What Kind Of Music Would Zayn Make Post-1D?

From Zayn Malik to Zayn Solo? Hey, never count it out. It was announced via Facebook on Wednesday that Zayn Malik would be leaving One Direction after being part of the wildly popular group for five years. Malik said in an official statement,

I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.

Now, there's nothing in there that really gives us hope of Malik going solo (you know, considering the whole "time out of the spotlight" thing), but that's not to say he won't in the future. Maybe even the near future. But what kind of music would Zayn Malik make? There's a few options here.

In fact, it's already been confirmed that Malik will appear on rapper Naughty Boy's upcoming album, so perhaps a transition from boy bands into the world of hip hop and R&B is in the future. Hey, it worked for the likes of former boy banders like Justin Timberlake, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Brown. Exhibit A, B, and C:

Of course, he could always stay close to his roots and stick with a pop-friendly, boy band-like sound. Kind of like what Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight did with their post-New Kids On The Block careers.

He could also do what fellow brits like George Michael (from Wham!) and Robbie Williams (from Take That) did and get a little more daring with his sound, and make some more adult-friendly tunes. (And music videos, for that matter.)

And, hey, the Latin craze is in a bit of a lull right now, and if anyone could revive it the same way Ricky Martin did back in the late 90's, it would be Zayn.

While it seems like Malik would probably lean toward a hip-hop and R&B route based on what he's done so far, clearly, he has a lot of options open for him.