What's Running On My Mind Re: ZAYN's Mind Of Mine (An Album Review OfSorts)

11:42:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

It is the moment every Zquad (yes, that's what his fans are called) on Earth has been waiting for ever since the 29th of July, 2015 when Zayn Malik has signed with RCA Records. And on March 25th 2016, exactly a year since he's officially left One Direction, Zayn's debut record as a solo artist, Mind of Mine is out.

For someone who's never left his side through the ups, downs and controversies, I've never been more proud of the artist that he is now. He has inputs on everything (he is the executive producer of the album) and not only does that feel liberating being unrestricted musically but also fulfilling as he is finally making the music that feels real to him and from his roots, hence the title, Mind of Mine (his, for that matter). Of bloody course, I loved it even with that lone fact but here are my other thoughts.

But first, why (stan) ZAYN?

Because he's real. He speaks his mind out no matter what (caused him trouble sometimes, though. Most of the times, actually. Haha). He's got a fair share of controversies (he's not perfect and he's not trying to be) but he's still able to keep private things private. He's the king of promotions (who puts a fake tattoo of his album title on his face, eh? Zayn's wit is just too much sometimes) He's very endearing to his fans and dedicated with his craft. I love the fact that he appreciates fans' efforts with the arts as he is an art lover as well. Also, anyone with ears can attest to the fact that the Bradford jejeboi can really sing. And he's really good at that.

(Also, that fooking face. With every hairstyle that the bastard can definitely pull off because..... RIGHT??)

On a side note, I'm still low-key mad he's left a day before the Manila leg of the On The Road Again tour and I was not able to witness his singing prowess on a live gig. And that is why I am looking forward for him to drop the tour dates and hope that Manila (or Singapore) would be included (and he won't bail on me this time.)

The album cover.

TRACK TITLES:

📀 #MindOfMine 25.3.16

A photo posted by Zayn Malik (@zayn) on Mar 7, 2016 at 8:17am PST

1. MiNd Of MiNdd (Intro)

Open up and see what's inside my mind....

2. PILLOWTALK

I have recently posted a separate review of sorts and it can be read here.

3. iT’s YoU

This is the first song that he has ever performed on national television via a guesting at Jimmy Fallon's since leaving the group and after the very sexual PILLOWTALK, this is such a great song, and he's instantly connected with me emotionally. There is something about iT's YoU that's making you just tear up. Maybe it's his impressive Raga (a singing style), or the falsetto chorus.... or maybe it's just reminiscent of a failed relationship in general, of giving the person everything and still ended up with nothing.

I won't, I won't, I won't cover the scars

I'll let 'em bleed

So my silence, so my silence won't be mistaken for peace

Am I wrong for wanting us to make it?

4. BeFoUr

“We were sitting backstage in a VIP area and (Zayn) was just telling me, ‘It’s crazy being here in Vegas. I’ve literally been all over the world with One Direction. I’ve done this before, but not like this. Not by myself, not this way, not here with the intention of working on my own music,' I was like, ‘Wait a minute — “I’ve done this before, but not like this” — that’s a song, man.’” So we went into the studio that night and started creating the track. He was in the booth singing melodies and we just stuck with those lyrics, and that was the foundation. We took it back to L.A. and did some more writing and working on it but the song was literally almost done when we left Vegas that night.” -Malay Ho, (producer) on BeFoUr

Laidback Bradford feels, you all.

5. sHe

sHe is one of my favourites. It has a very simple but catchy sound. Even the lyrics are quite easy on the ears, also easy to grasp. It is the honesty and the straightforwardness that I really like in this song. The line "Bright lights, she's fading." really got me. Dang, the boy really fell out of love. It's something that you would not mind putting on a loop. It's a really good tune. And the high notes... DANG. His dope vocal ability is already a given but he never fails to surprise me.

6. dRuNk

dRuNk should be the song for the summer! It really stood out, in my opinion and could be a potential hit commercially. It gives me an old school Usher vibes and somehow, at the back of my mind, if songs like this one are what I am going to get from ZAYN leaving One Direction then I believe that leaving is probably the best decision that he's ever made. RnB is really his thing.

7. INTERMISSION: fLoWer

He is very proud of his Pakistani roots and it is showing with this song which lyrics are in Urdu (ZAYN's second language). It's impressive.

Translation: "Until the flower of this love has blossomed, this heart won’t be at peace / Give me your heart / Give me your heart / Give me your heart..."

8. rEaR vIeW

What I love about the most on most of the tracks on this album is their straightforwardness and sincerity. It's overflowing. It felt like ZAYN's explaining the year that it has been through his music. rEaR vIeW is one of those lyrically strong tracks.

Please don't wait, I'm not coming home tonight / I wanna love you but I can't. (I feel sorry for this girl lol but yeah)

"I never doubted myself but I doubted you / I'm tired of looking at myself in my rear view."

9. wRoNg featuring Kehlani

THIS COLLABORATION IS JUST. Brilliant. Overtly sexual but nonetheless brilliant. Kehlani is a gem and I look forward for more. (I am trying not to sound too Zayn-biased but I loved the album way too much)

10. fOoL fOr YoU

A freaking ballad. ZAYN definitely wants us all dead. It is said that this song is inspired by John Lennon and the song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" making me a fool for ZAYN (mind the pun) and love it even more.

11. BoRdErZ

This song and its beat grows on you as it progresses. And the lyrics is about knowing the border, the end line and guarding your own heart to prevent further damages and consequences (or that's what I thought it is).

12. tRuTh

Spill the tea, Zayn. And man, did he.

"That [authenticity] was something that was always underlying, and ended up as the main factor of me leaving in the end. It was about denying the authenticity of who I was, and what I enjoyed about music, and why I got into it. That was always there. It was one of the things that wasn’t going to go away, so I had to go away." - ZAYN on his journey towards being a solo artist

13. lUcOzAdE

One of my faves! His singing style (and the pace like he's high on weed and Lucozade lol) in this one is really impressive (I am running out of adjectives).

14. TiO

Sexy as heck. It's catchy and... provocative. It makes you want to take it (all) off....basically.

DELUXE BONUS TRACKS:

15. BLUE

Regret and romance with falsetto and piano, what a killer combo! It's one of those reserved moments in the album that you just would want to sit back and appreciate ZAYN's musical ability.

16. BRIGHT

BRIGHT is heavy on bass and I am a total sucker for these kinds. Also, the song felt like after every sorrow and pain he's found the light again, found his place and moved forward with his (love) life.

17. LIKE I WOULD

Cannot help but dance with LIKE I WOULD. He's zlaying. Come on, Zayn. Drop the tour dates already.

18. SHE DON'T LOVE ME
Soulful. Melodic. Straightforward.

TARGET/JAPAN BONUS TRACKS:

19. Do Something Good

SICK REGGAE BEATS! Just when you thought ZAYN's done, he goes right there to impress you. This one reminded me so much of the random John Lennon-penned Beatles' songs for many odd reasons. I love it.

20. Golden

Maybe it's just me but it felt like he's addressing One Direction in Golden. The good times that they have shared and the love and gratitude, even through the tough times. I miss Zouis (PLEASE MAKE UP, YOU GUYS). It is also nice to learn that Zayn and Liam are still in contact with each other. Who knows, time heals wounds, right? We'll see.

The choices we make change the path that we take

But I know

That somewhere out there there's a path that we chose

There's a life that we share, there's a love and it grows

FINAL VERDICT: 8.5 out of 10 stars

I am buzzing and I cannot wait for his tour to start. I am not angry anymore, babe. Come home. (Hahaha) But, really, Proud of you, ZAYN!

*****

A good friend has gifted me the digital copy and another one got me a copy of the Japan released album (deluxe + postcard) and I cannot wait to get a hand on it!! YAY for early birthday treats!!

ZAYN's debut album 'Mind Of Mine' out now.

Get it on Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/MindOfMine?IQid=yt

Target Deluxe with 2 Bonus Tracks:http://smarturl.it/MindOfMineTarget?I...

Stream/Add on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/MindOfMineSp?IQid=yt

Amazon Music:http://smarturl.it/MindOfMineAMZ?IQid=yt

Google Play: http://smarturl.it/MindOfMineGP?IQid=yt