Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage Po: BTPR It turns out that there is more than One Direction after all. Zayn Malik’s debut solo album, “Mind of Mine,” arrives Friday — exactly a year after his departure from the group. The cover features an image of himself as child (with his adult tattoos superimposed), but it’s a moody collection of neo-R&B jams a world away from boy-band fluff. The 23-year-old is still finding his solo footing on “Mind of Mine,” but here are three highlights that show just how far he’s progressed. “Rear View” Over electro-funk production and spindling guitars in the style of English band the XX (courtesy of Frank Ocean collaborator Malay), Zayn makes a sly reference to leaving his past behind. “I’m tired of looking at myself in my rearview.” He’s presumably had enough of his four ex-bandmates, too. “Bordersz” After years of singing sickly sweet teen-romance lyrics, Zayn isn’t shy about showing his sexual appetites. This steamy track is one of many that are musically indebted to The Weeknd, but also show the singer’s own confidence. “Intermission: Flower” This short track sees Zayn paying homage to his heritage, crooning lyrics in Urdu (his father’s native language) and aping the style of classical South Asian singers. Definitely not Simon Cowell-approved, and all the better for it.
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