Zayn Malik's new album is "more optimistic" and "shows a lot of growth"

The CEO of Zayn Malik's record label has praised the material on his upcoming new album.

Zayn's first solo record Mind of Mine was released just last year, but its currently untitled is scheduled for release later this year. RCA Records CEO Peter Edge has referenced that we'll see a new side to Malik in a conversation with Entertainment Weekly:

"It wasn’t easy making that decision and having the courage to step out first and make a record. This album has a more optimistic tone to it after coming through that more challenging time. It shows a lot of growth.”

Edge also referenced the different directions that all five of the One Direction lads have gone in with their solo material, and believes that Zayn just needs to "get on with releasing the music".

MORE: How do One Direction's solo singles stack up? Official Charts compares their sales, streams and chart placings

"While we’re conscious of what everybody else is doing, I think we’re on the page that we just have to get on with releasing the music,” Edge says. “Everybody is going to coexist. What’s emerging is that there are different musical styles that each member is getting into."

Getting on is exactly what Zayn is doing; his most recent single Still Got Time hit the UK Top 40 and will be included on the album. Edge explained that it is a great indicator of what is to come: "If you think about the lyrics, it’s talking about how it’s great to be young and knowing you’ve still got time to do everything you want to do in life.”

Zayn tweeted just a few days ago about putting the finishing touches to his second LP:

Can't make it to the #BBMAs tonight and know I've been away for a bit .. Finishing up these new songs for you. Be back soon 😏

— zayn (@zaynmalik) May 21, 2017

Zayn's new album has big shoes to fill; his first Mind of Mine topped both the UK's Official Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, the latter of which was the first ever debut album by a British male to debut at Number 1.

While we wait for more new music to come, take a look at Zayn's UK chart history. You can view One Direction's here as well.