Zayn – Nobody Is Listening (Album Review)

Zayn explores the open vulnerability of love with heartfelt sincerity on his latest album, “Nobody is Listening.”

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TOP 5

5. SWEAT

Sensual and smooth with a hint of Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” and vibing drums, this catchy song about personal connection is a sexy and satisfying R&B hit.

They simply don’t make steamy pop records like “Sweat” anymore…

4. OUTSIDE

Hello falsetto!

Zayn hits some serious highs exploring heartbreak and the need for forgiveness with some solidly relatable lyrics. This tender, finger-snapping track features smooth guitar chords and a catchy chorus.

3. WHEN LOVE’S AROUND (FT. SYD)

This collaboration featuring R&B/soul artist Syd flows beautifully, as the pair explore what it truly means to love someone.

Soft and slinky, this track boasts an effortless sense of intimacy, along with some well-mixed instrumental beats.

2. TIGHTROPE

This lighthearted love song is simple yet powerful. Zayn also pays homage to his roots with an Urdu verse from the 1960’s popular song “Chaudhvin Ka Chand.”

There is a strong sense of warmth and wholesomeness on this track that makes it the perfect listen for anyone in need of a passion-inspired pick-me-up.

1. RIVER ROAD

Featuring a folksier soft rock vibe, the closing track on the album shines bright with a dreamy sense of ambition.

Exploring self-reflection with some easy simplistic guitar chords, this closer is one of Zayn’s strongest and most notable pieces; a worthwhile way to end the journey.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. CALAMITY (4/5)

2. BETTER (3/5)

3. OUTSIDE (5/5)

4. VIBEZ (4/5)

5. WHEN LOVES AROUND (5/5)

6. CONNEXION (4/5)

7. SWEAT (4/5)

8. UNFUCKWITABLE (4/5)

9. WINDOWSILL (ft. Devlin) (4/5)

10. TIGHTROPE (5/5)

11. RIVER ROAD (5/5)

OVERALL RATING

(B)

Former One Direction member turned solo artist Zayn Malik delivers some sweet and soft R&B tracks on his latest album Nobody Is Listening. Unlike his prior albums, (the more recent of the two is over an hour and a half long) Nobody Is Listening is a much sleeker journey clocking in at just over half an hour with 11 new songs from the 28-year-old artist.

The combination of heartfelt and occasionally steamy coos mixed with a low-key vibe brings out a deeper undertone of wistfulness and quiet reflection that adds to the overall complexity of the album while still highlighting his vocal abilities. Zayn has found his niche with Nobody Is Listening, showing growth and a certain amount of restraint, choosing to focus on soulful lyrics and retro-inspired instrumentals.

While “Nobody Is Listening” occasionally misses its mark, overall, it’s a fairly smooth and cohesive journey that mixes jazzy pop notes with R&B. The result is a crooning love letter concoction of laid-back cozy coffee shop vibes and naughty bedroom beats. All in all, Nobody Is Listening is the perfect vibe for anyone looking to celebrate love.