Zayn Malik released his first album, Mind of Mine on March 25, 2016, since leaving One Direction. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, which made him the first British male to reach this point with their first album since 1988.

Students at Seminole had a similar positive reaction to Malik’s new album.

Anonymous says, “When I listened to Zayn’s album for the first time, I felt like a gateway to the heavens was opening up and I could hear angels singing.When I first listened to Zayn’s album, I was blown away by the amazing vocals and talent I was hearing, his sound is so unique and different, unlike the usual music that’s played on the radio. Very rarely do I genuinely like every song on an album, but I do for this one.”

Mind of Mine was preceded by his first solo song, Pillowtalk, which also debuted number one on Billboard’s Hot 100. Pillowtalk is one of 25 songs ever to debut at number one.

Junior Umaima Haseeb says, “I am so proud of how far Zayn’s gotten and sure that he will go much farther. When he first left [One Direction] I was heartbroken, but his debut album has showed fans Zayn’s potential. I love his song [Intermission: fLoWer], because it is in Urdu.”

Fans were ecstatic about Intermission: fLoWer. This song received immense positive feedback from his fans because it is sung completely in Urdu, something Zayn has not done before.

Sophomore Adishi Ranjan says, “One of the most unique things about his album is that he has a song in Urdu. You don’t see people these days embracing their true identity and culture because in order to appeal to a wider audience [a western style is preferred]. However, Zayn was able to appeal to both [Middle Easterners] and [Caucasians] with this song.”

Zayn’s success continued to bloom when his album topped One Direction’s Made in the A.M on the Billboard 200. As Zayn continues to grow as a solo artist, fans anticipate and continue to support him.

Ranjan says, “ His debut album is very important because it marks a turning point in his life. Directioners and non-directioners get to realize he is grown up because his style is a more mature style of music.”