September 22, 2023
In a move that’s sure to thrill ARMYs around the world, all seven BTS members have officially committed to renewing their contracts with BigHit Music and HYBE...
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Alongside RCA Records in the States, SM Entertainment’s newest boy group, RIIZE, is showing enormous promise in the growing music market...
Read moreSeptember 22, 2023
n the world of music, there are few artists as enigmatic and prolific as Sia. While her distinctive voice and captivating performances have earned her a well-deserved spot in the limelight...
Read moreSeptember 22, 2023
So how have the two superstars managed to stay dominant in the industry throughout their long careers? The answer lies within their artist direction– they both have the ability to evolve their....
Read moreSeptember 13, 2023
After nearly four hours of must-see performances, a surprise guest appearance, record-breaking award victories, and an epic celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, MTV's greatest music event came..
Read moreSeptember 15, 2023
Daniel Caesar's latest album, "Never Enough," stands as a testament to his ability to bare his soul through his music. With every track, he delves into the depths of vulnerability, crafting....
Read moreSeptember 15, 2023
eabadoobee, the multifaceted artist enchanting us with her indie rock and bedroom pop fusion, has once again ignited our musical curiosity with her latest single, "the way things go."
Read moreAugust 21, 2023
Travis Scott, the boundary-pushing artist known for his genre-blurring sound and immersive live performances, has once again shaken the music world with the release of his popular new album "UTOPIA...
Read moreAugust 18, 2023
Ever since his emergence onto the music scene, The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has proven himself to be an artist of exceptional talent and staying power...
Read moreAugust 18, 2023
In the realm of video games, where visuals and gameplay often reign supreme, there exists a masterpiece that has seamlessly woven the power of music into its very fabric...
Read moreAugust 18, 2023
Pop Smoke had a brief but impactful career. Born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke quickly rose to...
Read moreAugust 18, 2023
Julia Michaels, the gifted singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged lyrics and captivating melodies, has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide...
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.