Is Zayn Malik Teasing a Country Album? Nashville Producer Details His New Sound: 'No Fear'

"Zayn has really created his own universe on this record," Cobb told 'Rolling Stone' of the One Direction alum's new album

Zayn Malik is making a change to his sound — at least for the foreseeable future.

Rolling Stone has confirmed that the One Direction alum, 31, is set to release a not-yet-titled album, co-produced by Dave Cobb, known for his work across the country and rock genres with artists like Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Lady Gaga.

According to the publication, Malik, 31, had been writing the album — his first on new label Mercury Records — for many years at his home in rural Pennsylvania before he tapped the Grammy-winning producer, 49.

Related: Zayn Malik Releases First New Single in 2 Years with 'Love Like This': Watch

“What got me about Zayn was his voice, you can hear love, loss, pain, triumph and humanity in it. I feel as if this record is removing the glass from his spirit directly to his fans,” Cobb told Rolling Stone. “Zayn has really created his own universe on this record, he really has no fear and is speaking straight from his soul.”

Last year, the “Let Me” artist teased his upcoming LP during an interview on Call Her Daddy, saying, “I’m doing a record I don’t think people are really gonna expect. It’s a different sound for me.”

Malik continued: “And it’s got some more narrative going on, like real-life experiences and stuff. My daughter’s mentioned in there a couple of times.”

During the conversation with Alex Cooper, the singer-songwriter also opened up about his decision to leave One Direction eight years prior.

Malik explained how he wanted to be the first of his fellow bandmates to kick off his solo career — and that after five years together, they all needed a break from one another.

"I don't want to go into too much detail, but there was a lot of politics going on. Certain people were doing certain things, certain people didn't want to sign contracts, so I knew something was happening," he told the host, 27. "So I just got ahead of the curve, if I’m being honest with you."

Malik released his last single “Love Like This” in July 2023, which was his first new music in two years and his debut single for Mercury Records.

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Related: Zayn Malik Says He Wanted to Be the First from One Direction to Go Solo After He and Bandmates 'Got Sick of Each Other'

Alongside the track, he shared its music video, which was directed by Ivanna Borin & Frank Borin and shot in New York.

In it, Malik is seen sporting a red and black motorcycle jacket while he tries to win over his love interest. Throughout the video, the pair share kisses and exchange flirty looks before ascending into the sky just before the video concludes.

Malik’s last album — Nobody Is Listening — was released in 2021. He shared his debut, Mind of Mine, in 2016 and its follow-up, Icarus Falls, in 2018.

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