There's a going narrative that Zayn is pulling his Bieber-esque move into adulthood, and this single will cement it. (Spoiler: He used "****ing" in the chorus — as a verb!) It's an important move for teen-poppers trying to make a break for it — has any boy bander scored this big with their first solo dance? Justin Timberlake and at least two of the New Kids hovered around Number 10 for their debuts. Ricky Martin stumbled for years, Robbie Williams took a while to break in the States and multiple Jonas Brothers are still trying to figure things out.
But, oddly, "Pillowtalk" may be more important for R&B's future. Zayn's single proves that the watery sound of alternative-leaning R&B has way more legs than the cult of personality built around the Weekend. This is the new Americana.
By being a highly successful boy-brand who's swagger-jacking this sound, he leap-frogs over artists like Miguel and Frank Ocean — neither of which have even had a single hit the Top 20. In fact, it seems that the biggest song in the country is barely even making a dent on R&B and hip-hop radio. Malik's victory proves that this woozy, muddy, heartbroken, insular sound can handle a pop interloper. Once-alternative "alternative R&B" is strong enough to survive its own Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch moment. If Ocean drops that LP, it's going to be bigger now than it would have been in 2013. Get ready for a year of ooze and aahs.
it's so dumb when people take completely mediocre or even bad songs and call them "THE FUTURE OF ___". but at least it's fun to watch when their prediction doesn't come true at all.
also, am i the only one who thinks zayn's "transition to adulthood" isn't natural at all? like, he suddenly goes from one direction sugar pop to songs about ****ing. i think it's a pretty cheap tactic to make his music seem edgy and special when it's really not.
Umm... have a seat.
This is the same sound Usher brought w/ Climax 4 years ago & Miguel has BEEN doing this kind of music. I love Zayn but this won't stand.
Like stated before, the song is almost entirely pop. The verses of the instrumental are heavily R&B-inspired but that's all.
Talent really does win.
