“Hey what’s up, it’s been a while” asks Zayn Malik at the top of his latest release “LIKE I WOULD.” Funny because that’s what I’ve been wondering myself as the former One Directioner’s first solo offerings have been slightly above average at best. Don’t throw shade [or any punches] but “PILLOWTALK” and “iT’s YoU” just ain’t doing it for me.

So I’m beyond pumped that the 23 year old is bringing it on a cut that finally kicks. Serving as the second promotional single for his upcoming debut Mind of Mine, “Like I Would” is a post break-up, electro R&B jam dripping with energized rhythms and seriously swagged out machismo. Malik talks a big game, professing “He don’t know your body / He don’t do you right / He won’t love you like I would” while the propulsive bassline thump-and-bumps along. Damn, don’t hurt ’em Zayn.

Mind of Mine is out March 25th via RCA.