For a while it seemed like Zayn Malik had made a huge mistake when he announced his departure from the immensely successful One Direction in early 2015. The two singles released from his debut solo album Mind of Mine so far were weighed down by mediocrity, lacking a sense of creativity or a unique voice... however lead single "PILLOWTALK" still managed to somehow debut at number one on the Billboard charts. That could be chalked up to the adoration of devoted fans, not the fact that he actually brings something new to the table.
Following the awful "It's You", Malik was slipping to the back of one's mind, but thanks to today's release of the more uptempo "Like I Would", all fears may have been put to rest. The new taste of the upcoming album contains a dance-like beat that the artist has steered clear from up to this point. The album bonus track finds Malik telling his former lover just how he is better than her current flame in every single way. After a slow and steady start, the energy is turned up to exciting levels once the 80s-influenced chorus comes pouring through.
While Malik is riding the mysterious seducer image to the top of the charts, it has seems forced and disingenuous. However, for his third official solo offering, he sounds more alert, in touch with his emotions, and that plays well for listeners. "He won't touch you like I do, he won't love you like I would, he don't know your body, he don't do you right," the artist confidently sings with the support of retro-charged production and Nick Jonas-esque vocal styling.
"Like I Would" is a refreshing change of pace and tone for Malik, following the long, drawn out and just plain boring previous singles that were void of any expression of honest intimacy. There's a thrilling sense of passion present in the new release as the former boy bander continues to expand his dominance in the alternative R&B world. For once, that potentially off-putting cockiness works in getting the song's sultry, sincere message across effectively.
Initially, there may have been a disconnection between the artist and the music because the music was just not good or groundbreaking enough to carry the stilted rebel adult image Malik was trying to portray. But with "Like I Would" it all effortlessly blends together and should be the refined package that he is striving to achieve for the rest of the anticipated album. You can still be edgy and alternative, but there's no harm in providing the occasional radio-ready bop along the way. Not everything has to be so serious.
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