KONNAKOL by ZAYN Album Review

Not enough people are talking about Zayn Malik's new album. It was released last week, and has been going triple platinum in my brain ever since. His vocal range is phenomenal, and the way he incorporates South Asian influences throughout the work makes it super unique and addicting.

The title of his fifth studio album, Konnakol (ko-nna-kole), is the South Indian vocal art of percussion through rhythmic patterns. He blends this style with his own R&B Pop sound seamlessly, which makes each of the fifteen tracks a meaningful and inspiring masterpiece.

Photo: KONNAKOL album cover

The first track, Nusrat, is a tribute to the most iconic Pakistani Qawwali artist of all time, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I listened to a lot of old Pakistani music growing up, so Zayn's take on this timeless art is really fun to listen to. The song itself reminds me of the end of summer and 2016, making it super nostalgic while also being entirely new. This really sets the tone for the rest of the album, which plays on the line between Zayn's personal style and iconic South Asian rhythms.

I really love Zayn's transition to more vulnerable, intentional lyrics. While his previous albums, like Mind of Mine, are amazing in their own way, I think the emotion poured into KONNAKOL really sets it apart. The third track, Used to the Blues, delves into the transition to adulthood and shifting away from bad habits. The production and soft rock style make it very distinctive and I'm obsessed with the vocals towards the end.

Sideways illustrates Zayn's usual, Pop sound and lyricism, and is reminiscent of his past hits like PILLOWTALK and TiO. I know this track and Die For Me will be super popular online during the summer. Similarly, the eighth track Met Tonight immediately stood out as my favorite in the album. The groovy vibes and catchy chorus brighten up the album and I made my mom listen to it the day it came out.

Fatal showcases Zayn's insane vocal range and Pakistani culture, and I really loved the Urdu verses towards the end. I think it's super cool to see South Asian influences blended into mainstream sounds, and Zayn does it in a super impactful way.

Rather than a cathartic ending, the album ends in melancholy with tracks like Loving The Way I Do and Breathe, which explore love and self reflection. I love the falsettos and his lower register, which ends the album on a thoughtful and sweet note. The last song, Die For Me, was initially released as a single and brings all his different styles and messages together. I think it's super cinematic and the perfect way to tie off such a beautiful album!

Photo: Zayn Malik KONNAKOL Tour Poster

I'm seeing Zayn in concert this summer, and I'm super excited to see these songs live. I highly recommend this album, no matter your music taste, because I think it's so unique in how it ties South Asian music history with modern Pop and R&B styles!

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