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It’s here, the first solo album from former One Direction member Zayn (no last name). Here is my first reaction, told in gifs. A formal review will be up tomorrow.

1. Mind of Mine (Intro)

2. Pillowtalk 

3. It’s You 

4. Befour 

5. She 

6. Drunk 

7. Intermission: Flower 

8. Rear View 

9. Wrong (feat.Kehlani)

10. Fool For You 

11. Borderz

12. Truth 

13. Lucozade 

14. Tio 

15. Blue

16. Bright 

17. Like I Would 

18. She Don’t Love Me 

5. No Control (2:07-2:20)

Another perfect Zayn bridge. In one of 1D’s more mature songs, Zayn brings sexiness, building the tension before he breaks into a solid note at the end. It also contains one of my favorite One Direction lyrics “her perfume’s holding me ransom”. It’s the Pillowtalk before Pillowtalk. 

4. Night Changes (0:08-0:20)

Night Changes is famous for being Zayn’s final single and music video with the group and it’s a good one. Opening the song, Zayn offers a delicate, suave vocal, leading the listener into one of 1D’s most underrated and charming ballads. The repeated verse and slight lyric change at 2:40 gives the song more depth and vulnerability. 

3. Right Now (2:16-2:31 and chorus)

I was never a big fan of this song when it came out but after listening to it again, I have come to really appreciate it. Zayn beautifully leads the chorus and his smooth upper register mixed with the background vocals of the other members is enough to give you chills. 

2. Don’t Forget Where You Belong (2:13-2:26)

This might be kind of cheating because it is more of a duet with Louis than a solo but it is an emotional part of the song that Niall wrote about days on the road and remembering home. After Zayn’s split, his part is a reminder of his days in the band and that he will always be a part of the One Direction family. I saw this performed live at the On the Road Again Tour with Louis singing the whole solo and I almost burst into tears. The ad-libbing at the end makes it one of Zayn’s stand out moments.

1. You & I (2:58-3:03)

Ok so this also might be kind of cheating since the iconic high note at 2:58 isn’t really a solo but it’s too good not to include it as Zayn’s best moment in the band. When I first heard it I was in shock, I immediately went onto twitter to fangirl over it. It is the type of moment in a song that you wait for. It made my skin clear and my grades go up, it’s that good you guys. 

Honourable mentions: Change My Mind, They Don’t Know About Us, Best Song Ever, Strong, Half a Heart, Up All Night, 18. 

10. What Makes You Beautiful (1:13-1:27)

This is where most of the world was introduced to the beauty that is Zayn Malik (unless you watched them on x-factor of course). The solo that started it all. This is iconic because this song is iconic. What makes it so low is that there really isn’t anything vocally thrilling about Zayn’s performance but it’s adorable and worth mentioning. 

9. Little Things (0:17-0:33)

Zayn starts off this Ed Sheeran-penned ballad and really sets the mood for the song. Here Zayn gives one of his sweetest vocal performances, tugging at the heartstrings of many of his adoring fans. 

8. Tell Me a Lie (the whole song really)

I usually refer to this one as Zayn feat. Liam and Harry because he sings 90% of the song but who’s complaining. The high note at 2:26 really establishes Zayn as the vocal powerhouse of the group. 

7. More Than This (2:22-2:47)

I’ve always loved this song and all of the boys really showcase their vocal talents but it is Zayn’s solo that really makes the song memorable. It’s very cheesy boyband but who doesn’t love a little cheesy boyband? 

6. Story Of My Life (2:58-3:13)

MADE IN THE A.M. - pt. 3 (insp.)

MADE IN THE A.M. - pt. 2 (insp.)