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The Show
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The Show Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 101 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length solo studio release from One Direction's Niall Horan was produced by Joel Little and John Ryan.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AllMusic
    Jun 8, 2023
    90
    With each subsequent album, Horan just gets better and better. The Show is his most immediate and engaging set to date, endlessly listenable and full of heart and charm.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 8, 2023
    80
    This new collection finds Horan moving towards the lusher production sound of his former bandmate Harry Styles. Laurel Canyon references mingle easily with Eighties synth-pop and Noughties guitar rock. It’s beautifully cohesive.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jun 8, 2023
    80
    On The Show, it sounds like Niall Horan knows exactly where he’s going.
  4. Clash Music
    Jun 8, 2023
    80
    Overall, this is undoubtedly Niall Horan’s finest and most mature album to date – and was certainly worth the wait.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jun 14, 2023
    80
    A significant part of The Show’s appeal is down to Horan’s quiet charm – he always sounded far more convincing in his low-key guitar-based tunes than, for example, Liam Payne in his perplexing attempts at club bangers.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 8, 2023
    60
    While no wheels have been reinvented, The Show is far from a bad record. If you’ve spent any time trying to imagine what a new Niall album would sound like, you’re probably pretty close.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 9, 2023
    60
    Horan’s sound of choice is much more understated, typically revolving around folky, acoustic strings and soft vocals. The Show, his third solo offering, is more of the same.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 55
  3. Negative: 2 out of 55
  1. claudia99
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    Its such a beautiful album, so mature and different from his previous music, you can clearly see the work its been put into it and how heIts such a beautiful album, so mature and different from his previous music, you can clearly see the work its been put into it and how he steps out of his comfort zone, giving us a true show.… Expand
  2. HanVM
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    His best album thus far! Niall’s music has matured a lot over the years, resulting in an amazing album that was definitely worth the wait.
  4. Elodie37
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    It's his best album so far. There are big thoughts on that album and he’s an incredible songwriter. I can’t even choose a favorite songIt's his best album so far. There are big thoughts on that album and he’s an incredible songwriter. I can’t even choose a favorite song because they’re all so amazing.… Expand
  5. Aym23
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    This album was definitely worth the wait!! The lyrics and the new sound and instruments were all beautiful and it’s so easy to see who hisThis album was definitely worth the wait!! The lyrics and the new sound and instruments were all beautiful and it’s so easy to see who his influences were. This new sound is so his style and I absolutely love it … Expand
  6. Tara22
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    Okay this officially niall's best album you can see growth on every single song. I can't even pick my favorite song out of this album everyOkay this officially niall's best album you can see growth on every single song. I can't even pick my favorite song out of this album every song is perfect… Expand
  7. Kelly19
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    The lyrics and the music suit so much with Niall's voice and i love it. Definitely one of the best albums I've heard in a while
  8. Rosiza
    Jun 9, 2023
    0
    This album rips off Coldplay and Harry Styles. Niall needs to find his own sound.

See all 55 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2023
10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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