KONNAKOL

Ryan1Nunez

I’ve been riding with ZAYN since Mind of Mine, so I’ve always appreciated how he leans into mood, atmosphere, and that almost detached kind of vulnerability he does so well. Konnakol feels like a pivot - one that’s more personal in intention than it is consistent in execution. The biggest highlight here is easily the cultural direction. You can tell he’s tapping into his heritage in a way that feels deliberate and, honestly, long overdue. The incorporation of South Asian influences; especially rhythmic elements inspired by konnakol that adds a unique texture that separates this from his earlier work. It’s refreshing to hear him step outside the alt-R&B lane he’s been comfortable in for years. That said, the album doesn’t always stick the landing. Some tracks feel more like sketches than fully realized ideas, and the pacing drags in the middle. ZAYN’s vocals are still smooth and controlled, but at times they blend too much into the production instead of elevating it. There are moments where you’re waiting for a big emotional or sonic payoff that just never comes. Still, there’s something admirable about this project. It’s not chasing trends…it’s introspective, experimental, and clearly rooted in something meaningful to him. Even if it doesn’t fully come together, it feels like a step toward a more authentic version of ZAYN as an artist. It may not hit the highs of Mind of Mine, but Konnakol shows growth and that alone makes it worth the listen.

sogoodtoheritsvicious

a grower

zhd

pitchfork

The English singer reunites with an old collaborator and digs deeper into his South Asian musical inheritance, but his fifth album of R&B-laced pop feels only slightly more realized.

allmusic

Smooth fifth set of atmospheric R&B pop teases an embrace of heritage but only delivers slightly on that promise.