Zayn Malik is leaving his boyband past behind with his debut album, "Mind Of Mine." Malik is the first in history to have his first album debut at number one on the iTunes charts in over 70 countries. His March 25 release date marked the 1-year anniversary of his departure from boy band, One Direction. Although millions of hearts have been broken, I think it is safe to say that this album is well received for the Zayn obsessed all around the world.
I was slightly disappointed with his iHeartRadio album release party where he only performed three songs from the album last Friday night. As his debut album, I thought that he would spend at least a full hour going through a majority of his tracks or, at least, his top-charting single, “PILLOWTALK.” Instead, he sang three and called it a night. But the songs he performed, “LIKE I WOULD,” “iT’s YoU,” and “tRuTh” did not disappoint.
Malik has made his point clear. "Mind Of Mine" shows a different and more mature style of music than from his One Direction days. This album isn’t really appropriate for your 10-year-old directioner. "Mind Of Mine" is full of sex appeal and emotion.
His song, “TiO,” isn’t referring to an uncle. Instead, he uses it as an acronym for take it off. He sings, “Take it off, take it off, baby just take it off/Push me up against the wall/don’t take it easy” and that’s just the beginning.
The album is filled with slower sexy songs. His R&B tracks are ones that you want to listen to while driving in the car, windows down in the summertime. His slower ones you can imagine someone serenading.
Malik’s early singles, “PILLOWTALK,” “iT’s YoU,” “BeFoUr,” and “LIKE I WOULD” made this album one that was highly anticipated. His single, “PILLOWTALK” is topping the charts and constantly on top 40 radio.
“iT’s YoU” is a slow serenade to that special someone. He croons his lyrics in return making everyone swoon.
These songs he released early on are some of the best on the album which is good but also slightly disappointing when hearing the rest of the album.
“LIKE I WOULD” has more of a pop sound with the dance beats in the background. “BeFoUr” has a slower tempo but still picks up with his smooth R&B sound.
Standout tracks from the album include “sHe” and “dRuNk” that flow effortlessly back to back on the album.
In many songs including “BoRdErSz” he sings in his beautiful falsetto.
If you ever thought Malik was not getting enough attention in One Direction, he definitely is now when he highlights his vocal strength throughout this entire album.