"Sexy R&B music with an Indian vibe" is exactly how ZAYN explains the overall sound of his album KONNAKOL, and the vibes that this album exudes are exactly that. Spanning 15 amazing tracks, each brings its own energy to the album, creating a captivating collage of sonic textures and spectacular vocals. From start to finish, the album is a love letter to his South Asian descent, ZAYN ties in the cultural sensibilities that echo through each moment.
The album opens with 'Nusrat', a beautiful blend of layered sonic arrangements creating a rich depth that makes it almost immersive as its calm R&B sensibilities shine through. The title of the song, being an homage to the legendary Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ties into the album's aim to infuse South Asian influences. As he stays inspired by the musical visionary, it blends spectacular vocal runs into the modern rap inspired structure of the verses.
The laid-back melody of the first track carries into 'Betting Folk', which opens with dense acoustic guitar chords backed up with the distant echo of vocal runs before the thumping drums push in. It feels almost dreamlike as it infuses airy synths with layered vocals to create a full choir inspired touch. The lyrics say, "Tell me once, fool me twice, broke my heart, didn't try to fight and you weren't thеre when I needed light, what is wrong, what is right, no advicе, set the vibe, dim the light and play house again". Each word feels like an out of body experience that comes with feeling disjointed after being separated from the person that you love, hoping that you can relive the paradise that the relationship was.
The mood shifts into something darker and edgier with 'Used to the Blues' as his voice takes on a lower octave, singing "the cigerrette don't hit me like it used to". It carries a heavier tone, feeling like being engulfed by isolation, only being saved by the one person who shines like light in the abyss. The song incorporates subtle rock influences in the second verse, emphasising the intensity and the sonically diverse capabilities that the record has.
The two pre-release singles also claim their spots on the track list, with 'Sideways' and 'Die For Me' acting as a familiar interlude between the fresh new material.
'Sideways' brings its classic R&B touch to the mix, while 'Die For Me' feels like an emotional and crashing meltdown of disastrous proportions.
The fifth track, fittingly named '5th Element', infuses techno inspired bass that lays the foundation, as it beautifully juxtaposes the subtle plucking of strings while layering additional beats influenced by the sound of a "Tabla", a South Asian percussion instrument that draws listeners in with its unique tone. '5th Element' takes you into a brand new dimension with its weightless and hazy sensibilities.
Finding solace in the chaos is what 'Prayers' is all about, with the choppy layering of intense drum beats and distant echoey vocals. It comes across as a raw expression of love, being completely unapologetic about your feelings and resigning to that special person entirely. The lyrics say, "Yeah, babe, you shouldn’t come undone now, put your head in my hands, I know I want this, said this in my prayers", capturing the overwhelming devotion that can take over when those fleeting glances and quiet moments take over.
'Met Tonight' blends sensual Latin inspired beats, bringing in another sonic element that expands the album's versatility. It depicts the intimate connection between two people who truly make each other feel safe as their hearts race. Stemming from the overpowering urge to truly dive in with no inhibitions, completely resigning to the love that is palpable between the two.
With another slowed-down techno inspired beat, 'Fatal' feels like a muffled declaration of a hard time, coming up from under the surface to ask for help. He goes bilingual for this track, infusing Urdu lyrics into the song, repeating the phrase, "We will forget all the memories", driving home the idea of the disorientation of constantly feeling helpless and trapped as it can feel suffocating and 'Fatal'.
His poetic lyricism shines brightest on 'Blooming', which feels like a vulnerable reflection of his personal experiences and the choices that led him to become the globally renowned artist that he has bloomed into. The poignant lyrics set the tone of introspection that looms over the track as they say, "Maybe I was my own Achilles, when I didn't find out, running from me, 'cause I'm not scared of my shadow, 'cause the things that I've let go".
Toward the end of the record, we get a moment that feels like a more wholesome older brother to 'LIKE I WOULD' from Mind Of Mine. 'Like I Have You' is a cocky song that borders on the possessive nature that comes with the unbeatable bond that two people have established as it rivals any connection the other person ever had before you. The lyrics echo this sentiment as they say, "They'll never have you like I have you, they'll never know you like I know you, I get perspectives, they only get angles, they can look at you, they'll never have you".
It's safe to say that this album sees ZAYN at his most authentic as he returns to his roots both culturally and musically, embracing his unmistakable R&B prowess. With each track being a fresh musical adventure taking listeners through traditional beats and club inspired bangers, KONNAKOL is a myriad of genre, emotion and storytelling that cements ZAYN's identity as one of the most spectacular musicians of our generation.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-