As my favorite song of all time, lUcOzAdE is the best way to end off this blog and year of RCL.
As an adamant ZAYN ‘stan’, I have followed the singer’s career from his X Factor days to his solo career by religiously streaming his music and consistently having him as my #1 artist on my Spotify Wrapped year after year. Because of my passionate dedication to him, my passion blog will be a review of some of my favorite songs from ZAYN’s debut album, Mind of Mine. In my seventh and final (*tears*) blog, I will be reviewing lUcoZadE, which is inarguably, the greatest song that has ever been listened to by my ears.
Lucozade is a U.K. brand that makes sports drinks, like Gatorade. The song is cleverly titled as the drink because ZAYN sings about being hungover, drunk and faded as he pieces together his emotions about a girl. ZAYN mentioned in commentary that the song is very unedited and sloppy, which seems purposeful with the theme of the song reflecting the state of being hungover. Because of the “sloppiness” of the song, ZAYN not only delves into a storyline about his confusing relationship with a girl, but he also reflects on his time with One Direction, as he has already done in other songs on the album.
“Ain’t about who’s winnin’ or losin’
It’s ’bout the path you’re choosin'”
Here, ZAYN is responding to the backlash he received after leaving One Direction, with many people being in disagreement whether him leaving would help or harm his career. ZAYN says that it isn’t about him failing or succeeding, he just wishes to choose his own path.
“No lies in my eyes, nothing but truth will leave my mouth
I’m tryna fuckin’ scream but the words won’t come out”
ZAYN then references how within the band, he felt that he could not be himself. However, once he became his own artist, he acknowledges that he can now speak his truth with his music, no longer controlled by his previous management. It is highly possible that ZAYN is referencing his song tRuTh, where he further expresses his new freedom.
The musical aspect of this song is also incredible. ZAYN is consistent with the techno-R&B theme, incorporating it into this song with the background themes. His vocals are angelic in the background, especially with the introduction, which immediately hooks the listener to the song. Unique from other songs on this album, though, ZAYN does not choose to sing with his usual vocal range in this song. Instead of hitting impressive notes and harmonizing perfectly, ZAYN chooses to have a deeper, melancholy tone. The song is not exactly a rap, but it follows the same beats as a rap song. Even with this different style, ZAYN still manages to show the span of his talent, incorporating emotion into every line and keeping control of his voice. This song is truly incredible and I implore you to listen to what I consider, ZAYN’s greatest song of all time.
Hi Rida! I did not know Zayn was your number 1 artist! How fun! I like that he always thinks about his music in the deepest way possible and choose metaphors wisely to make songs appealing, but also get his message across. I remember when he first left One Direction and I was thoroughly confused, but I am glad he can now take any artistic liberties he wises.
I also love Zayn, but I will say that does kinda stem from me loving One Direction. He did always have such an amazing voice. One thing that you touched on that always irked me was how people will blame Zayn for One Direction breaking up, but Harry had a contract in the works with someone else (he was planning on leaving the band). I don’t feel like it’s fair that Zayn received all of the blame when other members were clearly putting in the work to leave too. I’m happy Zayn has been choosing stuff for him that makes him happy, instead of following what other people say he should do.