With the release of his third solo album on January 15th, Zayn Malik continues to claim his place on the crystal throne of pop-vocal royalty. His album titled Nobody Is Listening follows the two previously released singles “Better” and “Vibez." This is an album that seems to breathe in quick gasps, replicating Malik’s admiration for every facet of his lover’s romance. Nobody Is Listening presents the calm maturity found in Malik’s life, as he recently became a father alongside his girlfriend Gigi Hadid. This album shows the reassurance and comfort he found, as he confidently flaunts himself as a man “worth his weight in gold.”
Image: PAPER MAGAZINE
A bold soft-spoken rap on “Calamity” mentions the dark abyss of human existence, complimented by Malik’s carefree “nobody, nobody, is listening to me” vocals in the distance. Meanwhile, “Better” is laid-back praise over love so obvious, he doesn’t feel the need to explain himself. Both sonically and lyrically, it’s a love confessional plead for better. Moving down the album, “Vibez” finds Malik seducing his lover in anticipation of what’s to come. A relaxed city-light soundscape was found solely in the back of his mind. The release was accompanied by a music video and the announcement of the new album.
The album features two collaborations that separately challenge Zayn’s views of commitment and pleasure throughout Nobody Is Listening. The track “When Love's Around” featuring Syd displays Malik’s sexual aura with handsome grace, a sensual sidestep romanticizing your partner in a relationship. Meanwhile, “Windowsill” featuring Delvin relives the more lively accounts of Malik’s sexual experiences. While explicitly replaying the use of his windowsill, this song offers one of the more blunt physical re-enactments on the album.
Image: VOGUE
“Sweat” by Malik finds the singer in the same headspace, inviting the notion of touch and intense loving. The track thematically reminds fans of the song “Fingers” from Malik’s last album Icarus Falls. The song expresses bright provocative intentions with slower whispered seductions of Malik begging "Sweat for me, sweat for me."
Meanwhile, “River Road” stands out as one of the most lyrical moments on the album where Malik sings
“Breeze outside my window turned to color
Know that I will see the sun again
Leaves have turned into a tint of orange
Answers that will lie inside myself.”
Malik’s lyric regarding the sun alludes to the theme of his previous album Icarus Falls, which itself references Greek mythology. Malik has made multiple references in the past associating himself with the story of Icarus flying too close to the sun, and melting from his wings. “River Road” is the last track on this album, and definitely a stand out for the project.
Through sexual desires, angels burning, and relaxed confessional love, Zayn Malik has succeeded in making a very compelling and mature collection of songs. Nobody Is Listening is available now on all streaming platforms, and you can watch the music video for the single "Vibez" here:
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