SINGLE REVIEW: What I Am by ZAYN
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WRITTEN BY: Brenna Torrence
ZAYN is fulfilling fans’ wishes of returning to music with the introspective and vulnerable track ‘What I Am,’ the first release from his upcoming and long-awaited fourth album titled ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS. The lyrics stem from the doubt and consideration of a relationship. Is this person seeing me for who I am and loving me in return, or is this love one-sided? Is it worth the heartache to love this person? “If I told you I loved you, would you say that it’s fucked up?” ZAYN seems to note on the tone of the track when speaking about the album as a whole, stating that his goal with the tracks on the new album is for listeners to gain a sense of who he is and to feel connected to the tracks. These lyrics certainly represent the openness of his emotions more-so compared to older releases.
The mellow electric guitar throughout the track seem to emphasize the raw emotion and feeling of the song, almost as if setting the vibe of somberness from realizing a love may not be healthy or good for the person. ZAYN’s vocals scratch the brain just the right way, slightly-raspy and soulful, layered between intricate vocal runs. The faint strings effect in the background of the chorus almost make the listener feel as though they are the ones experiencing these emotions as if it was a scene out of a movie. This song is heartbreakingly beautiful and reminiscent of the painful parts of love, particularly in the lyrics “Livin’ in the moment feels good to me till it hurts, and I need somebody.”
If this introductory track is a glimpse into the tone of ZAYN’s new era in music, I couldn’t be more excited for what is to come. His music through the years has become increasingly more personal, allowing listeners to make connections to their own lives and experiences lived through. As a long-term One Direction fan, I remember ZAYN often being labeled the more shy or quiet persona in the band. To see his lyrics be more open and know that he is making music for the listeners to gain introspect into who he is as a human being is like a breath of fresh air. ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS is available to fans worldwide on May 17th.
