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Zayn: Room Under the Stairs review – Nashville-produced minimalism suits him

The former One Direction singer continues to intrigue with an introspective, acoustic-leaning set with more highs than lows

Eschewing his pop R&B sound, it focuses on rustic acoustic guitars, tinkling keys and the patter of live drums, assisted by Nashville producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile). On keening first single What I Am, his rich, elegantly frayed vocal coats a soft-rock lilt and nagging melody, while How It Feels is an emotionally raw lament. While there are some lyrical clunkers (Concrete Kisses features a line about a “a big old cup of shit”), and the mood can feel one-note, it’s a record that further cements Malik as an intriguing outlier.

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