Mind of Mine
by ZAYN
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2016
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1008 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 787 out of 1008
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 1008
  3. Negative: 160 out of 1008
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  1. ultimatemusic
    Jun 6, 2017
    6
    Where do I start? ZAYN has certainly hit the nail on the head with this one hasn’t he? Every track brings you something different compared to the others, and in terms of an album, that’s fantastic, that’s what you aim for, and that’s what he’s done. I was slightly disappointed, because I was expecting something a little bigger perhaps, but then, that would have been too obvious so I can’tWhere do I start? ZAYN has certainly hit the nail on the head with this one hasn’t he? Every track brings you something different compared to the others, and in terms of an album, that’s fantastic, that’s what you aim for, and that’s what he’s done. I was slightly disappointed, because I was expecting something a little bigger perhaps, but then, that would have been too obvious so I can’t fault him with this one can I?

    The real question is, do I think that leaving One Direction was a good idea? I believe so. Listening to this album, it’s clear that ZAYN definitely deserves his own platform. He offers something that a LOT of male artists, in fact, NO male artists don’t. There is something about ZAYN that is exceedingly artistic and it’s beautiful to watch. I think this album is definitely the beginning for him, and I have a gut feeling that the second album will be even bigger. In terms of debuts, this is a perfect start. Great songs balanced out with the not-so-great, but it’s still an amazing album. He is definitely the artist to watch because I don’t think anyone has offered anything in music in terms of difference since Gaga back in 2008. ZAYN’s tree of his career is only getting bigger and his artistic expression is only one stroke of paint on an empty canvas, but I do believe in 5-10 years will be looking at a huge star.    … Expand
  2. Justin143
    May 13, 2017
    4
    20 best songs u can find in a single album..voice of an angel...he is the top vocalist of this generation...befour is awesome and the long high note **** incredible.. transition between the songs is as smooth as his voice..my favourite is rear view and lucozade and borderz... excellent album..
  3. Samimacedo
    Mar 25, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a good album , but the pop ballads sounded a little forced and boring , It's you an exception , but it's a nice album to listen to, it is mature and staff deserve a note 69 on Metacritic .… Expand
  4. kevinptztos
    Jun 6, 2016
    5
    [ENGLISH] I like some songs like "fOol fOr YoU", "dRuNk", "BeFoUr". Anyway, I think this album is better than One Direction's last album.

    [ESPAÑOL] Me gustan algunas canciones como "fOol fOr YoU", "dRuNk", "BeFoUr". De todos modos, creo que este álbum es mejor que el último de One Direction.
  5. MarioVR
    Mar 25, 2016
    5
    It feels like he's forced his new kind of music, the sound is a powerful atmosphere, the album shows his influences: Chris Brown/Drake and The Weeknd, there is a few moments when you are enjoying the song and then drops in a disappointed way. Nice try.
    Good Vocals.
    Not bad production.
    Mediocrity composition.
    Poor Lyrics.
  6. diegonelli
    Mar 25, 2016
    6
    It's better than his works with One Direction. Anyways I still don't feel very attached to this album.. nothing personal. I just don't like it very much. There are some goods songs like Befour and Drunk. PS Am I the only one who really feels uncomfortable reading the songs titles TyPeD lIkE tHiS?
  7. SumitSumbria
    May 4, 2016
    6
    A nice attempt by Zayn. The album is boring but it has certain gems of its own. "iT's YoU", "sHe" and "PILLOWTALK" are my favouite. When I hear "fLoWer", there comes a feeling as if Zayn Malik is chanting it on a Shikara in Kashmir.
  8. chidime
    Mar 25, 2016
    6
    Noble effort. You can hear in the music that he put in effort to make something different and spectacular, however, he missed the mark, by a good distance. At many points, the music just drags along without a clear destination. This doesn't just happen from track-to-track, but even in the middle of tracks. I do believe his next effort will be much better than this, since he will be farNoble effort. You can hear in the music that he put in effort to make something different and spectacular, however, he missed the mark, by a good distance. At many points, the music just drags along without a clear destination. This doesn't just happen from track-to-track, but even in the middle of tracks. I do believe his next effort will be much better than this, since he will be far wiser and more experienced. Can't wait.… Expand
  9. longjetty7
    Mar 26, 2016
    4
    This is kind of a weird album, especially considering how big of a transition Zayn made from 1D to this. Mind of Mine is sort of a modern take on R&B. It's sexy, soulful, chill, somewhat mature, and Zayn's vocal delivery is genuinely impressive throughout the album. That being said, I really just was not digging this at all. The songs have a tendency to meander, and it sounds more likeThis is kind of a weird album, especially considering how big of a transition Zayn made from 1D to this. Mind of Mine is sort of a modern take on R&B. It's sexy, soulful, chill, somewhat mature, and Zayn's vocal delivery is genuinely impressive throughout the album. That being said, I really just was not digging this at all. The songs have a tendency to meander, and it sounds more like background music than something you would actively listen to. Also, with 18 songs on the deluxe edition, it is a bit of a chore to get through, especially since a lot of the songs are slow and sound very similar to each other. Overall, I wouldn't say this was a complete failure--his new musical direction sounds fresh enough, at least--but it's definitely not as interesting as it could have been.… Expand
  10. jrodfilms
    Mar 29, 2016
    5
    i think the single pillowtalk is really good. i will probably give the album another listen in the future.it has a darker sound than the stuff with one direction. it gives me similar vibes of the weeknds music.
  11. Local
    Dec 7, 2016
    6
    Zayn will be successful as a solo artist. But this album feels like something is missing. The first half part of the album is good, with songs such as "Pillowtalk" and "Befour" sticking out of the rest. It has RnB vibe, but some of the songs are just a mess. His vocals shine (we can all agree he is talented) and the production is good, even though there is always the feeling of somethingZayn will be successful as a solo artist. But this album feels like something is missing. The first half part of the album is good, with songs such as "Pillowtalk" and "Befour" sticking out of the rest. It has RnB vibe, but some of the songs are just a mess. His vocals shine (we can all agree he is talented) and the production is good, even though there is always the feeling of something lacking.

    My personal favorites are "Pillowtalk" and "Like I Would", which I think are the only extremely good songs. The rest is just mediocre. A weak debut, that do not represent the potential Zayn has    … Expand
  12. spongeswift
    Nov 12, 2017
    6
    Zayn's first offering is versatile and diverse while being kind of boring at the same time. His vocals were amazing, the writing was good but the overall production was only ok. Better than One Direction's work but still a little boring.
  13. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    5
    ni bueno ni malo, un album muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuy olvidable

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2016
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    May 12, 2017
    70
    His vocal skills help pave over the (rare) moments when the lyrics seem a bit juvenile or the sound feels a little too familiar, and help make Mind of Mine an impressive debut. It's music he couldn't have made with One Direction and while it may not be breaking any new ground, it's new for him and he's talented enough to make that interesting for anyone who likes well-made pop music.
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  2. PopMatters
    May 11, 2016
    80
    Mind of Mine leaps right over anything on Justified and carves a path of its own. Next decade’s boybands will doubtless provoke discussion on which of them will break out like this, which one will be a Zayn.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Apr 6, 2016
    60
    Throughout this album, Mr. Malik opts for a low-octane approach, with varying success.
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