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On July 7, 2025, Pearl Jam’s powerhouse drummer Matt Cameron announced he was stepping away from the band that became his musical home for nearly three decades. With a simple yet heartfelt...
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When Black Sabbath took their final bow on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, it wasn’t just the end of an era for heavy metal—it was a deeply personal moment for countless fans whose lives...
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Katseye is a new global girl band that was formed in 2023 under the Hybe and Geffen records under the Dream Academy project. A final 5 member lineup was confirmed as the result of the girl...
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On February 2, 2025, rapper Doechii achieved a historic milestone by winning Best Rap Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal...
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Player 007, has been gaining massive attention—not just for his acting, but also for his music. YDG (Yang Dong Geun)...
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Few artists have managed to transcend generations and genres quite like Cher. With a career spanning over six decades, she has solidified her position as one of the most influential figures in...
Read moreSince leaving One Direction in 2015, Zayn Malik has embarked on a journey of artistic exploration and self-discovery. His solo debut, Mind of Mine (2016), featured the global hit "Pillowtalk" and showcased a more mature, R&B-infused sound. However, while filled with experimentation, his subsequent albums, Icarus Falls (2018) and Nobody Is Listening (2021), struggled to find a cohesive identity.
Zayn’s latest album, Room Under the Stairs, marks another shift in his musical direction. Produced by Nashville's Dave Cobb, known for his work with country and Americana artists like Chris Stapleton, the album embraces a minimalist, acoustic style. This new sound departs from his previous pop and R&B efforts, focusing on rustic guitars, soft keys, and live drums.
The album’s "Dreamin" opener sets an introspective tone with its smokey guitar licks. The first single, "What I Am," highlights Zayn's rich, emotional vocals over a soft-rock melody. Songs like "How It Feels" and "Shoot at Will" delve into raw, personal themes, while the breezy "Stardust" offers a lighter, more upbeat moment. Lyrically, Room Under the Stairs is Zayn's most revealing work yet. Tracks like "My Woman" reflect on past mistakes with poignant self-awareness, while the closing "Fuschia Sea" combines sultry vocals with a memorable chorus.
Room Under the Stairs is a testament to Zayn’s evolution as an artist. It’s an album that might require multiple listens to fully appreciate, especially for fans accustomed to his earlier R&B hits. However, the bold experimentation and heartfelt performances make it a significant addition to his discography. Zayn Malik continues to intrigue and surprise, proving that he is not just a former boy band member but a genuine artist in his own right.
As Zayn navigates his musical journey, it’s clear that he values artistic authenticity over mainstream success. Room Under the Stairs is a reflection of this ethos, and while it may not dominate the charts like his earlier work, it firmly establishes him as an artist willing to take risks and explore new horizons.