Two long years after dropping “To Begin Again,” a duet with singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, ZAYN is back with a new single, “Love Like This.” The song arrives after the former One Directioner parted ways with RCA and signed with Mercury Records, marking his first release under the new label. Naturally, “Love Like This” has already made a huge splash, climbing to No. 3 on the Genius Top Songs chart within hours of release.
Produced by Jon Bellion and the production team The Monsters & Strangerz, “Love Like This” marks a slight departure from the dark, Weeknd-esque R&B sound of ZAYN’s early solo albums. Instead, the U.K. singer opts for a light, poppier sound. “It’s just a summer jam,” ZAYN said in an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast. “It’s a good vibe. It just feels like summer.”
Lyrically, “Love Like This” is about finding someone you’re willing to risk it all for. On the first verse, ZAYN lists some of the qualities that make this person so special. She’s supportive and loyal, and of course, she’s got those model good looks.
How you hit ’em with the clothes and the stare
And the hips and the hair like that
Got me all up in the zone, in the zone
On the pre-chorus, ZAYN wants so desperately to be with this girl it feels like a life-or-death situation.
I just wanna take your time and
Everything is on the line, but I would rather be dead
If it’s gonna mean a life that’s lived without you, baby
He recognizes that what he’s feeling is pretty rare on the hook.
I guess that’s love like this
Usually, I never wanna jump like this
But I think I wanna dump my chips ’cause
I cannot go back
On the second verse, ZAYN sees only one direction things can go with this girl, seemingly making a fun reference to his boy band days.
Doesn’t matter if it’s left or it’s right
Your direction is on my mind
Got me all up in the zone, in the zone
“Love Like This” arrived alongside an official music video where ZAYN takes his girl on scenic evening motorcycle ride through the city.
You can read all the lyrics to “Love Like This” on Genius now.
