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Zayn Malik's 13 Best Vocal Moments

Zayn Malik performs at 102.7 KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2016 at StubHub Center on May 14, 2016 in Carson, Calif.

When up-and-coming cartoonist Keef Knight has a traumatic run-in with the police, he begins to see the world in an entirely new way.

Zayn Malik established himself as a powerhouse singer during his One Direction days, and he has continued to show off his chops in his solo days with Mind of Mine and beyond.

As he embarks on his next solo endeavors -- most recently including a groovy new collaboration with PartyNextDoor -- we wanted to honor some of Malik's most standout vocal moments, whether it was on a 1D track, his own or someone else's.

"Pillowtalk"

Malik's voice sounds passionate no matter what song he's singing. But when he's singing sexually charged lyrics like those of his debut solo single, he reaches a whole new level of vocal vigor.


“It’s You”

While the entire track is hauntingly beautiful, the lead-up to the chorus is definitely the most awe-inspiring -- especially when he sings it live.

"BeFour"

Although most hard-core Directioners aren't super appreciative of this One Direction-shading tune, it's hard to deny that Malik sounds great singing it -- particularly the part where Malik softly belts "flashing lights" around 2:15. Swoon.

"IUcOzAdE" 

If this song doesn't really do it for you, pay close attention to how he sings the line, "I'm tryna f---ing scream, but the words won't come out."

“Like I Would”

This track is a bit of a catchier, radio-friendly way for Malik to show off his vocals, but his performance on The Voice (specifically when he belts out "He don't know your body") really showcased them.

"Fool for You"

One of the only truly balladic songs on Mind of Mine, "Fool for You" reminds fans that he doesn't need background beats to help display his talent. And the build from the crooning beginning to the powerful chorus? Flawless.

"No Control" 

A song that gives Louis Tomlinson more of a spotlight than many other One Direction tunes, Malik still steals the spotlight with a big moment about three-fourths of the way through.

“Ready to Run”

There seems to be a spot that was manufactured specifically for Malik while he was still in 1D, as he was also given a similar slot in this Four track where he blows us away with his vocal power.

“They Don’t Know About Us”

Malik's impressive moment was still very prevalent on pre-Four albums like Take Me Home. Scroll through to 2:07 and hear him belt over his bandmates as the song finishes.

“Best Song Ever”

Yes, Harry Styles has a pretty killer vocal spot in this Midnight Memories tune, but he's quickly shown up by Malik's extreme high note (which James Corden emulated on 1D's "Carpool Karaoke" -- and impressively so -- to fill Malik's void).

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” (Taylor Swift collaboration for Fifty Shades Darker)

Teaming up with Taylor Swift can be tricky, considering she's pop music's sweetheart. But while her whispery vocals sound great, Swift takes a backseat to Malik's dreamy falsetto.

“Back to Sleep REMIX” (Chris Brown/Usher collaboration)

Perhaps the most sexual song in Malik's repertoire thus far, his use of smooth runs combined with some signature belts makes this feature one of his most striking post-1D vocal moments.

“Back to Sleep REMIX” (Chris Brown/Usher collaboration)

Perhaps the most sexual song in Malik's repertoire thus far, his use of smooth runs combined with some signature belts makes this feature one of his most striking post-1D vocal moments.

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