Zayn’s new album, ‘Nobody Is Listening’: All the songs, ranked in order of awesomeness
- Former One Direction star Malik celebrated his birthday just days before dropping his third album
- The singer has described this as his most personal record so far
Zayn MalikZayn Malik turned 28 last week, but it’s his fans who are getting a present.
The former One Direction singer – who now goes simply by Zayn – dropped his third album, Nobody Is Listening, on January 15. It comes a little more than two years after his last release, Icarus Falls .
The 11 tracks blur the lines between pop and R&B, with a decidedly stripped-down feel. The opening track, Calamity, for example, is essentially strictly vocals.
If you’re a long-time fan, there’s going to be a bit of an adjustment here. The lyrics in many cases are more raw than you’re used to; Malik is coming into his own as an artist – less sanitised (he drops an f-bomb or three), and more real, – and has described the album as his “most personal project to date”.
The album does not disappoint, but there are songs that are better than others. Here’s our ranking of the tracks, OK to best.
(Have a listen, and tell us if you agree with the rankings!)
Note: The lyrics contain strong language and adult themes.
No. 11: Better
Sure, it’s the lead single but it’s a little too cheesy/obvious.
Sample lyrics: “Hope I only leave good vibes on your living room floor / It hurt so bad that I didn’t when you asked for more / Your dad probably loves me more than he ever did now / Yeah we finally knocked down.”
No. 10: When Love’s Around
This one has potential to be a track at dance clubs, although something – not sure what – seems missing.
Sample lyrics: “Ever been in love? / Ever really love someone? / People tend to rush / People tend to run to love / Only takes one / To show you what it means to love, love.”
No. 9: Vibez
A good pop beat here, but the music drowns out the vocals at points.
Sample lyrics: “Don’t keep me waiting / I’ve been waiting all night to get closer And you already know I got it for ya / You know the vibes, know the vibes / Put it on ya.”
No. 8: Calamity
Basically spoken words, but a real look inside Malik’s head.
Sample lyrics: “Nostalgia / What a funny feeling / I feel depleted / From feelings I’ve been revealing.”
No. 7: Sweat
Another one that could easily make it onto radio, but it seems a bit ... mechanical.
Sample lyrics: “Staying out for ya / Day and night for ya / We been losing track of time / Reaching higher highs / Only one thing on my mind.”
No. 6: River Road
A very mellow tune with a heavy message.
Sample lyrics: “We don’t divide each other / Stand on your own / Be a pillar / Lay on my pillow.”
No. 5: Tightrope
We’ve all been on the tightrope, trying to please others. Malik puts it out there in this jam.
Sample lyrics: “Why’s it gotta feel like I’m walking a tightrope / Why you wanna see how far I fall / ‘Cause I’m already up here and I got my eyes closed / And I ain’t ever fell from a love this tall.”
No. 4: Windowsill
The track’s name seems innocent, but ... yeah ... no. Remember those adult themes we mentioned?
Sample lyrics: “Are you done yet / ’Cause I’m ready / Are you waiting for the right time? / Call me back”.
No. 3: Unf---witable
Whoops, one of those f-bombs we mentioned. Malik’s message of seeing through who’s real and who’s fake is extremely relatable, though. Especially during Covid-19, we’ve found out who our real friends are.
Sample lyrics: “So tired of fake friends and fake love, you know/I found a way higher/ Me is all I need to be inspired.”
No. 2: Connections
This one has a bit of a way-back vibe. Clean and simple.
Sample lyrics: “Funny when you come to mind / That’s when you hit me up / And that’s when we feel a little closer / Just when I started thinking.”
No. 1: Outside
This is easily the most radio-ready track. It screams Top 40.
Sample lyrics: “Two wrongs make no right / When it’s left at least we tried / I’ll be back tonight / I’ll let you decide.”