Best Zayn Songs to Hype You Up for Room Under the Stairs

As the release of *Room Under The Stairs* approaches later in 2024, it’s the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with Zayn Malik after his three-year hiatus from the music industry. Whether you remember him as One Direction’s heartthrob or as a solo artist carving his own path, Zayn has consistently captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. His distinctive voice, compelling stage presence, and ability to blend various musical influences have made him one of the most intriguing artists of his generation. Even during his hiatus, his influence remained strong, and now, with a new album on the horizon, it’s clear that 2024 is Zayn’s year.

Since the release of his last album in 2021, Zayn has spent his time writing and recording music while also co-parenting his daughter with former partner Gigi Hadid. Now, with a new single and an album set for release in May, anticipation is at an all-time high. To prepare for this next chapter in his career, let’s take a look back at some of the standout tracks that have defined his solo journey, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his ability to craft deeply personal, emotionally charged music.

One of his most iconic songs, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” a collaboration with Taylor Swift, was a major success. Featured on the *Fifty Shades Darker* soundtrack, the song debuted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a record-breaking hit. Co-written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, the track perfectly encapsulates the emotional intensity of the film while highlighting Zayn’s sultry vocals.

His debut solo single, “Pillowtalk,” was another career-defining moment. The track made history as it debuted at number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, making Zayn the first British artist to achieve such a feat with a debut single. The song’s sensual tone and visually striking music video, featuring Gigi Hadid, cemented his image as an artist willing to push boundaries and explore themes beyond the boyband love songs of his past.

His latest single, “What I Am,” is a glimpse into the introspective and stripped-down nature of *Room Under The Stairs*. In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, Zayn described his vision for the new album, saying he wanted each song to feel like an intimate conversation. The raw, vulnerable lyrics in “What I Am” reflect this sentiment, showing a new level of artistic growth.

Another fan-favorite, “Let Me,” is a heartfelt love song that was reportedly written about Hadid. Even after their split, the emotions behind the track remained too significant to be discarded, making it a lasting testament to the depth of their relationship. Speaking to *Billboard* in 2018, Zayn revealed that he had envisioned a lifetime with the person he wrote the song about, emphasizing the sincerity behind his lyrics.

Following “Let Me,” “Entertainer” serves as a sequel of sorts, but with a bitter twist. The song paints the picture of a lover moving on, with Zayn’s sharp lyrics and melancholic tone reflecting a sense of betrayal and loss. Fans speculated that the track was another allusion to his relationship with Hadid, with the music video’s lead actress resembling the model.

His collaboration with Sia, “Dusk Till Dawn,” showcased his vocal prowess in a cinematic, emotionally charged ballad. Released as a standalone single, the track featured soaring vocals and a dramatic storyline, making it one of his most memorable releases.

“Like I Would” saw Zayn experimenting with an upbeat, R&B-infused sound, proving his versatility as an artist. Meanwhile, “Better,” released before his *Nobody Is Listening* album, told the story of a fading relationship and the lingering hope of reconciliation. Many fans linked the song’s lyrics to his on-again, off-again dynamic with Hadid, adding another layer of depth to the track.

As Zayn prepares to reintroduce himself to the music world with *Room Under The Stairs*, his past hits serve as a reminder of his evolution. From seductive R&B ballads to heart-wrenching love songs, his discography is a testament to his ability to blend vulnerability with artistry. With a new era on the horizon, one thing is certain—Zayn Malik is back, and he’s ready to make an impact once again.