May 25, 2024
Megan Thee Stallion's latest single, "Hiss," has catapulted to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 as it capitalises on the buzz generated by her recent public feud...
Read moreMay 25, 2024
Kendrick Lamar's recent success on the charts marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his influence and dominance in the music industry. His diss track "Not Like Us" debuted...
Read moreMay 23, 2024
In the intricate world of music creation, inspiration often blurs the lines between originality and infringement. The recent lawsuit against Beyoncé over her hit song "Break My Soul"...
Read moreMay 23, 2024
Since 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"...
Read moreMay 23, 2024
Sony Music Group (SMG) has issued formal notices to over 700 generative AI companies and streaming platforms, prohibiting the unauthorized use of its content for AI model training...
Read moreMay 23, 2024
Joshua Bassett is going for gold. After years of making waves in the music industry, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter has finally announced the release of his debut studio album, The Golden Years...
Read moreMay 23, 2024
In an explosive return to the music scene, UK-based post-hardcore band Static Dress has released their latest single, "Crying," capturing the raw energy and intense emotion that the band is renowned..
Read moreMay 20, 2024
The New Kids on the Block are back, proving they’re still in the game with the release of their first album in 11 years. Their eighth studio album, aptly titled "Still Kids,"...
Read moreMay 20, 2024
Billie Eilish has finally released her highly anticipated third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with the lyrics of the final track, "Blue," capturing significant attention from fans...
Read moreMay 20, 2024
In a significant move within the music industry, Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, has sold his entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In a landmark move that underscores the growing tensions between technology and the music industry, Sony Music has taken a bold stand against tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In an empowering move for independent music, Lil Durk has announced the relaunch of his Only The Family (OTF) label, now in partnership with AWAL...
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.