Everything to know about Zayn's 4th album 'Room Under The Stairs'
It featured 'What I Am' and 'Alienated'
Last updated 19th May 2026
Former One Directioner Zayn dropped his fourth album 'Room Under The Stairs' back in May 2024, featuring singles 'What I Am' and 'Alienated'.
In a video he posted ahead of its release, he revealed details about his 'raw' album, and told fans he had written it himself. To celebrate the popular record, which shot to Number 3, we take a deep dive into its themes, and why Zayn described it as his 'favourite album' to date on its release.
How did he announce it?
Before its release, Zayn shared details of his fourth album, including the name, artwork and release date. The singer captioned the artwork: 'ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS 17.05.2024 PRE-ORDER FRIDAY'.
When was it released?
'Room Under The Stairs' was released 17th May 2024.
Where did it come in the charts?
The album went to Number 3 here in the UK.
What is the album tracklist?
On 10th April 2024, Zayn released the tracklist, which included 15 songs, the full list is below.
- 'Dreamin''
- 'What I Am'
- 'Grateful'
- 'Alienated'
- 'My Woman'
- 'How It Feels'
- 'Stardust'
- 'Gates of Hell'
- 'Birds on a Cloud'
- 'Concrete Kisses'
- 'False Starts'
- 'The Time'
- 'Something In the Water'
- 'Shoot At Will'
- 'Fuchsia Sea'
What is the meaning of the album title?
It's rumoured that Zayn recorded the album in an ACTUAL room under the stairs — but it also has metaphorical meanings of authenticity and isolation.
In a video Zayn shared in March 2024, he can be seen on camera with a dog, while he is also heard as a voiceover saying: "I think the intention behind this album fully is for the listener to get you know, more insight on me personally as a human being.
"My ambitions, my fears… and for them to have a connection with that and that's why it's so raw, you know? There's just me writing this."
Zayn also previously explained: "It comes from a place of sheer honesty and vulnerability. I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you. It’s raw and stripped back and the type of music I always hoped to make.
"Working with Dave Cobb has been an amazing experience. The way he’s elevated the music is second to none, and he has done an incredible job helping me create this record. I hope we can take listeners on some whimsical, magical journey, and that they enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it."
Zayn continued: "I think just being where I was at that time, staying away from things and living with my own thoughts inspired me to want to write something from that place. I’ve got to put this out as a whole body of work, it’s something for myself, not even just for the world."
Album artwork
After Zayn shared the cover for the first time, fans took to the comments to show their excitement. One wrote: 'THE ARTWORK🙌🏾', another wrote: 'THE ALBUM WHAT'.
In the cryptic cover pic, we can see a silhouette of Zayn's face, with trees and a set of stairs inside it.
READ MORE: Zayn Malik: Everything you need to know about the former One Direction star
Deluxe edition
An expanded deluxe edition of 'Room Under The Stairs' dropped just three days after the first, with five additional tracks; 'Ignorance Ain't Bliss" (Demo)', 'Lied To', 'In The Bag', 'Gave' and ' Alienated' (Demo).
Did Zayn tour his album?
Yes! Zayn took his 'Stairway To The Sky Tour' around the UK and the US in 2024 and 2025. A number of shows were postponed following the sad death of Zayn's former bandmate Liam Payne in October 2024.