ZAYN, What I Am | Song Review 🎵

ZAYN serves up a change of pace on “What I Am,” the gorgeous, reflective promo single from his fourth studio LP, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS.

Sometimes, a departure is just what the doctor ordered. For the handsome and talented ZAYN, he takes a departure on “What I Am”, the promo single from his fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS.  He penned this ‘alternative’ single – a blend of pop, country/folk, and R&B – himself.  He produced it alongside an unlikely producer, given his previous releases, in Dave Cobb. While it’s a different sound and vibe for the former 1D standout, the results are stunning.

“What I Am” commences with a super brief intro before ZAYN jumps in. As always, his tone is beautiful. Furthermore, I like the rawness he exhibits at times, particularly in the second verse.  Ultimately, he sounds nuanced and soulful.  Initially, he’s accompanied by guitar, which is the perfect backdrop for his reflective brand of songwriting. In the first verse, he sings, “I’ve had enough of running ‘round this board game / You can know your own name, I won’t give it up.” In the second, he adds, “I’ve been readin’ old shit, and I can’t make sense of it / Ain’t no conspiracy that can save me.” Word.  The pre-chorus is gorgeous, with the initial pre-chorus ‘upping the ante’ instrumentally.  Fuller instrumentation and vocal layers arrives in the section to beat, the chorus:

“If I told you I loved you

Would you say that it’s fucked up?

If I told you they’re flyin’

Would you say that you looked up?

Don’t take me for what I’m sayin’

Just take me for what I am

‘Cause this is where I’m stayin’

My two feet are in the sand.”

Ah, gotta love it when ZAYN slips in an f-bomb! He brings welcome contrast during the bridge, specifically with the harmonic progression.  All told,  “What I Am” is a gorgeous song and welcome change of pace for the talented artist.

ZAYN // ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS // Drop Zed Music, LLC / Mercury / Republic // 3.15.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Drop Zed Music, LLC / Mercury / Republic; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]