closely following Zoee’s career since last spring, but she has been writing and performing for much longer. She is on a physical journey from Tasmania to Nashville via Scotland, but Nashville increasingly feels like a place she has settled for good.
I remain bitterly disappointed that I did not know Zoee when she was here in Britain. Coming from a Scottish busking background, I do sometimes find myself comparing Zoee to Glaswegian Liverpudlian Rianne Downey. Poppy, country-ish, yes, but with dark undertones and a lot to say.
I’ve massively enjoyed listening to Habit for the last few weeks and I am certain you will too. And I made it to the end without any puns! I have made a habit out of listening to Zoee’s latest songs and I really believe you will love them too. [You just blew the pun thing. Ed.]
You can pre-save all of Zoee’s music here and follow the rest of her journey.
Secret Garden by Zoee
Secret Garden is Zoee’s third single of 2026. With each song she has been transitioning a little further away from 2025’s fun and poppy Butterfly Effect. Every time that little butterfly flutters its wings, she changes. Both Hand Me Downs and Don’t Let Me Go
Zoee: Don't Let Me Go
The first time I heard Zoee’s music was a year ago when she was heading towards the release of her debut album, The Butterfly Effect. I loved every one of those ten songs and one of the key themes was her positive outlook even when life throws curve balls. Even in her murder ballad,
Zoee Did it Again with Hand Me Downs!
I even find the cover artwork heartbreaking this week. Here’s a fully grown woman on the outside, but she is pictured in her nursery with a basket of teddies, children’s books and her name on the wall. At first glance it looks like the table is set for a formal English tea but on second glance… the table is in miniature. A child has been playing at tea …