Jump to content

It's You (Zayn song): Difference between revisions

Add links
This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →Critical reception: Remove links to AfD-deleted article; efforts to demonstrate notability in draft have not proved fruitful, replaced: Brittany Spanos → Brittany Spanos, removed: |author-link=Brittany Spanos
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
| album = [[Mind of Mine]]
| album = [[Mind of Mine]]
| released = 25 February 2016
| released = 25 February 2016
| format = [[Music download|Digital download]]
| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
Line 14: Line 13:
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=46}}
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=46}}
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]]
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]]
| writer =
| writer = * Zayn Malik
* Zayn Malik
* [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]]
* [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]]
* [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]]
* [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]]
Line 21: Line 19:
}}
}}


"'''It's You'''" (stylised as "'''iT's YoU'''") is a song recorded by English singer and songwriter [[Zayn Malik|Zayn]] from his debut solo studio album ''[[Mind of Mine]]'' (2016). It was written by Zayn, [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]] and [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]], whilst production was handled by [[Malay (record producer)|Malay]]. Zayn debuted the track with a live performance during his appearance on the ''[[Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon]]'' on 18 February 2016. It was later premiered on [[Beats One|Beats 1 Radio]] on 25 February 2016, and ultimately was released as the first promotional single from the album on 26 February 2016 along with the album's pre-order on [[iTunes]].
"'''It's You'''" (stylised as "'''iT's YoU'''") is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter [[Zayn Malik|Zayn]] from his debut solo studio album ''[[Mind of Mine]]'' (2016). It was written by Zayn, [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]] and [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]], whilst production was handled by [[Malay (record producer)|Malay]]. Zayn debuted the track with a live performance during his appearance on the ''[[Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon]]'' on 18 February 2016. It was later premiered on [[Beats One|Beats 1 Radio]] on 25 February 2016, and ultimately was released as the first promotional single from the album on 25 February 2016 along with the album's pre-order on [[iTunes]].


A slow-paced, intimate [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] ballad, "It's You" features organ-like keyboards, pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar through its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about a [[break-up]], where the protagonist is desperate for answers on a failed relationship. Considered an album highlight by various reviewers, several critics additionally believed that the inspiration behind the track was Zayn's relationship with former girlfriend [[Perrie Edwards]]. "It's You" charted moderately around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and the United States. The accompanying music video for the song was released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the [[Apple Store]] and later on 28 March 2016.
A slow-paced, intimate [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] ballad, "It's You" features organ-like keyboards, pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar through its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about a [[break-up]], where the protagonist is desperate for answers on a failed relationship. Considered an album highlight by various reviewers, several critics additionally believed that the inspiration behind the track was Zayn's relationship with former girlfriend [[Perrie Edwards]]. "It's You" charted moderately around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and the United States. The accompanying music video for the song was released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the [[Apple Store]] and later on 28 March 2016.


== Background and release ==
== Background and release ==
Soon after his departure from the British-Irish band [[One Direction]], Zayn started working on his debut solo studio album; months later, on 22 July 2015, it was announced that Zayn was recording new music with record producer [[Malay (record producer)|Malay Ho]], after the producer posted a photo with the singer on his [[Instagram]] account.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stutz|first=Colin|title=Zayn Malik is Working With Frank Ocean Producer, Malay|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6648403/zayn-malik-is-working-with-frank-ocean-producer-malay|accessdate=20 June 2016|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=28 July 2015}}</ref> Malik's management team reached out to him because Zayn was a fan of his work with artists such as [[John Legend]], [[Alicia Keys]] and [[Frank Ocean]]. Later, Ho heard "[[Pillowtalk (song)|Pillowtalk]]" and "Fool for You" before signing on to produce the record, and thought Malik's voice was "incredible" and agreed to work with him.<ref name="ewinterview">{{cite news|last=Steiner|first=Amanda Michelle|title=Inside the making of Zayn Malik's debut album, Mind of Mine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/25/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-behind-scenes-malay-ho|accessdate=20 June 2016|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> The two recorded most of the songs in the Studio Suite at the Palms Casino Resort, inside Malik's Beverly Hills Hotel room, and in the middle of the woods. As recalled by Ho, the work had a "super creative, super free" atmosphere.<ref name="ewinterview"/> Zayn admitted that "He’s just an amazing person. Like from the second I met him I just knew he was kind of different. He looks into every instrument in high detail and he understands how to break it down."<ref>{{cite news|last=Roth|first=Madeline|title=13 Truth Bombs Zayn Malik Just Dropped In His First Solo Broadcast Interview|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2733410/zayn-malik-truth-bombs-beats-interview/|accessdate=21 June 2016|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
Soon after his departure from the British-Irish band [[One Direction]], Zayn started working on his debut solo studio album; months later, on 22 July 2015, it was announced that Zayn was recording new music with record producer [[Malay (record producer)|Malay Ho]], after the producer posted a photo with the singer on his [[Instagram]] account.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stutz|first=Colin|title=Zayn Malik is Working With Frank Ocean Producer, Malay|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6648403/zayn-malik-is-working-with-frank-ocean-producer-malay|access-date=20 June 2016|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=28 July 2015}}</ref> Malik's management team reached out to him because Zayn was a fan of his work with artists such as [[John Legend]], [[Alicia Keys]] and [[Frank Ocean]]. Later, Ho heard "[[Pillowtalk (song)|Pillowtalk]]" and "Fool for You" before signing on to produce the record, and thought Malik's voice was "incredible" and agreed to work with him.<ref name="ewinterview">{{cite magazine|last=Steiner|first=Amanda Michelle|title=Inside the making of Zayn Malik's debut album, Mind of Mine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/25/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-behind-scenes-malay-ho|access-date=20 June 2016|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=25 March 2016|archive-date=20 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620153440/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/25/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-behind-scenes-malay-ho?|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two recorded most of the songs in the Studio Suite at the Palms Casino Resort, inside Malik's Beverly Hills Hotel room, and in the middle of the woods. As recalled by Ho, the work had a "super creative, super free" atmosphere.<ref name="ewinterview"/> Zayn admitted that "He’s just an amazing person. Like from the second I met him I just knew he was kind of different. He looks into every instrument in high detail and he understands how to break it down."<ref>{{cite news|last=Roth|first=Madeline|title=13 Truth Bombs Zayn Malik Just Dropped In His First Solo Broadcast Interview|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2733410/zayn-malik-truth-bombs-beats-interview/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130232749/http://www.mtv.com/news/2733410/zayn-malik-truth-bombs-beats-interview/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2016|access-date=21 June 2016|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=28 January 2016}}</ref>


One of the songs they worked together, "It's You", was said to be one of the album's centerpiece,<ref name="usatoday"/> with Malik commenting: "I just felt like I needed to put myself out there, just because it was a form of therapy for me and it did help me get through some shit. If I can help someone else at that time, that’s cool."<ref name="hp">{{cite news|last=Welsh|first=Daniel|title=Zayn Malik’s Solo Album ‘Mind Of Mine’ WILL Feature Perrie Edwards Break-Up Song|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/01/28/zayn-malik-new-album-mind-of-mine-perrie-edwards_n_9100820.html|accessdate=21 June 2016|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=28 January 2016}}</ref> Dan Hyman from ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' stated that the song shared similarities with Ocean's "Bad Religion", with Ho mentioning that after hearing the song live and Zayn's fans noting similarities between both songs, he found them similar with the [[organ (music)|organ]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Dan|title=Producer Malay On Zayn's Reinvention and What Frank Ocean's Up To|url=http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1074-producer-malay-on-zayns-reinvention-and-what-frank-oceans-up-to/|accessdate=21 June 2016|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork Media]]|date=29 March 2016}}</ref> "It's You" premiered during [[Zane Lowe]]'s [[Beats One|Beats One Radio]] on 25 February 2016, and a day later, 26 February 2016, it was released as the first promotional single from Zayn's debut solo studio album ''[[Mind of Mine]]'' (2016), along with the pre-order of the album on the [[iTunes Store]].<ref name="complex">{{cite news|last=Frydenlund|first=Zach|title=Listen to ZAYN's New Song, "It's You"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/zayn-malik-new-song-its-you|accessdate=21 June 2016|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=25 February 2016}}</ref>
One of the songs they worked together, "It's You", was said to be one of the album's centerpiece,<ref name="usatoday"/> with Malik commenting: "I just felt like I needed to put myself out there, just because it was a form of therapy for me and it did help me get through some shit. If I can help someone else at that time, that’s cool."<ref name="hp">{{cite news|last=Welsh|first=Daniel|title=Zayn Malik's Solo Album 'Mind Of Mine' WILL Feature Perrie Edwards Break-Up Song|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/01/28/zayn-malik-new-album-mind-of-mine-perrie-edwards_n_9100820.html|access-date=21 June 2016|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=28 January 2016}}</ref> Dan Hyman from ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' stated that the song shared similarities with Ocean's "Bad Religion", with Ho mentioning that after hearing the song live and Zayn's fans noting similarities between both songs, he found them similar with the [[organ (music)|organ]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Dan|title=Producer Malay On Zayn's Reinvention and What Frank Ocean's Up To|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1074-producer-malay-on-zayns-reinvention-and-what-frank-oceans-up-to/|access-date=21 June 2016|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork Media]]|date=29 March 2016}}</ref> "It's You" premiered during [[Zane Lowe]]'s [[Beats One|Beats One Radio]] on 25 February 2016, and a day later, 26 February 2016, it was released as the first promotional single from Zayn's debut solo studio album ''[[Mind of Mine]]'' (2016), along with the pre-order of the album on the [[iTunes Store]].<ref name="complex">{{cite news|last=Frydenlund|first=Zach|title=Listen to ZAYN's New Song, "It's You"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/zayn-malik-new-song-its-you|access-date=21 June 2016|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=25 February 2016}}</ref>


== Composition and lyrics ==
== Composition and lyrics ==
"It's You" was written by Malik, [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]] and [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]], and produced by [[Malay (record producer)|Malay]]. Malay was also responsible for [[guitar]], [[programming (music)|programming]], [[musical keyboard|keyboard]]s, [[bass (instrument)|bass]] and [[Triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]]. String arrangement and orchestration were provided by Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer, while Eggar played the [[cello]] and Palmer acted as the track's conductor. Additionally, [[violin]]s were performed by Katie Kresek and Rachel Golub. It was recorded at two studios: the Larabee Studios in [[North Hollywood]] and Germano Studios in [[New York City]]. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], it is written in the key of [[F major]] with a [[tempo]] of 63 beats per minute in [[Time signature|common time]]. The song follows a chord progression of F – B{{flat}}m6/D{{flat}} – F/6 –Am/C, and Malik's vocals span from C<sub>4</sub> to D{{flat}}<sub>6</sub>.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zayn - "It's You" - Digital Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0161489|publisher=[[EMI Music Publishing]]|via=Musicnotes.com|id=MN0161489|accessdate=June 17, 2016}}</ref> It is a slow-burning,<ref name="thefader">{{cite news|last=Leight|first=Elias|title=Zayn Malik Debuts "It's You," Reveals Album Artwork|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/02/18/zayn-malik-debuts-its-you|accessdate=22 June 2016|website=[[The Fader]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> intimate [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] ballad with a "dreamy, ambient" synth,<ref name="rs1">{{cite news|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|title=Hear Zayn Malik's Dreamy Ballad 'It's You'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-zayn-maliks-dreamy-ballad-its-you-20160226|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> organ-like keyboards,<ref name="idolator">{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Christina|title=Zayn Malik's 'Mind Of Mine': Album Review|url=http://www.idolator.com/7627834/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-review|accessdate=22 June 2016|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar.<ref name="slant">{{cite news|last=Camp|first=Alexa|title=Zayn: Mind of Mine &#124; Album Review &#124; Slant Magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/zayn-mind-of-mine|accessdate=23 June 2016|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> During the track, Zayn uses pained vocals,<ref name="idolator"/> while during its chorus he uses his [[falsetto]].<ref name="rs1"/>
"It's You" was written by Malik, [[Malay (record producer)|James Ho]] and [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]], and produced by [[Malay (record producer)|Malay]]. Malay was also responsible for [[guitar]], [[programming (music)|programming]], [[musical keyboard|keyboard]]s, [[bass (instrument)|bass]] and [[Triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]]. String arrangement and orchestration were provided by Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer, while Eggar played the [[cello]] and Palmer acted as the track's conductor. Additionally, [[violin]]s were performed by Katie Kresek and Rachel Golub. It was recorded at two studios: the Larabee Studios in [[North Hollywood]] and Germano Studios in [[New York City]]. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], it is written in the key of [[F major]] with a [[tempo]] of 63 beats per minute in [[Time signature|common time]]. The song follows a chord progression of F – B{{flat}}m6/D{{flat}} – F/6 –Am/C, and Malik's vocals span from C<sub>4</sub> to D{{flat}}<sub>6</sub>.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zayn - "It's You" - Digital Sheet Music|date = 3 March 2016|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0161489|publisher=[[EMI Music Publishing]]|via=Musicnotes.com|id=MN0161489|access-date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> It is a slow-burning,<ref name="thefader">{{cite news|last=Leight|first=Elias|title=Zayn Malik Debuts "It's You," Reveals Album Artwork|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/02/18/zayn-malik-debuts-its-you|access-date=22 June 2016|website=[[The Fader]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> intimate [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] ballad with a "dreamy, ambient" synth,<ref name="rs1">{{cite magazine|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|title=Hear Zayn Malik's Dreamy Ballad 'It's You'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-zayn-maliks-dreamy-ballad-its-you-20160226|access-date=22 June 2016|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> organ-like keyboards,<ref name="idolator">{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Christina|title=Zayn Malik's 'Mind Of Mine': Album Review|url=http://www.idolator.com/7627834/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-review|access-date=22 June 2016|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|date=25 March 2016}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar.<ref name="slant">{{cite news|last=Camp|first=Alexa|title=Zayn: Mind of Mine &#124; Album Review &#124; Slant Magazine|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/zayn-mind-of-mine|access-date=23 June 2016|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> During the track, Zayn uses pained vocals,<ref name="idolator"/> while during its chorus he uses his [[falsetto]].<ref name="rs1"/>


Lyrically, the song talks about a heartbreak,<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|last=M. Jones|first=Jaleesa|title=Zayn Malik debuts yearning new song, ‘It’s You,' on 'Fallon'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/02/18/zayn-malik-first-tv-solo-appearance-debuts-new-song-its-you-on-tonight-show/80545598/|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[USA Today]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> where the protagonist can't relinquish his grip on a dysfunctional relationship,<ref name="pluggedin">{{cite web|last=Holz|first=Adam R.|title=Mind of Mine Album Review (2015) &#124; Plugged In|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/music-reviews/album/zayn-mind-of-mine/|website=[[Plugged In]]|accessdate=22 June 2016}}</ref> even if the girl is playing with his heart, he's being used and his feelings are being thrown to the side.<ref name="bustle">{{cite news|last=Lulic|first=Michelle|title=Zayn Malik "It's You" Lyrics Paint A Picture Of Heartbreak That Show A Softer Side Of The Singer — VIDEO|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/142717-zayn-malik-its-you-lyrics-paint-a-picture-of-heartbreak-that-show-a-softer-side-of|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> The song opens with Zayn singing, "She got, she got, she got/Her own reason for talking to me/She don't, she don't, she don't/Give a f**k/About what I need," before continuing: "Tell me your lies/Because I just can't face it."<ref name="ds1">{{cite news|last=Rainey|first=Naomi|title=Zayn Malik hits out at ex-girlfriend in new song 'It's You' - and fans think Perrie Edwards might be the target|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a784050/zayn-malik-hits-out-at-ex-girlfriend-in-new-song-its-you-and-fans-think-perrie-edwards-might-be-the-target/|accessdate=22 June 2016|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=19 February 2016}}</ref> In the chorus, he repeats: "It's you, it's you, it's you," showing that he "can't seem to fight his feelings about th[e] girl being 'the one,' but "also referring to the loss of that love he is dealing with based off of her and her decisions within their relationship."<ref name="bustle"/> Several critics believed that the song was written about Zayn's break-up with former [[fiancée]] [[Perrie Edwards]].<ref name="hp"/><ref name="ds1"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Mizoguchi|first=Karen|title=Zayn Malik Makes Solo TV Debut on The Tonight Show with New Song 'It's You' – Plus See His Adorable Album Cover!|url=http://www.people.com/article/zayn-malik-tonight-show-its-you-premiere|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref>
Lyrically, the song talks about a heartbreak,<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|last=M. Jones|first=Jaleesa|title=Zayn Malik debuts yearning new song, 'It's You,' on 'Fallon'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/02/18/zayn-malik-first-tv-solo-appearance-debuts-new-song-its-you-on-tonight-show/80545598/|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[USA Today]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> as a girl is playing with the protagonist heart's, he's being used and his feelings are being thrown to the side.<ref name="bustle">{{cite news|last=Lulic|first=Michelle|title=Zayn Malik "It's You" Lyrics Paint A Picture Of Heartbreak That Show A Softer Side Of The Singer — VIDEO|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/142717-zayn-malik-its-you-lyrics-paint-a-picture-of-heartbreak-that-show-a-softer-side-of|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref> The song opens with Zayn singing, "She got, she got, she got/Her own reason for talking to me/She don't, she don't, she don't/Give a f**k/About what I need," before continuing: "Tell me your lies/Because I just can't face it."<ref name="ds1">{{cite news|last=Rainey|first=Naomi|title=Zayn Malik hits out at ex-girlfriend in new song 'It's You' - and fans think Perrie Edwards might be the target|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a784050/zayn-malik-hits-out-at-ex-girlfriend-in-new-song-its-you-and-fans-think-perrie-edwards-might-be-the-target/|access-date=22 June 2016|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=19 February 2016}}</ref> In the chorus, he repeats: "It's you, it's you, it's you," showing that he "can't seem to fight his feelings about th[e] girl being 'the one,' but "also referring to the loss of that love he is dealing with based off of {{sic}} her and her decisions within their relationship."<ref name="bustle"/> Several critics believed that the song was written about Zayn's break-up with former [[fiancée]] [[Perrie Edwards]].<ref name="hp"/><ref name="ds1"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Mizoguchi|first=Karen|title=Zayn Malik Makes Solo TV Debut on The Tonight Show with New Song 'It's You' – Plus See His Adorable Album Cover!|url=http://www.people.com/article/zayn-malik-tonight-show-its-you-premiere|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=18 February 2016}}</ref>


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
[[File:Frank Ocean Coachella 2012 3.jpg|165px|thumb|The song was heavily compared to [[Frank Ocean]]'s "Bad Religion".]]
[[File:Frank Ocean Coachella 2012 3.jpg|160px|thumb|The song was compared to [[Frank Ocean]]'s "Bad Religion".]]
"It's You" was highly received by several [[Music journalism|music critics]]. Tim Sendra of [[AllMusic]] picked the track as one of the album's highlights, noting that "his soaring falsetto on 'iT's YoU' is breathtaking."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Sendra|first=Tim|title=Mind of Mine - ZAYN - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/mind-of-mine-mw0002913821|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=22 June 2016}}</ref> Zach Frydenlund of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' called it an emotional ballad that "showcas[es] his tremendous vocal abilities, which weren't on display like this previously."<ref name="complex"/> Andy Gill of ''[[The Independent]]'' was also complimentary of his vocals and selected it as one of the tracks to download, writing that "the drawn-out, melismatic title hook of 'It's You' soars over the organ drone and piano."<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Gill|first=Andy|title=Zayn Malik, Zayn Mind of Mine: 'Sublime R&B beats from the Bradford Bad Boy', album review|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/zayn-malik-zayn-mind-of-mine-sublime-rb-beats-from-the-bradford-bad-boy-album-review-a6951996.html|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[The Independent]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Alexa Camp of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' praised the "Malik's surprisingly mournful vocals on the haunting" song.<ref name="slant"/> Amy Davidson, writing for [[Digital Spy]], named it "a slice of slick R&B," observing that "the stripped back production lets his airy falsetto come through nicely, and the whole thing sits as perfectly stylised as his glorious quiff."<ref name="ds2">{{cite news|last=Corner|first=Lewis|title=Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear - Zayn, Azealia Banks, Tinie Tempah|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear/feature/a785434/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear-zaynazealia-banks-corrine-bailey-rae/|accessdate=22 June 2016|website=Digital Spy|date=2 March 2016}}</ref> Lewis Corner of the same publication opined that, "It's the most vulnerable Zayn sounds on the entire record, while his spire-scaling 'oooohs' are poignantly doleful."<ref name="ds3">{{cite news|last=Corner|first=Lewis|title=Zayn: Mind Of Mine solo album review - Is it any good, then?|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a787965/zayn-mind-of-mine-solo-album-review-is-it-any-good-then/|accessdate=22 June 2016|website=Digital Spy|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Kate Solomon of ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' was also positive to what she called "his dreamy falsetto underpinned by a melancholy organ line and coupled madly with ''[[Top Gun]]'' guitars and [[Disney film]] strings."<ref>{{cite news|last=Solomon|first=Kate|title=Album Review: Zayn - Mind of Mine / Releases / Drowned in Sound|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19352/reviews/4149944|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|date=5 April 2016}}</ref> Jon Caramanica of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described it as "an elegant whisper of a love song, part mellow soul burner and part post-[[Coldplay]] melancholia."<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=In Zayn Malik’s ‘Mind of Mine,’ a Singer Eager to Reclaim Parts of Himself|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/arts/music/in-zayn-maliks-mind-of-mine-a-singer-eager-to-reclaim-parts-of-himself.html|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=23 March 2016}}</ref>


Christina Lee, an editor for ''[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]'', noticed that the song "sounds like Zayn asked '[[Channel Orange]]' producer Malay for his own version of [[Frank Ocean]]'s 'Bad Religion,' though it suffers because his writing and singing aren't nearly as gripping."<ref name="idolator"/> Sam Richards of ''[[NME]]'' agreed, noting that "the beginning of ‘It’s You’ sounds like that album's 'Bad Religion', with its melancholy jazz chords and confessional vocals – though it's debatable how much Zayn is ready to confess."<ref name="NME">{{cite news|last=Richards|first=Sam|title=Zayn - 'Mind Of Mine' Review|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/zayn-malik/16432|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[NME]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> Michael Cragg of ''[[The Guardian]]'' also saw similarities, expressing that "Zayn "showcases his Frank Ocean-esque falsetto on the sad-eyed, organ-drenched [track]."<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|last=Cragg|first=Michael|title=Zayn Malik: Mind of Mine review – downbeat sex jams drive assured rebrand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/25/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-review-assured-rebrand|accessdate=22 June 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Mikael Wood of ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' also perceived influences of Ocean.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Review A year after quitting One Direction, Zayn Malik gets serious on the moody, textured 'Mind of Mine'|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-zayn-album-review-20160323-story.html|accessdate=23 June 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=23 March 2016}}</ref> Sarah Murphy of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' thought that the track worked for showing a "more mature content and a sleeker, less bubblegum-y pop sound" and credited Malay for the feat.<ref name="exclaim">{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Sarah|title=Zayn Mind of Mine|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/zayn-mind_of_mine|accessdate=23 June 2016|website=[[Exclaim!]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''{{'}}s Andrew Unterberger also praised the producer for "serving up most of the LP's highlights," which included "the lightly quaking [[Beach House]] gauze" song. He also praised Zayn's voice for "floating like a paper airplane above the tremors."<ref name="spin">{{cite news|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew|title=Review: ZAYN’s ‘Mind of Mine’ Is a So-So Thing to Waste|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/03/review-zayn-mind-of-mine/|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=30 March 2016}}</ref> While selecting as a "standout" track, Daniel Bromfield of Pretty Much Amazing called it "theatrical."<ref name="pma">{{cite news|last=Bromfield|first=Daniel|title=Review: Zayn's Mind of Mine|url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/reviews/zayn-mind-of-mine|accessdate=24 June 2016|website=Pretty Much Amazing|date=30 March 2016}}</ref> In the other hand, Brittany Spanos of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called it a "tepid ballad."<ref name="rsreview">{{cite news|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|title=Zayn Malik Mind of Mine Album Review|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-20160325|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=Rolling Stone|date=25 March 2016}}</ref>
"It's You" was well-received by several [[Music journalism|music critics]]. Tim Sendra of [[AllMusic]] picked the track as one of the album's highlights, noting that "his soaring falsetto on 'iT's YoU' is breathtaking."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Sendra|first=Tim|title=Mind of Mine - ZAYN - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mind-of-mine-mw0002913821|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> Zach Frydenlund of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' called it an emotional ballad that "showcas[es] his tremendous vocal abilities, which weren't on display like this previously."<ref name="complex"/> Andy Gill of ''[[The Independent]]'' was also complimentary of his vocals and selected it as one of the tracks to download, writing that "the drawn-out, melismatic title hook of 'It's You' soars over the organ drone and piano."<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Gill|first=Andy|title=Zayn Malik, Zayn Mind of Mine: 'Sublime R&B beats from the Bradford Bad Boy', album review|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/zayn-malik-zayn-mind-of-mine-sublime-rb-beats-from-the-bradford-bad-boy-album-review-a6951996.html|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[The Independent]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Alexa Camp of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' praised the "Malik's surprisingly mournful vocals on the haunting" song.<ref name="slant"/> Amy Davidson, writing for [[Digital Spy]], named it "a slice of slick R&B," observing that "the stripped back production lets his airy falsetto come through nicely, and the whole thing sits as perfectly stylised as his glorious quiff."<ref name="ds2">{{cite news|last=Corner|first=Lewis|title=Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear - Zayn, Azealia Banks, Tinie Tempah|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear/feature/a785434/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear-zaynazealia-banks-corrine-bailey-rae/|access-date=22 June 2016|website=Digital Spy|date=2 March 2016}}</ref> Lewis Corner of the same publication opined that, "It's the most vulnerable Zayn sounds on the entire record, while his spire-scaling 'oooohs' are poignantly doleful."<ref name="ds3">{{cite news|last=Corner|first=Lewis|title=Zayn: Mind Of Mine solo album review - Is it any good, then?|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a787965/zayn-mind-of-mine-solo-album-review-is-it-any-good-then/|access-date=22 June 2016|website=Digital Spy|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Kate Solomon of ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' was also positive to what she called "his dreamy falsetto underpinned by a melancholy organ line and coupled madly with ''[[Top Gun]]'' guitars and [[Disney film]] strings."<ref>{{cite news|last=Solomon|first=Kate|title=Album Review: Zayn - Mind of Mine / Releases / Drowned in Sound|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19352/reviews/4149944|access-date=24 June 2016|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|date=5 April 2016|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610180236/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19352/reviews/4149944|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Jon Caramanica]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described it as "an elegant whisper of a love song, part mellow soul burner and part post-[[Coldplay]] melancholia."<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=In Zayn Malik's 'Mind of Mine,' a Singer Eager to Reclaim Parts of Himself|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/arts/music/in-zayn-maliks-mind-of-mine-a-singer-eager-to-reclaim-parts-of-himself.html|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=23 March 2016}}</ref>

Christina Lee, an editor for ''[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]'', noticed that the song "sounds like Zayn asked '[[Channel Orange]]' producer Malay for his own version of [[Frank Ocean]]'s 'Bad Religion,' though it suffers because his writing and singing aren't nearly as gripping."<ref name="idolator"/> Sam Richards of ''[[NME]]'' agreed, noting that "the beginning of ‘It’s You’ sounds like that album's 'Bad Religion', with its melancholy jazz chords and confessional vocals – though it's debatable how much Zayn is ready to confess."<ref name="NME">{{cite news|last=Richards|first=Sam|title=Zayn - 'Mind Of Mine' Review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/zayn-malik/16432|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[NME]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> Michael Cragg of ''[[The Guardian]]'' also saw similarities, expressing that "Zayn "showcases his Frank Ocean-esque falsetto on the sad-eyed, organ-drenched [track]."<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|last=Cragg|first=Michael|title=Zayn Malik: Mind of Mine review – downbeat sex jams drive assured rebrand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/25/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-review-assured-rebrand|access-date=22 June 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Mikael Wood of ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' also perceived influences of Ocean.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Review A year after quitting One Direction, Zayn Malik gets serious on the moody, textured 'Mind of Mine'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-zayn-album-review-20160323-story.html|access-date=23 June 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=23 March 2016}}</ref> Sarah Murphy of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' thought that the track worked for showing a "more mature content and a sleeker, less bubblegum-y pop sound" and credited Malay for the feat.<ref name="exclaim">{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Sarah|title=Zayn Mind of Mine|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/zayn-mind_of_mine|access-date=23 June 2016|website=[[Exclaim!]]|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''{{'}}s Andrew Unterberger also praised the producer for "serving up most of the LP's highlights," which included "the lightly quaking [[Beach House]] gauze" song. He also praised Zayn's voice for "floating like a paper airplane above the tremors."<ref name="spin">{{cite news|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew|title=Review: ZAYN's 'Mind of Mine' Is a So-So Thing to Waste|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/03/review-zayn-mind-of-mine/|access-date=24 June 2016|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=30 March 2016}}</ref> On the other hand, Brittany Spanos of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called it a "tepid ballad."<ref name="rsreview">{{cite magazine|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |title=Zayn Malik Mind of Mine Album Review|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-20160325|access-date=24 June 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=25 March 2016|archive-date=30 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930171340/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/zayn-malik-mind-of-mine-20160325|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Chart performance ==
== Chart performance ==
After being released as a promotional single, "It's You" charted in several countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 48 on the official [[UK Singles Chart]], and at number 9 on the [[UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts|R&B component chart]].<ref name="UK" /><ref name="UK R&B" /> In Australia, France, and Sweden, it spent one week on their respective charts, where it debuted at numbers 38, 65, and 97, respectively.<ref name="Australia" /><ref name="France" /><ref name="Sweden" /> According to ''Billboard'', "It's You" was the most mentioned song on [[Twitter]] for the week ended 19 March 2016, where it topped the [[Billboard Twitter Real-Time|''Billboard'' Twitter Real-Time]] chart,<ref name="Twitter Time">{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|title=Zayn's 'It's You' Hits No. 1 on Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7033671/zayn-its-you-no-1-trainor-debuts-twitter-tracks-chart|accessdate=9 October 2016|work=Billboard|date=10 March 2016}}</ref> in addition to peaking at number 59 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="US" /> Furthermore, the track peaked in Scotland, Canada, and Ireland at positions 30, 71, and 74, respectively.<ref name="Scotland" /><ref name="Canada" /><ref name="Ireland" />
After being released as a promotional single, "It's You" charted in several countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 48 on the official [[UK Singles Chart]], and at number 9 on the [[UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts|R&B component chart]].<ref name="UK" /><ref name="UK R&B" /> In Australia, France, and Sweden, it spent one week on their respective charts, where it debuted at numbers 38, 65, and 97, respectively.<ref name="Australia" /><ref name="France" /><ref name="Sweden" /> According to ''Billboard'', "It's You" was the most mentioned song on [[Twitter]] for the week ended 19 March 2016, where it topped the [[Billboard Twitter Real-Time|''Billboard'' Twitter Real-Time]] chart,<ref name="Twitter Time">{{cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|title=Zayn's 'It's You' Hits No. 1 on Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7033671/zayn-its-you-no-1-trainor-debuts-twitter-tracks-chart|access-date=9 October 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=10 March 2016}}</ref> in addition to peaking at number 59 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="US" /> Furthermore, the track peaked in Scotland, Canada, and Ireland at positions 30, 71, and 74, respectively.<ref name="Scotland" /><ref name="Canada" /><ref name="Ireland" />


== Music video ==
== Music video ==
The music video for the song was directed by Ryan Hope and released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the [[Apple Store]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Billboard Staff|title=Zayn Malik's 'It's You' Video Arrives as Apple Exclusive|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6890379/zayn-malik-video-its-you|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=Billboard|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> The black-and-white video finds the singer in a pensive state, with scenes shot in slow motion.<ref name="rsvideo">{{cite news|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|title=Watch Zayn Malik's Pensive, Moody 'It's You' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-zayn-maliks-pensive-moody-its-you-video-20160226|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=Rolling Stone|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> In the beginning, Malik is first seen alone inside a home while his video co-star [[Nicola Peltz]] is outside enjoying the pool. Later, Malik sits at a piano. As the video progresses, "the object of his affection is seen with another man at a cocktail party while Malik looks on. It culminates with Malik watching through a window as his former love drives away," as explained by ''Rolling Stone''{{'s}} Althea Legaspi.<ref name="rsvideo"/> Eventually, the video was uploaded on his [[Vevo]] account on [[YouTube]] on 28 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=ZAYN - iT's YoU|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1seDBXvGYcc|via=[[YouTube]]|accessdate=24 June 2016}}</ref>
The music video for the song was directed by Ryan Hope and released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the [[Apple Store]].<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Billboard Staff|title=Zayn Malik's 'It's You' Video Arrives as Apple Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6890379/zayn-malik-video-its-you|access-date=24 June 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> The black-and-white video finds the singer in a pensive state, with scenes shot in slow motion.<ref name="rsvideo">{{cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|title=Watch Zayn Malik's Pensive, Moody 'It's You' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-zayn-maliks-pensive-moody-its-you-video-20160226|access-date=24 June 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> In the beginning, Malik is first seen alone inside a home while his video co-star [[Nicola Peltz]] is outside enjoying the pool. Later, Malik sits at a piano. As the video progresses, "the object of his affection is seen with another man at a cocktail party while Malik looks on. It culminates with Malik watching through a window as his former love drives away," as explained by ''Rolling Stone''{{'s}} Althea Legaspi.<ref name="rsvideo"/> Eventually, the video was uploaded on his [[Vevo]] account on [[YouTube]] on 28 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=ZAYN - iT's YoU| date=28 March 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1seDBXvGYcc|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=24 June 2016}}</ref>


Julia of [[2Day FM]] called it a "stunning", "ridiculously hot" and a "black and white masterpiece."<ref>{{cite news|author=Julia|title=Zayn’s New Video For 'It's You' Is Ridiculously Hot But Where's Gigi?|url=http://www.2dayfm.com.au/2dayfm/scoopla/music/blog/2016/2/zayns-new-video-for-its-you-is-ridiculously-hot-but-wheres-gigi/|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=[[2Day FM]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Kat Boehrer of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' named it a "mesmerizing video."<ref>{{cite news|last=Boehrer|first=Kat|title=Watch ZAYN's Mesmerizing Music Video for "It's You"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/zayn-its-you-music-video|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> The [[Capital (radio network)|Capital FM]] website published that the video is "a moody, atmospheric piece of art that is almost guaranteed to make you fall in love with the singer."<ref>{{cite news|title=ZAYN's Official 'It's You' Video Has Arrived And EVERY Scene Will Make You SWOON!|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/one-direction/zayn-malik/videos/its-you/|accessdate=24 June 2016|publisher=[[Capital (radio network)|Capital FM]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Jackson McHenry of [[Vulture.com]] called it "a more melancholy-look love."<ref>{{cite news|last=McHenry|first=Jackson|title=Zayn Debuts His Melancholy 'It's You' Music Video and Releases a 'Pillowtalk' Remix With Lil Wayne|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/02/zayn-debuts-melancholy-its-you-music-video.html|accessdate=24 June 2016|website=[[Vulture.com]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref>
Julia of [[2Day FM]] called it a "stunning", "ridiculously hot" and a "black and white masterpiece."<ref>{{cite news|author=Julia|title=Zayn's New Video For 'It's You' Is Ridiculously Hot But Where's Gigi?|url=http://www.2dayfm.com.au/2dayfm/scoopla/music/blog/2016/2/zayns-new-video-for-its-you-is-ridiculously-hot-but-wheres-gigi/|access-date=24 June 2016|work=[[2Day FM]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Kat Boehrer of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' named it a "mesmerizing video."<ref>{{cite news|last=Boehrer|first=Kat|title=Watch ZAYN's Mesmerizing Music Video for "It's You"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/zayn-its-you-music-video|access-date=24 June 2016|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> The [[Capital (radio network)|Capital FM]] website published that the video is "a moody, atmospheric piece of art that is almost guaranteed to make you fall in love with the singer."<ref>{{cite news|title=ZAYN's Official 'It's You' Video Has Arrived And EVERY Scene Will Make You SWOON!|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/one-direction/zayn-malik/videos/its-you/|access-date=24 June 2016|publisher=[[Capital (radio network)|Capital FM]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref> Jackson McHenry of [[Vulture.com]] called it "a more melancholy-look love."<ref>{{cite news|last=McHenry|first=Jackson|title=Zayn Debuts His Melancholy 'It's You' Music Video and Releases a 'Pillowtalk' Remix With Lil Wayne|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/02/zayn-debuts-melancholy-its-you-music-video.html|access-date=24 June 2016|website=[[Vulture.com]]|date=26 February 2016}}</ref>


== Live performances ==
== Live performances ==
Zayn made his solo live debut on television with a live performance of "It's You" during his appearance on the ''[[Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon]]'' on 18 February 2016.<ref name="usatoday"/> "It's You" was also part of his setlist at the [[Wango Tango#2016 lineup|2016 Wango Tango]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=August|title=Wango Tango 2016: Ariana Grande, Zayn Malik and Fifth Harmony kick-start Top-40 pop|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-wango-tango-review-20160515-snap-story.html|accessdate=24 June 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=15 May 2016}}</ref> An additional live rendition occurred during the Honda Stage at the [[iHeartRadio|iHeartRadio Theater]] in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref name="Youtube live">{{cite web|title=Zayn – It's You (Live on the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater NY)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aPDuU3j8-c|accessdate=4 October 2016|via=[[YouTube]]|date=29 March 2016}}</ref>
Zayn made his solo live debut on television with a live performance of "It's You" during his appearance on the ''[[Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon]]'' on 18 February 2016.<ref name="usatoday"/> "It's You" was also part of his setlist at the [[Wango Tango#2016 lineup|2016 Wango Tango]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=August|title=Wango Tango 2016: Ariana Grande, Zayn Malik and Fifth Harmony kick-start Top-40 pop|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-wango-tango-review-20160515-snap-story.html|access-date=24 June 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=15 May 2016}}</ref> An additional live rendition occurred during the Honda Stage at the [[iHeartRadio|iHeartRadio Theater]] in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref name="Youtube live">{{cite web|title=Zayn – It's You (Live on the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater NY)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aPDuU3j8-c|access-date=4 October 2016|via=[[YouTube]]|date=29 March 2016}}</ref>


== Credits and personnel ==
== Credits and personnel ==
Line 81: Line 80:
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
|-
|-
{{single chart|Australia|38|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|accessdate=20 June 2016|refname="Australia"}}
{{single chart|Australia|38|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|access-date=20 June 2016|refname="Australia"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Canada|71|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|accessdate=20 June 2016|refname="Canada"}}
{{single chart|Canada|71|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|access-date=20 June 2016|refname="Canada"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|France|65|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|accessdate=20 June 2016|refname="France"}}
{{single chart|France|65|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|access-date=20 June 2016|refname="France"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Ireland|74|year=2016|week=9|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 June 2016|refname="Ireland"}}
{{single chart|Ireland|74|year=2016|week=9|rowheader=true|access-date=24 June 2016|refname="Ireland"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Italy|95|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 July 2016}}
{{single chart|Italy|95|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|30|date=20160304|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 June 2016|refname="Scotland"}}
{{single chart|Portugal|49|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|access-date=16 April 2016}}
|-
|-
⚫
{{single chart|Scotland|30|date=20160304|rowheader=true|access-date=24 June 2016|refname="Scotland"}}
⚫
!scope="row"|South Korea International Chart ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=ALL&termGbn=week&hitYear=2016&targetTime=14&nationGbn=E|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|title=Gaon Digital Chart – Issue date: 2016.04.17 – 2016.04.23|accessdate=24 June 2016}}</ref>
|-
⚫
!scope="row"|South Korea International Chart ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=ALL&termGbn=week&hitYear=2016&targetTime=14&nationGbn=E|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|title=Gaon Digital Chart – Issue date: 2016.04.17 – 2016.04.23|access-date=24 June 2016}}</ref>
| 50
| 50
|-
|-
{{single chart|Sweden|97|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|accessdate=20 June 2016|refname="Sweden"}}
{{single chart|Sweden|97|artist=Zayn|song=It's You|rowheader=true|access-date=20 June 2016|refname="Sweden"}}
|-
⚫
{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|48|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|access-date=24 June 2016|refname="UK"}}
|-
{{single chart|UKrandb|9|date=20160304|rowheader=true|access-date=24 June 2016|refname="UK R&B"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|48|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 June 2016|refname="UK"}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|59|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|access-date=April 26, 2016|refname="US"}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Digital Songs|Digital Song Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/zayn/chart-history/hds/|title=Zayn Chart History (Digital Song Sales)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>
⚫
{{single chart|UKrandb|9|date=20160304|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 June 2016|refname="UK R&B"}}
| 19
|-
|-
⚫
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|59|artist=Zayn|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 26, 2016|refname="US"}}
|}
|}


Line 109: Line 114:


== External links ==
== External links ==
⚫
*{{YouTube|1seDBXvGYcc|"It's You" (Music Video)}}
*{{MetroLyrics song|zayn-malik|its-you}}
⚫
*{{Youtube|1seDBXvGYcc|"It's You" (Music Video)}}


{{Zayn Malik}}
{{Zayn Malik}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:2010s ballads]]
[[Category:2010s ballads]]

Latest revision as of 04:11, 23 November 2024

"It's You"
Promotional single by Zayn
from the album Mind of Mine
Released25 February 2016
GenreR&B
Length3:46
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Malay

"It's You" (stylised as "iT's YoU") is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Zayn from his debut solo studio album Mind of Mine (2016). It was written by Zayn, James Ho and Harold Lilly, whilst production was handled by Malay. Zayn debuted the track with a live performance during his appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on 18 February 2016. It was later premiered on Beats 1 Radio on 25 February 2016, and ultimately was released as the first promotional single from the album on 25 February 2016 along with the album's pre-order on iTunes.

A slow-paced, intimate R&B ballad, "It's You" features organ-like keyboards, pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar through its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about a break-up, where the protagonist is desperate for answers on a failed relationship. Considered an album highlight by various reviewers, several critics additionally believed that the inspiration behind the track was Zayn's relationship with former girlfriend Perrie Edwards. "It's You" charted moderately around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and the United States. The accompanying music video for the song was released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the Apple Store and later on 28 March 2016.

Background and release

[edit]

Soon after his departure from the British-Irish band One Direction, Zayn started working on his debut solo studio album; months later, on 22 July 2015, it was announced that Zayn was recording new music with record producer Malay Ho, after the producer posted a photo with the singer on his Instagram account.[1] Malik's management team reached out to him because Zayn was a fan of his work with artists such as John Legend, Alicia Keys and Frank Ocean. Later, Ho heard "Pillowtalk" and "Fool for You" before signing on to produce the record, and thought Malik's voice was "incredible" and agreed to work with him.[2] The two recorded most of the songs in the Studio Suite at the Palms Casino Resort, inside Malik's Beverly Hills Hotel room, and in the middle of the woods. As recalled by Ho, the work had a "super creative, super free" atmosphere.[2] Zayn admitted that "He’s just an amazing person. Like from the second I met him I just knew he was kind of different. He looks into every instrument in high detail and he understands how to break it down."[3]

One of the songs they worked together, "It's You", was said to be one of the album's centerpiece,[4] with Malik commenting: "I just felt like I needed to put myself out there, just because it was a form of therapy for me and it did help me get through some shit. If I can help someone else at that time, that’s cool."[5] Dan Hyman from Pitchfork stated that the song shared similarities with Ocean's "Bad Religion", with Ho mentioning that after hearing the song live and Zayn's fans noting similarities between both songs, he found them similar with the organ.[6] "It's You" premiered during Zane Lowe's Beats One Radio on 25 February 2016, and a day later, 26 February 2016, it was released as the first promotional single from Zayn's debut solo studio album Mind of Mine (2016), along with the pre-order of the album on the iTunes Store.[7]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"It's You" was written by Malik, James Ho and Harold Lilly, and produced by Malay. Malay was also responsible for guitar, programming, keyboards, bass and triangle. String arrangement and orchestration were provided by Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer, while Eggar played the cello and Palmer acted as the track's conductor. Additionally, violins were performed by Katie Kresek and Rachel Golub. It was recorded at two studios: the Larabee Studios in North Hollywood and Germano Studios in New York City. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, it is written in the key of F major with a tempo of 63 beats per minute in common time. The song follows a chord progression of F – B♭m6/D♭ – F/6 –Am/C, and Malik's vocals span from C4 to D♭6.[8] It is a slow-burning,[9] intimate R&B ballad with a "dreamy, ambient" synth,[10] organ-like keyboards,[11] pulsating beats and sparingly employed strings, piano, and electric guitar.[12] During the track, Zayn uses pained vocals,[11] while during its chorus he uses his falsetto.[10]

Lyrically, the song talks about a heartbreak,[4] as a girl is playing with the protagonist heart's, he's being used and his feelings are being thrown to the side.[13] The song opens with Zayn singing, "She got, she got, she got/Her own reason for talking to me/She don't, she don't, she don't/Give a f**k/About what I need," before continuing: "Tell me your lies/Because I just can't face it."[14] In the chorus, he repeats: "It's you, it's you, it's you," showing that he "can't seem to fight his feelings about th[e] girl being 'the one,' but "also referring to the loss of that love he is dealing with based off of [sic] her and her decisions within their relationship."[13] Several critics believed that the song was written about Zayn's break-up with former fiancée Perrie Edwards.[5][14][15]

Critical reception

[edit]
The song was compared to Frank Ocean's "Bad Religion".

"It's You" was well-received by several music critics. Tim Sendra of AllMusic picked the track as one of the album's highlights, noting that "his soaring falsetto on 'iT's YoU' is breathtaking."[16] Zach Frydenlund of Complex called it an emotional ballad that "showcas[es] his tremendous vocal abilities, which weren't on display like this previously."[7] Andy Gill of The Independent was also complimentary of his vocals and selected it as one of the tracks to download, writing that "the drawn-out, melismatic title hook of 'It's You' soars over the organ drone and piano."[17] Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine praised the "Malik's surprisingly mournful vocals on the haunting" song.[12] Amy Davidson, writing for Digital Spy, named it "a slice of slick R&B," observing that "the stripped back production lets his airy falsetto come through nicely, and the whole thing sits as perfectly stylised as his glorious quiff."[18] Lewis Corner of the same publication opined that, "It's the most vulnerable Zayn sounds on the entire record, while his spire-scaling 'oooohs' are poignantly doleful."[19] Kate Solomon of Drowned in Sound was also positive to what she called "his dreamy falsetto underpinned by a melancholy organ line and coupled madly with Top Gun guitars and Disney film strings."[20] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described it as "an elegant whisper of a love song, part mellow soul burner and part post-Coldplay melancholia."[21]

Christina Lee, an editor for Idolator, noticed that the song "sounds like Zayn asked 'Channel Orange' producer Malay for his own version of Frank Ocean's 'Bad Religion,' though it suffers because his writing and singing aren't nearly as gripping."[11] Sam Richards of NME agreed, noting that "the beginning of ‘It’s You’ sounds like that album's 'Bad Religion', with its melancholy jazz chords and confessional vocals – though it's debatable how much Zayn is ready to confess."[22] Michael Cragg of The Guardian also saw similarities, expressing that "Zayn "showcases his Frank Ocean-esque falsetto on the sad-eyed, organ-drenched [track]."[23] Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times also perceived influences of Ocean.[24] Sarah Murphy of Exclaim! thought that the track worked for showing a "more mature content and a sleeker, less bubblegum-y pop sound" and credited Malay for the feat.[25] Spin's Andrew Unterberger also praised the producer for "serving up most of the LP's highlights," which included "the lightly quaking Beach House gauze" song. He also praised Zayn's voice for "floating like a paper airplane above the tremors."[26] On the other hand, Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone called it a "tepid ballad."[27]

Chart performance

[edit]

After being released as a promotional single, "It's You" charted in several countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 48 on the official UK Singles Chart, and at number 9 on the R&B component chart.[28][29] In Australia, France, and Sweden, it spent one week on their respective charts, where it debuted at numbers 38, 65, and 97, respectively.[30][31][32] According to Billboard, "It's You" was the most mentioned song on Twitter for the week ended 19 March 2016, where it topped the Billboard Twitter Real-Time chart,[33] in addition to peaking at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.[34] Furthermore, the track peaked in Scotland, Canada, and Ireland at positions 30, 71, and 74, respectively.[35][36][37]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for the song was directed by Ryan Hope and released on 26 February 2016 exclusively on the Apple Store.[38] The black-and-white video finds the singer in a pensive state, with scenes shot in slow motion.[39] In the beginning, Malik is first seen alone inside a home while his video co-star Nicola Peltz is outside enjoying the pool. Later, Malik sits at a piano. As the video progresses, "the object of his affection is seen with another man at a cocktail party while Malik looks on. It culminates with Malik watching through a window as his former love drives away," as explained by Rolling Stone's Althea Legaspi.[39] Eventually, the video was uploaded on his Vevo account on YouTube on 28 March 2016.[40]

Julia of 2Day FM called it a "stunning", "ridiculously hot" and a "black and white masterpiece."[41] Kat Boehrer of Complex named it a "mesmerizing video."[42] The Capital FM website published that the video is "a moody, atmospheric piece of art that is almost guaranteed to make you fall in love with the singer."[43] Jackson McHenry of Vulture.com called it "a more melancholy-look love."[44]

Live performances

[edit]

Zayn made his solo live debut on television with a live performance of "It's You" during his appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on 18 February 2016.[4] "It's You" was also part of his setlist at the 2016 Wango Tango.[45] An additional live rendition occurred during the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater in New York City, New York.[46]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Recording

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Mind of Mine, RCA Records.[47]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[30] 38
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[36] 71
France (SNEP)[31] 65
Ireland (IRMA)[37] 74
Italy (FIMI)[48] 95
Portugal (AFP)[49] 49
Scotland (OCC)[35] 30
South Korea International Chart (Gaon)[50] 50
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[32] 97
UK Singles (OCC)[28] 48
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[29] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[34] 59
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[51] 19

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Stutz, Colin (28 July 2015). "Zayn Malik is Working With Frank Ocean Producer, Malay". Billboard. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b Steiner, Amanda Michelle (25 March 2016). "Inside the making of Zayn Malik's debut album, Mind of Mine". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  3. ^ Roth, Madeline (28 January 2016). "13 Truth Bombs Zayn Malik Just Dropped In His First Solo Broadcast Interview". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  4. ^ a b c M. Jones, Jaleesa (18 February 2016). "Zayn Malik debuts yearning new song, 'It's You,' on 'Fallon'". USA Today. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  5. ^ a b Welsh, Daniel (28 January 2016). "Zayn Malik's Solo Album 'Mind Of Mine' WILL Feature Perrie Edwards Break-Up Song". Huffington Post. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  6. ^ Hyman, Dan (29 March 2016). "Producer Malay On Zayn's Reinvention and What Frank Ocean's Up To". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  7. ^ a b Frydenlund, Zach (25 February 2016). "Listen to ZAYN's New Song, "It's You"". Complex. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  8. ^ "Zayn - "It's You" - Digital Sheet Music". EMI Music Publishing. 3 March 2016. MN0161489. Retrieved June 17, 2016 – via Musicnotes.com.
  9. ^ Leight, Elias (18 February 2016). "Zayn Malik Debuts "It's You," Reveals Album Artwork". The Fader. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  10. ^ a b Spanos, Brittany (26 February 2016). "Hear Zayn Malik's Dreamy Ballad 'It's You'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  11. ^ a b c Lee, Christina (25 March 2016). "Zayn Malik's 'Mind Of Mine': Album Review". Idolator. Retrieved 22 June 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  12. ^ a b Camp, Alexa (24 March 2016). "Zayn: Mind of Mine | Album Review | Slant Magazine". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  13. ^ a b Lulic, Michelle (18 February 2016). "Zayn Malik "It's You" Lyrics Paint A Picture Of Heartbreak That Show A Softer Side Of The Singer — VIDEO". Bustle. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  14. ^ a b Rainey, Naomi (19 February 2016). "Zayn Malik hits out at ex-girlfriend in new song 'It's You' - and fans think Perrie Edwards might be the target". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  15. ^ Mizoguchi, Karen (18 February 2016). "Zayn Malik Makes Solo TV Debut on The Tonight Show with New Song 'It's You' – Plus See His Adorable Album Cover!". People. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  16. ^ Sendra, Tim. "Mind of Mine - ZAYN - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  17. ^ Gill, Andy (25 March 2016). "Zayn Malik, Zayn Mind of Mine: 'Sublime R&B beats from the Bradford Bad Boy', album review". The Independent. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  18. ^ Corner, Lewis (2 March 2016). "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear - Zayn, Azealia Banks, Tinie Tempah". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  19. ^ Corner, Lewis (25 March 2016). "Zayn: Mind Of Mine solo album review - Is it any good, then?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  20. ^ Solomon, Kate (5 April 2016). "Album Review: Zayn - Mind of Mine / Releases / Drowned in Sound". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  21. ^ Caramanica, Jon (23 March 2016). "In Zayn Malik's 'Mind of Mine,' a Singer Eager to Reclaim Parts of Himself". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  22. ^ Richards, Sam (24 March 2016). "Zayn - 'Mind Of Mine' Review". NME. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  23. ^ Cragg, Michael (25 March 2016). "Zayn Malik: Mind of Mine review – downbeat sex jams drive assured rebrand". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  24. ^ Wood, Mikael (23 March 2016). "Review A year after quitting One Direction, Zayn Malik gets serious on the moody, textured 'Mind of Mine'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  25. ^ Murphy, Sarah (24 March 2016). "Zayn Mind of Mine". Exclaim!. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  26. ^ Unterberger, Andrew (30 March 2016). "Review: ZAYN's 'Mind of Mine' Is a So-So Thing to Waste". Spin. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  27. ^ Spanos, Brittany (25 March 2016). "Zayn Malik Mind of Mine Album Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  28. ^ a b "Zayn: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  29. ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  30. ^ a b "Zayn – It's You". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  31. ^ a b "Zayn – It's You" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  32. ^ a b "Zayn – It's You". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  33. ^ Anderson, Trevor (10 March 2016). "Zayn's 'It's You' Hits No. 1 on Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  34. ^ a b "Zayn Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  35. ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  36. ^ a b "Zayn Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  37. ^ a b "Chart Track: Week 9, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  38. ^ Billboard Staff (26 February 2016). "Zayn Malik's 'It's You' Video Arrives as Apple Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  39. ^ a b Legaspi, Althea (26 February 2016). "Watch Zayn Malik's Pensive, Moody 'It's You' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  40. ^ "ZAYN - iT's YoU". 28 March 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ Julia (26 February 2016). "Zayn's New Video For 'It's You' Is Ridiculously Hot But Where's Gigi?". 2Day FM. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  42. ^ Boehrer, Kat (26 February 2016). "Watch ZAYN's Mesmerizing Music Video for "It's You"". Complex. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  43. ^ "ZAYN's Official 'It's You' Video Has Arrived And EVERY Scene Will Make You SWOON!". Capital FM. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  44. ^ McHenry, Jackson (26 February 2016). "Zayn Debuts His Melancholy 'It's You' Music Video and Releases a 'Pillowtalk' Remix With Lil Wayne". Vulture.com. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  45. ^ Brown, August (15 May 2016). "Wango Tango 2016: Ariana Grande, Zayn Malik and Fifth Harmony kick-start Top-40 pop". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  46. ^ "Zayn – It's You (Live on the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater NY)". 29 March 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016 – via YouTube.
  47. ^ Mind of Mine (inlay cover). Zayn. RCA Records. 2016.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  48. ^ "Zayn – It's You". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 3 July 2016.
  49. ^ "Zayn – It's You". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  50. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart – Issue date: 2016.04.17 – 2016.04.23". Gaon Chart. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  51. ^ "Zayn Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=It%27s_You_(Zayn_song)&oldid=1259062473"