stayc main image

Sam Hunt's "Locked Up" EP and Tour: A Fresh Chapter in Country Music

June 20, 2024

Country music star Sam Hunt has unleashed a new chapter in his musical journey with the release of his latest EP, "Locked Up," accompanied by an announcement of a nationwide tour set to kick off on...

Read more
stayc main image

The Vamps: Revitalising British Pop-Rock

June 20, 2024

The Vamps, a British pop-rock band that has captivated audiences with their infectious energy and catchy melodies, have become a staple in the modern music landscape. Comprising Brad Simpson...

Read more
stayc main image

David Guetta: The DJ Who Transformed Electronic Dance Music

June 20, 2024

David Guetta, born Pierre David Guetta on November 7, 1967, in Paris, France, is a name that resonates deeply within the world of electronic dance music (EDM). Over the past two decades, he has...

Read more
stayc main image

The Ghostwriting Debate in Music: How Widespread Is It and Should We Care?

June 20, 2024

The world of music has always been shrouded in a certain level of mystery and allure, but the recent spat between Meek Mill and Drake has brought a longstanding issue back into the spotlight...

Read more
stayc main image

Simon Cowell regrets not owning One Direction’s name, will create new boy band

June 20, 2024

Simon Cowell has expressed hesitation about a potential One Direction reunion, revealing his regret over not taking "ownership" of the boy band’s name. In a candid interview with The Diary of a CEO...

Read more
stayc main image

Jon Bon Jovi Talks Bouncing Back From Vocal Cord Surgery, ‘Forever’ Album and Why Band’s Songs Will ‘Outlive Us’

June 20, 2024

Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t sure if his band would ever record another album. The Jersey rock icon, whose raspy vocals lifted his eponymous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to global superstardom in the...

Read more
stayc main image

Omar Apollo Unveils New Single 'Less Of You' Inspired by London Nightlife

June 20, 2024

Omar Apollo has just released his latest single, 'Less Of You,' offering fans a glimpse into his evolving musical landscape. This track is the third single from his highly anticipated second album...

Read more
stayc main image

Rihanna's Fresh Start with 'R9': A Journey of Rediscovery

June 20, 2024

Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay...

Read more
stayc main image

Eminem Faces Backlash Over Lyrics in New Song "Houdini"

June 20, 2024

Eminem has stirred controversy with his latest single "Houdini," which includes a line that many believe makes light of the 2020 incident where Megan Thee Stallion was shot. In the song, Eminem...

Read more
stayc main image

Camila Cabello Unveils Album with Double Dose of Drake

June 19, 2024

In an exciting revelation, pop sensation Camila Cabello has shared that her upcoming album, C,XOXO, will feature not one, but two collaborations with the legendary Drake. Speaking to Billboard...

Read more
stayc main image

Liz Lawrence's New Album 'Peanuts': A Sonic Rallying Cry for Community and Connection

June 19, 2024

Liz Lawrence has always enriched her songwriting by absorbing the influence of various art forms, and her latest album, Peanuts, set for release on June 7th, exemplifies this approach. An artist...

Read more
stayc main image

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Sara Evans' Journey of Reconciliation and Renewal

June 19, 2024

Sara Evans, the acclaimed country music artist known for her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, is back with a new album that promises to resonate deeply with fans. "Unbroke," her latest...

Read more

Zayn Malik Embraces Minimalism and Rawness in 'Room Under the Stairs'

stayc main image

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" 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.