May 8, 2026
By Mariah Allen
Webmaster
Two years after his previous release, “Room Under the Stairs,” English singer and songwriter ZAYN returns with his fifth studio album, “KONNAKOL,” a 15-track pop-R&B project that trades intensity for atmosphere, blending cultural influence with striking vocal precision.
The album draws inspiration from South Asian musical traditions, with its title referencing the rhythmic vocal art of Carnatic music, a system of South Indian classical music that evolved from ancient traditions. It has no collaborations and is co-produced with producer and songwriter Malay, who worked on ZAYN’s 2016 album, “Mind of Mine.”
A standout track is “Met Tonight.” Bouncy, bright and influenced by Afrobeat rhythms, it introduces a sense of movement that many of the earlier songs lack. The production is fuller, driven by a more prominent bassline and rhythmic variation.
ZAYN’s vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, particularly in the bridge, in which he sings, “You give me a new wave, a thing that I should feel / …. / Yeah, I just float in love.”
Though the lyrics are relatively simple, ZAYN’s delivery carries a feeling of weightlessness. The track stands out less for its lyrics and more for its energy.
“KONNAKOL” does not rely on constant variation, but it effectively sustains a cohesive, mood-driven experience.
A darker, more experimental song, “Take Turns,” embraces an almost theatrical energy, setting it apart from the album’s more conventional R&B moments. It has a heavier, moodier production that creates tension, especially as the low synths and drums briefly drop out before returning even more prominently.
Vocally, ZAYN layers higher, ethereal notes over deeper ones, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels like drifting through a dream.
In the pre-chorus, he sings, “I need to feel something real, need to know you,” reinforcing the song’s exploration of an urgent, consuming desire.
In contrast, “Blooming” is softer and more reflective, highlighting the album’s emotional core. Focusing on growth and self-acceptance, ZAYN wonders whether his personal struggles are destructive or transformative.
In the song’s chorus, ZAYN sings, “When life falls to ruins / Is it dying or blooming?” framing pain as a necessary step toward change.
The production is gentle, allowing the vocals to shine as ZAYN shifts seamlessly between registers. The subtle changes in harmony and tone give the track an emotional life, further emphasizing the motif of renewal.
“KONNAKOL” does not rely on constant variation, but it effectively sustains a cohesive, mood-driven experience. Though its restraint makes certain tracks — especially in the first half — less memorable, the album grows dynamic and textured as it unfolds, with its strongest moments emerging later on.
Blending smooth R&B with subtle South Asian influences and stacked production, ZAYN crafts a project that is introspective and intentional. For listeners drawn to calming soundscapes and vocal precision, the beauty of “KONNAKOL” lingers even after the final track ends.
