If you're a bitter One Direction fan or just a non-believer, this new release will "change your mind" (special sorry for that from yours truly, Official 1D TrashTM).
1. Supporting Minorities
It’s always important to support people of color and Muslim artists, especially when they're as talented as Zayn because there are not as many as there should be in mainstream media. He was born to a Pakistani father, and his parents raised him under Islamic faith. He is unapologetic of his race and religion, which can be seen in his Twitter history.
Below, Zayn is receiving the award for Outstanding Achievement in Music at the Asian Awards in 2015!
2. His Many Musical Influences
Zayn’s background also influences his music. He says he was inspired by the Bollywood music he grew up with and his dad’s old rap and R&B records. The vibe of the album, and his voice specifically, were compared to sultry sounds of The Weeknd and Miguel by the writers of FADER Magazine. I’m sensing some song-of-the-year material.
3. It's been a Long Time Coming
Zayn has said that this album has been developing for years in his mind and that it's everything he has wanted to say. With only a few minor writing credits from when he was still in the band, he wrote for many hours in his free time. This album is a culmination of all the artistic ideas he wasn't able to put into action as a member of One Direction.
4. Live Performances
Zayn’s recent performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" should be enough to get you excited. Great vocals, a catchy ballad, and the television debut of his pink hair. Could you ask for more? Click here to see Zayn doing God’s work.
5. Collabs
With his recent Usher and Chris Brown collaboration and talks of potentially working with Tyler, The Creator, I’d be surprised if they weren’t any incredible guest artists on this upcoming album. Because of Zayn's collab with Malay, producer of the album Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange," I wouldn't put a Frank Ocean duet in the list of impossible.
6. Umm...
Watch for "Mind
of Mine," coming out March 25 (the one year anniversary of his
departure from One Direction, but we’ll just ignore that). Check out "PILLOWTALK" on Spotify, iTunes, or YouTube. Get ready to lose your pants.
