Zayn Malik looks back at 'good times' with One Direction: 'We were pretty good'

Zayn Malik revealed he has been listening to One Direction’s music and has been looking back at the “good times,” almost a decade after officially leaving the group.

Earlier this week, the singer, on the streaming platform Stationhead, talked about his career and the music he made with his former band.

“I’ve been listening to a bit of One Direction music recently, reminiscing. Good times,” he said, as seen in clips uploaded by some of his fans on social media.

“We made some good music as a band,” the Pillow Talk singer added. “We were pretty good.” 

Zayn left the band in March 2015 in the middle of their world tour dubbed On The Road Again (OTRA). In July 2023, he cited his goal of pursuing a solo career as one of his reasons for leaving them.

“I completely, selfishly wanted to be the first person to go and make my own record, if I’m being completely honest with you,” the Fool For You singer previously said.

“I was like: 'I’m gonna jump the gun here for the first time.' I’m a passive dude, but when it comes to my music and my business, I’m serious about it and I’m competitive. So I wanted to be the first to go and do my own thing. That was the reason,” he added. 

Zayn also revealed that there were “underlying issues” at the time, including the band’s internal dynamics.

After leaving the band, Zayn released Pillowtalk, his first-ever hit song as a solo artist. His other famous tracks include What I Am, Let Me, and Dusk Til Dawn ft. Sia.  

He is set to release his fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs, on May 17.