Written by Kayla Stroud, Web Editor

It has been a little over a year since the newly-minted solo artist Malik dumped his One Direction bandmates mid tour.

Malik cited the reason for leaving the band after his five-year stint was that he wanted to be a normal 22-year-old.

Now, millions of crying fans, multiple Twitter beefs and an RCA recording contract later, Malik has finally allowed listeners in to take a peek behind his ever mysterious veil by releasing his solo debut album “Mind of Mine.”

In it, Malik shows that he made the correct decision in leaving. His new mature, R&B sound in his new hits “Pillowtalk” and “It’s You” greatly differ from the cheery, pop tunes that he sung just a year prior.

According to Billboard, Malik is predicted to have a hotshot debut at No. 1. Now, after a successful debut campaign, the real challenge is up to Malik to sustain longevity. Will he be a Timberlake or just another name on the long list of one-hit wonders who aren’t to garner the attention after early success?