zayn

1/12/2017 by Taylor Weatherby

Zayn Malik performs at 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango 2016 at StubHub Center on May 14, 2016 in Carson, Calif.

Zayn Malik established himself as a powerhouse singer during his One Direction days, and he has continued to show off his chops in his solo days with Mind of Mine and beyond.

So in celebration of the Bradford, England, native’s 24th birthday Thursday (Jan. 12), we wanted to honor some of his most standout vocal moments, whether it was on a 1D track, his own or someone else’s.

NOTE: Clicking on the pictures would take you to Spotify to play the tracks

“Pillowtalk”

Malik’s voice sounds passionate no matter what song he’s singing. But when he’s singing sexually charged lyrics like those of his debut solo single, he reaches a whole new level of vocal vigor.

“It’s You”

While the entire track is hauntingly beautiful, the lead-up to the chorus is definitely the most awe-inspiring – especially when he sings it live.

“BeFour”

Although most hard-core Directioners aren’t super appreciative of this One Direction-shading tune, it’s hard to deny that Malik sounds great singing it – particularly the part where Malik softly belts “flashing lights” around 2:15. Swoon.

“IUcOzAdE”

If this song doesn’t really do it for you, pay close attention to how he sings the line, “I’m tryna f—ing scream, but the words won’t come out.”

“Like I Would”

This track is a bit of a catchier, radio-friendly way for Malik to show off his vocals, but his performance on The Voice (specifically when he belts out “He don’t know your body”) really showcased them.

“Fool for You”

One of the only truly balladic songs on Mind of Mine, “Fool for You” reminds fans that he doesn’t need background beats to help display his talent. And the build from the crooning beginning to the powerful chorus? Flawless.

“No Control”

A song that gives Louis Tomlinson more of a spotlight than many other One Direction tunes, Malik still steals the spotlight with a big moment about three-fourths of the way through.

“Ready to Run”

There seems to be a spot that was manufactured specifically for Malik while he was still in 1D, as he was also given a similar slot in this Four track where he blows us away with his vocal power.

“They Don’t Know About Us”

Malik’s impressive moment was still very prevalent on pre-Four albums like Take Me Home. Scroll through to 2:07 and hear him belt over his bandmates as the song finishes.

“Best Song Ever”

Yes, Harry Styles has a pretty killer vocal spot in this Midnight Memories tune, but he’s quickly shown up by Malik’s extreme high note (which James Corden emulated on 1D’s “Carpool Karaoke” – and impressively so – to fill Malik’s void).

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” (Taylor Swift collaboration for Fifty Shades Darker)

Teaming up with Taylor Swift can be tricky, considering she’s pop music’s sweetheart. But while her whispery vocals sound great, Swift takes a backseat to Malik’s dreamy falsetto.

“Back to Sleep REMIX” (Chris Brown/Usher collaboration)

Perhaps the most sexual song in Malik’s repertoire thus far, his use of smooth runs combined with some signature belts makes this feature one of his most striking post-1D vocal moments.

“Cruel" (Snakehips feature)

After the electronic track fades its bouncy beats, the Snakehips song’s finale strips away the beat and allows Malik’s velvety baritone to really shine.

Friday, January 13, 2017 11:44am by Newsdesk

Beyoncé, Zayn Malik and The 1975 nominated for NME Awards

The nominees for this year’s NME Awards have been announced and Beyoncé is up for a total of five prizes.

The ‘Halo’ sensation has been recognised in the Best International Female, Best Album, Best Video, Music Moment Of The Year and Hero Of The Year. The Best British Band category has a great group of nominees including Wolf Alice, The 1975, Bastille, Years & Years, Biffy Clyro and The Last Shadow Puppets.

Tame Impala, Green Day, Kings Of Leon, Metallica, A Tribe Called Quest and Tegan And Sara are all going head-to-head for the Best International Band. Skepta, Zayn Malik, Kano, Jamie T, Michael Kiwanuka and Richard Ashcroft are all up for the Best British Male prize.

Friends forever.

De Elizabeth JAN 12, 2017 1:43PM EST

In case you missed it, there was a mini One Direction reunion on Twitter today. Well, sort of.

Liam Payne took to social media to shout out former band member Zayn Malik on his birthday. Zayn’s big day clearly brings out all the love from celebrities, from his girlfriend Gigi Hadid, to the guys that used to share the stage with him.

On Twitter, Liam wrote, “Happy birthday bro! Hope all is well and you have a good day celebrating it.” Naturally, he added a bunch of emojis as one must do when they post a birthday tribute to one of their besties.

This message is just another extension of Liam and Zayn’s friendship. Remember, after Zayn left One Direction, Liam was right there for him with support and he was also quick to explainthat there were no hard feelings between the now-solo singer and the rest of the group. Additionally, Liam has made it clear that Zayn is totally irreplaceable – as it should be.

While an ~official~ One Direction reunion still hasn’t taken place, these little exchanges of Liam and Zayn’s bromance are certainly a silver lining.