July 21, 2023
The upcoming 'Barbie' film, scheduled for release on July 21st, has captured the hearts of fans who have long admired the animated Barbie films. Greta Girwig's live-action remake of the famous film...
Read moreJuly 21, 2023
BTS, the global sensation, continues to astound the music industry with their incredible music and meaningful lyrics. Among the members, Jungkook, also referred to as the "Golden Maknae," is.....
Read moreJuly 19, 2023
Music industry icon Beyoncé is powerful and captivating. She is known not only for her dramatic performances, but also for her outstanding songwriting skills. We will delve deeper into the creative...
Read moreJuly 19, 2023
Gunna, a mainstream rapper, just released a new album containing a #1 “Billboard Hot 100” hit song called “fukumean” despite the current controversy around his name. Gunna was arrested back in May....
Read moreJuly 19, 2023
Everyone knows Tik Tok as the app that blew up during COVID as a way for people to create and share short videos for others to enjoy. The video’s posted range from funny skits, dances, lip sync.....
Read moreJuly 19, 2023
The mastermind behind the overwhelmingly successful album, Sour, the 20-year-old Olivia Rodrigo comes back into the spotlight with a new heart wrenching single, ‘Vampire’ and the...
Read moreJuly 18, 2023
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse took the world by storm with its groundbreaking animation, immersive storytelling and captivating visuals . One of the key elements that contributed to the succe...
Read moreJune 12, 2023
Barbados-born superstar Rihanna has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her iconic sound, versatile talent, and fearless attitude. Her music has become a cultural phenomenon....
Read moreMay 31, 2023
Capturing millions with a unique sound and compelling personality in an ever-evolving world of contemporary music. Very few artists have been able to do it....
Read moreMay 25, 2023
Legendary singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has captivated the world with her haunting lyrics and infectious melodies. Behind her numerous chart hits lies an intriguing songwriting process.....
Read moreMay 18, 2023
Kiana Ledé has been rocking in the R&B scene and her latest single “Jealous” continues this trend. The other day, Sonical.ly had the chance to sit down and talk with Ledé about her musical journey.
Read moreMay 18, 2023
Anyone within the hip-hop scene knows the name, DJ Khalil. He gained popularity for both his music-producing and DJing skills. The other day, Sonical.ly had a chance to sit down and talk with DJ Khal
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.