FANS have gushed over Zayn Malik in a new interview as many claim he has transformed into a happier and healthier man.
The singer is preparing for the release of his new album, Room Under The Stairs, which is set to debut on May 17.
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According to Zayn, 31, the record reflects some of his biggest career regrets as well as his relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid, 29.
In a new interview with podcaster Zach Sang, the songwriter dished on the influences on the studio album and where he sourced his inspiration.
FAN COMMENTS
Fans were thrilled with the chat, many noting how much “happier and healthy looking” the X Factor alum appeared.
“To see him open up like this when he’s more of a reserved and quiet / private type of person is really special. feels like we’re finally getting to know the real him after all these years,” one gushed on YouTube.
“No one should interview Zayn other than Zack, I have NEVER seen him this talkative in a comfortable way,” a second agreed.
“I like the person Zayn has become. He has boundaries, he’s personable, he is vulnerable, he is funny, creative and very much his own man. This was enjoyable to watch and soak up,” a third complimented.
“The depth of this album is going to be incredible. He’s grown so much and he’s coming from a much happier place,” a fourth explained.
“I love how philosophical this interview got. Zayn seems to be in a very good place now. No more angsty teenager for sure,” a fifth noted.
“Proud of you Zayn!” another agreed, while a final penned, “Zayn is definitely in a new era, we love to see it.”
HONEST REFLECTION
During his chat with Zach, Zayn confessed that his breakup with Gigi, though he didn’t mention her name specifically, took central focus in multiple tracks.
“The first song that I wrote on the record was Alienated, and it was towards the end of my relationship. Like when me and my ex were breaking up,” he shared.
“So there’s the heavy narrative of the kinds of things I was going through mentally in that situation and what I was thinking and how I was feeling.”
The young dad also addressed his emotional state after the breakup in the single How It Feels.
“I think in that song specifically I’m talking about not being able to explain to the person that you’re in love with why it is that you necessarily can’t be the best version of the partner you want to be.
“And that’s a really sad thing,” he added, noting that he “wasn’t at that place” where he could’ve been that individual.
Zayn explained that he has “moved on” from their romance and even found closure, claiming that he has “no thoughts” about a reconciliation.
“I don’t know if I’ve actually truly been in love at this point,” he admitted.
ONE DIRECTION DIFFICULTIES
The pop star also spoke about his regrets regarding his time with the boy band One Direction, which lasted from 2010 until 2015.
He confessed that the “lack of individuality” within the group led to his frustration and eventual exit.
“I was in a five-part band where it was, you know, constant like opinions over opinions.
“This is what you want to do, and this is what we want to do. So it was hard to really show that individuality and show who you were.
“Not due to anybody’s fault, just circumstantial. That’s the way it was,” he recalled.
I don’t know if I’ve actually truly been in love at this point.
Zayn Malik
ZAYN’S REGRETS
But looking back, Zayn admitted that he wishes he didn’t take his time with One Direction “so seriously.”
“The one thing I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough.
“I feel like I just took things too seriously. I’m grateful that I’m able to be happier now,” the songwriter explained.
“I can actually enjoy things and own my own perspective a bit. You know, like glass half full versus it being half empty.
“That’s my choice. I get to decide what that is.”
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