What I Am – ZAYN
★★★★☆
After three years since his third studio album Nobody Is Listening, R&B artist ZAYN teases a new album with his recent single release. ZAYN mostly disappeared from the public eye after the release of his last album, and many questioned whether he would return to the world of music. His lack of social media use, interviews, or any public appearances pointed toward a desire to be out of the public eye—understandable for someone under the microscope of fame for so long. Yet, ZAYN released a new single, “What I am,” and he has been the center of mass promotional movements since the release. With his fourth album Room Under The Stairs, releasing May 17, 2024, ZAYN has catapulted back into the music world.
“What I Am” is a deeply personal look into the eyes of a relationship. ZAYN explores what it means to be part of a couple and how to exist as an individual. Lyrics such as “Take me as I am / I’m tired of dancin’ around the point” speak to the grief accompanied by belonging to someone else so deeply. How do you draw the line between being the best partner for someone else and keeping your individuality? This push and pull lies at the root of the track. ZAYN asks a love to take him “for what [he] is” because he’s not changing anymore; his feet are “staying in the sand.”
The track is an important reminder to stay grounded in yourself while in a relationship. Sonically, the song is a representation of the ideas discussed in the lyrics. While ZAYN sings about standing his ground to a partner, his voice grounds us within the song. Falling back to the sound he found in his sophomore album Icarus Falls, ZAYN croons over a soft instrumental track. Quiet snares and kicks accompany a soft electric guitar. His honey-like voice flows gently over the track. Harmonies layer behind the lead vocal to bring an atmospheric quality reminiscent of ZAYN’s previous works. Even with such raw lyrics, the song feels warm.
“What I Am” is a great reintroduction to the sonic and thematic qualities inherent to ZAYN’s previous projects. His identifiable vocals seep into the bones of the listener, and his lyrics stab the core of anyone who listens. He’s honest and realistic, but the track sounds like pure comfort. If the rest of the upcoming album sounds anything like this, it’s sure to be a hit. ZAYN, once again, excels in his musical niche.
Pre-save ZAYN’s upcoming album, Room Under The Stairs, here.