Pillow Talk

   When is Zayn not completely killing it? His latest single and music video, "Pillow Talk", was an inevitable, dramatic, outcome of his solo career and it's beautiful in every possible aspect. First thing I noticed how unlike One Direction, Zayn isn't playing to his old career and really building something up for himself. He creates a synth-pop aura and large lead up to an extremely powerful and building chorus line. He plays with his vocal range immensely during the song, going fairly high up on the refrain yet keeping a vaguely husky tone throughout the verses.

   "Pillow Talk" illustrates an intense relationship with both highs ("paradise") and lows ("war zone"), both people are extremely different ("light and dark") but have incredible passion. The song is very much obviously about sex but less of the physical aspect and more on an emotional and mental level. They both are figuring feelings and dynamic out and find out more about each other through intimacy. There's discomfort at certain points but both parties trust each other and share power. I found it extremely impressive how eloquently Zayn went through this. 

   The music video is just as gorgeous with constant visual stimulation. Though some of it was kind of ridiculous (I'm looking at you, weird triangle effect), the artwork of it was incredible. The backdrops and shots told the story perfectly and didn't take away from the ultimate purpose of the song. 

   I'm amazed at how well Zayn has fit into the solo job and am unsurprised at the same time, we all knew Zayn could hold himself up without any doubt. His vocals are not only strong but the entire imagery is breathtaking. 

(I promise my next post won't be One Direction related)