After leaving One Direction at the height of their fame, Zayn Malik’s solo career began with huge promise following his global debut hit ‘PILLOWTALK’ and following number one album Mind of Mine. But, it has since flown largely under the radar, even in the face of his 28 million monthly Spotify listeners.
Now preparing to unveil his fourth album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, ZAYN has released ‘Alienated’. The song follows in the footsteps of the first single ‘What Am I’ by abandoning colourful R&B for a more vulnerable sound. This reveals an entirely different side to ZAYN’s artistry, which has previously dealt with familiar themes while wrapped in an exotic sheen. Within this new music is an almost tangible sense of release. ZAYN has always had the ability to be bare and honest but that has been disguised by his dynamic, glossy soundscapes. This new stripped-back sound allows us to feel part of his emotional journey. The fact that ZAYN wrote this song six years ago, perhaps demonstrates his hesitance to truly realise this alternative approach until now.
‘Alienated’ makes use of real instruments that instantly highlight the song’s obvious distinction from ZAYN’s previous work, as even when he has employed this previously its effects have been diluted by the enduringly slick production. Here, the soft musical background is extremely effective by being alluring and engaging but not in competition with the vocals. Although there are several examples of understated songs in his discography, they have usually been moody, reserved reflections as opposed to more acoustic ballads. The warm textured pallet of sounds provides a very organic accompaniment, giving the track a feel that is reminiscent of a live performance.
The song has a timeless poise and draws from various styles. When talking about ‘Alienated’, the singer described it as almost being his own version of the blues which is an accurate claim, portrayed through the uninhibited emotional power and unwavering rhythm. This is combined with the wistfulness and spirit of country music and a gospel-like message of hope and acceptance that radiates from the lyrics such as “Say goodbye to the past/ Leave it all with a laugh”.
The stark contrast in style has also unleashed a new side to ZAYN’s unique voice which is at its most emotive, taking on a rich and soulful sound. There is a sense that the lyrics to the song are some of the most personally revealing he has ever sung but the textures of his voice say almost as much through the raspier moments and passionate falsettos.
ZAYN’s lyrical sincerity and renewed creative freedom seem to be taking his music in an exciting and interesting direction. For an artist of such global fame to make such a significant diversion from his established approach is a courageous move. When speaking about the album ZAYN has said “I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you. It’s raw and stripped back and the type of music I always hoped to make.” If ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS follows suit from the tasters we have been given so far, it will see ZAYN demonstrate a very natural outlet for his imagination, beginning an intriguing new chapter of his career.
Words by Bas Bevan
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