Recommended Track: “The Time”, “False Starts”, “Stardust”, “Concrete Kisses”
Artists You Might Like: Justin Bieber, Niall Horan, Lauv
“Thank you for all your unwavering love and support. I hope you love this record just as much as I loved creating it.”
ZAYN released his 4th studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, where he reflects on how time has healed old wounds. The title of the album refers to a shoe cupboard in his home where he recorded the album. The album navigates through how the singer has dealt with public scrutiny, his journey to fatherhood, and past relationships. The reoccurring theme seems to be self-reflection.
ZAYN has spent the past few years out of the public eye focusing on his healing journey. He moved to a farm in rural Pennsylvania where he’s spent the majority of his time raising his daughter and caring for the animals and his garden.
The singer recently thanked his fans for being patient with him while he’s dealt with the struggles of anxiety by saying “All good things come to those who wait.” ZAYN performed for the very first time as a solo artist in London to celebrate the release of his new album.
The album kicks off with “Dreamin”, where you can immediately hear the reinvention in his lyricism and sound. He sings “I’ve been dreamin’, feeling this way” and “I’ve been needing’ something else” seemingly referring to his desire for more.
“Stardust” is a fan favorite on the album. In the song and music video, ZAYN is painting a picture about love being cosmic. He describes how someone can become enchanted when they are in love, “Feels like stardust, floating all around us.”
Later in the album comes “Concrete Kisses” which is a powerful track on the album that explores personal growth in the middle of heartache and pain. The song starts out explaining the consequences of being vulnerable, “Concrete kisses on my face and forehead from where I fell last night on the street.” By the end of the song, he’s singing about how sometimes you have to look for the silver lining in your own pain, “This might not sound right, but it’s alright, it’s real, I’m finding my way on the highway this year.”
“False Starts” and “The Time” are two of the most meaningful and vulnerable on the album. “False Starts” is about new beginnings. It is a letter from ZAYN to his younger self. In this song, the singer is really able to show off his technical talent, especially his falsetto. “The Time” is a song that is written about how his priories have shifted after having his daughter, where he realizes the importance of love over fame, “Feedin’ families, forget the fame, I’m doing it now for a second name.”
The album is out now and is available on all streaming platforms! Listen HERE!
Keep up with ZAYN:
Instagram // Website // YouTube // Twitter
