Throughout the pandemic, new music has come from many artists, including Yungblud, who released an album in December of last year titled “weird!” and Olivia Rodrigo with her hit single “driver’s license” this year. Someone I wasn’t expecting music from was Zayn Malik.

Malik, who was a member of One Direction before leaving on March 25, 2015, isn’t very active on social media, nor has he been in the spotlight as much as the other members. Malik released two albums, “Mind of Mine” in 2016 and “Icarus Falls” in 2018. Since then, he hasn’t made much music, except for a few singles such as “Flames” in 2019.

Recently, Malik has made appearances in the media, including being a new father. Not only that, he released a new song called “Vibez” along with a music video. Shortly after the release, he made the announcement that he was releasing a new album called “Nobody is Listening.” 

I have been a fan of Malik since his One Direction days and have been following him for a very long time. When I saw the announcement, I was ecstatic and pre-saved the album. As soon as the album came out on Jan. 15, I was quick to listen to the entire thing.The first song on the album is called “Calamity” and it’s so different from his other music. It’s more like a speech, and it’s captivating. To give an idea, think of “To This Day” by Shane Koyczan, and how that sounds. With the background music, plus his flow and his voice, it’s perfect to just sit and listen to, but also to study with. 

Some people have said that he hasn’t changed, and it sounds the same. I have to disagree heavily. This doesn’t sound like either of the two previous albums. It does have resemblance, but it’s his sound. That’s what makes an artist, is their sound. It’s how you can identify them, with whatever signature they have. However, it doesn’t sound like those other songs, and it gives a different feeling. 

This was much needed for this year, considering how hard it has been. I believe this is his best album yet, and that says something considering that I absolutely loved “Icarus Falls.”