Zayn’s ‘Icarus Falls’ features peaks and valleys

As a huge fan of One Direction, when Zayn Malik decided to leave the band and pursue his own solo career, I felt betrayed and upset. I didn’t understand why he would want to leave such a good, successful thing.

After dropping a few singles, and his last name, he eventually put out his very own solo album: “Mind Of Mine.” I could never bring myself to listen to his music; I had a personal vendetta against Zayn.

So after a few years, I decided to drop this silly little grudge and listen to his new album “Icarus Falls.” The 27 track album, is filled with spacey R&B songs.

The album does what all good music is supposed to do: it takes listeners on a journey. “Icarus Falls” is supposed to be based on the concept of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death.

It’s an interesting take for a pop album, although I don’t think Zayn will be planning on falling to his death anytime soon.

The first half of the album has a synth-pop sound and around track 13, “Icarus Interlude,” it starts to get a darker vibe.

On “Back to Life,” he’s been doing too many drugs, and on “There You Are,” he’s in for a non-specific, less detailed kind of plunge. On both songs, which compete for the album’s most satisfying mega hook, he’s redeemed by the love of a good woman.

Redemption of sorts, especially love, is a recurring theme, even if it doesn’t tie into the whole Icarus legend.

The concept kind of gets lost, due to Zayn talking about rising back up when Icarus only falls.

The albums run time, is a downside as well, as it feels lengthy at 27 tracks.

Many of the tracks have very similar instrumentals; while they are quite good, it can provide a sense of Deja vu. There’s also no editing or care to make sure the tracks flow together.

While listening to “Icarus Falls,” I could most definitely feel myself warming back up to Zayn. He no doubt has talent, and his vocals never cease to amaze me.

I started to really recognize Zayn as a solo artist, and accept this.

So, here’s my verdict. “Icarus Falls” has a lot of songs and some of them are quite good. As a vehicle for blitzing the internet with Zayn singles, the album is totally effective.

But the concept is only half-conceived, and the listening experience is repetitive and dull. When it comes to “Icarus Falls,” more is less.

Songs that are worth multiple listens include “Rain Berry,” “Common,” “Back To Life,” “Flight of the Stars,” “Fingers,” “Sour Diesel” and “Insomnia.”

I learned that personal growth comes in many forms, whether it be producing an album, discussing rises and falls, or even listening to that album and coming to acceptance that somethings do not rise again.

Although, I will still be hoping for a 1D reunion; I mean, a girl can dream right?