Eight singles into his highly-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Icarus Falls,’ pop heartthrob ZAYN finds a better, more engaging fit with ballad “Good Years.”

“I’d rather be anywhere / Anywhere but here… / I close my eyes and see a crowd of a thousand tears / I pray to god I didn’t waste all my good years.” It’s always awesome when a musical artist plays to their strengths.  Often, throughout the extended, odd promo campaign for Icarus Falls, the sophomore album by former One Direction standout ZAYN, it felt as if he was underperforming – not playing to his strengths.  One of his earliest singles of the campaign, “Let Me”, was a relatively strong showing, but others such as “Fingers”, “Sour Diesel”, or “No Candle No Light” totally underwhelmed.  Finally, on “Good Years,” the eighth advanced single from the LOP, it sounds as if he’s found a fit. 

“Good Years” commences with ZAYN singing the aforementioned, excerpted chorus with powerful, passionate vocals, accompanied merely by piano.  This is a good, ‘back to the basics’ look for the pop singer, following numerous undercooked, suspect, and off-putting singles (have I already mentioned that?). He goes on to deliver strong vocals on both verses, discussing the effects and downside of fame. He really shines on the second and successive iterations of the chorus, when vocal harmonies come into the picture, intensifying and propelling the emotion and the passion even further. His anti-fame, ‘keep me out of the spotlight’ message resounds, restated once more on the bridge:

“Need a chance just to breathe, feel alive

And when the day meets the night, show me the light

Feel the wind and the fire hold the pain deep inside

It’s in my eyes

In my eyes.”

Final Thoughts

Perhaps “Good Years” still isn’t a surefire home-run for ZAYN, but, it’s much closer to the target by all means. It’s memorable enough, encompassing a relatable target whether you’re a famous hot pop star, or just an average Joe– anxiety.  This definitely saves face for Icarus Falls, at least what the public has heard from Icarus Falls in advance of its release. 

ZAYN • Icarus Falls • RCA • Release: 12.14.18

Photo Credit: RCA