Zayn Malik's album may be late but it's almost ready.

The solo superstar's second album was originally scheduled to drop in September but that month came and went with no announcement.

Now, in a new interview with Billboard, he has revealed that it should be released in the first quarter of 2018 and is near completion.

“I think I’m like 90 percent of the way there,” he told the reporter back in September.“I’m still working on stuff and trying to decide what goes on the album and what comes off.”

Finalising tracklists two months ago means that by now it could very well be finished, and the songs he previewed sound very, very exciting.

The cover story mentions a "Michael Jackson-inspired funk-rock tune" and name-drops the legendary Timbaland as one of the producers that Zayn has worked with on the new material.

“What impresses me about Zayn is the vision he has for his music,” Timbo revealed. “How he looks at it, takes his time with it --just really thinks it out.”

Besides the album, Zayn opened up about life with girlfriend Gigi Hadid, collaborating with Taylor Swift and gave an update on his distant relationships with One Direction.

“Our relationships have definitely changed since we were in a band together, but I think that’s just life,” he says.

“Everybody grows up; two of the guys have got kids now. But no, I don’t talk to any of them, really.”

That 1D reunion might not be likely any time soon but at least Z2 will be with us soon!

Words: Ross McNeilage

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'WATCH ZAYN AND PARTYNEXTDOOR'S 'STILL GOT TIME' VIDEO BELOW'