ZAYN, Better | Track Review 🎵

Former One Direction heartthrob ZAYN delivers a pleasant return with his single, “Better,” which centers on love & reconciliation.  

It’s no secret that Icarus Falls, the 2018 sophomore album by ZAYN performed poorly on the charts.  Despite releasing numerous singles in advance, there always seemed to be something off about the album, particularly compared to his successful debut, Mind of Mine.  Ultimately, Icarus Falls was actually better than expected, but it flopped HARD.  It’s hard to tell how the former 1D heartthrob rebounds, but he gets off to an okay start with “Better.”

“Better” is a respectable record overall. It clocks in under three minutes, which is just about right.  Furthermore, there are some great aspects about the production, courtesy of Philip von Boch Scully.  There’s a lovely intro with jazzy, soulful guitar.  Furthermore, “Better” presents a fine harmonic progression, which helps to give record character.  The soulful pop vibe is also a great look for ZAYN, who definitely has the pipes to excel in that lane.  The biggest rub, from a sound perspective is that “Better” could use a smidge more variation, as it ends up sort of ‘samey.’

The form is straightforward and predictable, comprised of a verse, pre-chorus, and chorus format – nothing wrong with that. The theme is centered on love and reconciliation; ZAYN handles this marvelously, delivering lovely vocals that are more restrained initially before ascending into his more powerful, ‘money’ register.  The chorus is a selling point for sure:

“Why? Why wait to fight?
Give it a try
Or I'll say goodbye while it's right
Can we save tears in your eyes?
I'm watching you cry
Why wait to hate, can we save love?”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Better” is a respectable comeback for ZAYN.  No, the pendulum doesn’t necessarily swing as this isn’t a game changer, but, it’s pleasant and completely inoffensive.  No. 1 hit? No, but, hopefully, things improve after the disappointment he experience with Icarus Falls.

ZAYN • “Better” • RCA • Release: 9.25.20

Photo Credit: RCA