In a whirlwind of his signature hypnotic vocals and passionate lyricism, ZAYN dropped his new single and video “Better” today, marking the first release from his forthcoming album.

Set to be his most personal project to date, the British singer-songwriter’s third album sees the artist himself taking total creative reign, producing the captivating, soulful, smooth music he’s always wanted to. And with the release of his new track coming right after the birth of his daughter with supermodel Gigi Hadid, it’s set to be a big year for the former One Direction bandmate.

The “Better” music video is directed by Ryan Hope, who previously directed ZAYN’s “iT’s YoU” music video from his debut album, Mind of Mine, which saw him ascend to hold the title as the first male solo artist in the world to simultaneously chart at #1 on the UK and US album charts within the first week of release.

The new track features ZAYN being watched and monitored by anonymous viewers in his home, paired with the melodic, chill beats of “Better,” and ZAYN’s heartfelt vocals singing about second chances and reuniting with old loves. As the first major record release since his sophomore album Icarus Falls in 2017, the track teases what’s in store for his forthcoming album: love, heartbreak, and, of course, the artist’s impassioned expressiveness.

At just 27 years old, the artist boasts over 3.5 billion YouTube views with his solo content, the title of “Top New Artist” by Billboard Music Awards and “New Artist of the Year” by the American Music Awards, and “Most Stylish Man” at GQ Man of the Year awards, marking him as a force to be reckoned with not only in music but in fashion, too. 

Listen to “Better” by ZAYN on all streaming platforms and watch the music video here.