Editor’s note: An in-depth review of Zayn’s album is featured in issue 12 of North Pointe.

Former member of One Direction, Zayn Malik,  has came out with a solo album, Mind of Mine, which is a taste of pop, soul, hip hop, and electronic music.

Mind of mine includes songs “It’s you,” “Like I would,” “wrong” featuring “The Way” artist Kehlani, and hit single, “Pillow Talk.” Unlike his previous music with One Direction, Malik’s music is considered to be R&B (Rhythm and Blues) and more grown up. According to Rolling Stones, Zayn Malik is the first U.K. male solo artist to place in the top 200 on the billboards and can actually sing, unlike most artists his age.

Since he was a contestant on the X-Factor, Malik has always planned to become a solo artist, and apparently never planned on being in the boyband. “I think I always kind of wanted to go. I never really wanted to be there in the band.” Malik said in an interview with Zane Lowe.

“Mind of mine” is groovy and impressive. As a listener, you feel all the emotions as you would from listening to your favorite song. This album doesn’t just have a pop or R&B feel to it. It has pop, R&B, electronic all rolled into one. It makes you move and it makes you think about that special person in your life. Malik is trying to prove to the public that he’s no longer in a boy band and that he’s on his own now.