List: Celebrate the release of Mind of Mine with the Top 10 Zayn solos (5-1)
5. No Control (2:07-2:20)
Another perfect Zayn bridge. In one of 1D’s more mature songs, Zayn brings sexiness, building the tension before he breaks into a solid note at the end. It also contains one of my favorite One Direction lyrics “her perfume’s holding me ransom”. It’s the Pillowtalk before Pillowtalk.
4. Night Changes (0:08-0:20)
Night Changes is famous for being Zayn’s final single and music video with the group and it’s a good one. Opening the song, Zayn offers a delicate, suave vocal, leading the listener into one of 1D’s most underrated and charming ballads. The repeated verse and slight lyric change at 2:40 gives the song more depth and vulnerability.
3. Right Now (2:16-2:31 and chorus)
I was never a big fan of this song when it came out but after listening to it again, I have come to really appreciate it. Zayn beautifully leads the chorus and his smooth upper register mixed with the background vocals of the other members is enough to give you chills.
2. Don’t Forget Where You Belong (2:13-2:26)
This might be kind of cheating because it is more of a duet with Louis than a solo but it is an emotional part of the song that Niall wrote about days on the road and remembering home. After Zayn’s split, his part is a reminder of his days in the band and that he will always be a part of the One Direction family. I saw this performed live at the On the Road Again Tour with Louis singing the whole solo and I almost burst into tears. The ad-libbing at the end makes it one of Zayn’s stand out moments.
Ok so this also might be kind of cheating since the iconic high note at 2:58 isn’t really a solo but it’s too good not to include it as Zayn’s best moment in the band. When I first heard it I was in shock, I immediately went onto twitter to fangirl over it. It is the type of moment in a song that you wait for. It made my skin clear and my grades go up, it’s that good you guys.
Honourable mentions: Change My Mind, They Don’t Know About Us, Best Song Ever, Strong, Half a Heart, Up All Night, 18.
Hope you enjoyed the list. Follow for more pop music fun! What are your favourite Zayn solos?