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. DanaChi
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Uma excelente estreia. Agora entendo o que Zayn quis dizer com "esse álbum estava preso em minha cabeça há 10 anos". Ele mostra uma incrível versatilidade e não teve medo de envolver o pessoal na sua música. O som dele é muito diferente do que costumava fazer no One Direction. É urbano e apaixonado. Jóias ocultas: "Golden", "Do Something Good" e "Intermission ~ flower" que ele canta emUma excelente estreia. Agora entendo o que Zayn quis dizer com "esse álbum estava preso em minha cabeça há 10 anos". Ele mostra uma incrível versatilidade e não teve medo de envolver o pessoal na sua música. O som dele é muito diferente do que costumava fazer no One Direction. É urbano e apaixonado. Jóias ocultas: "Golden", "Do Something Good" e "Intermission ~ flower" que ele canta em Urdu, língua nativa de seu pai (no estado que o mundo se encontra, pontos extras para o Zayn por ser tão vocal sobre sua etnia paquistanesa e sobre o islã!)… Expand
  2. zunshine
    May 13, 2017
    10
    eu estava aguardando muito esse album, e eu adorei, simplesmente meu bolinho soube muito bem escolher e compor suas musicas. eu realmente adorei, e se tansformou em meu album favorito, onde eu escuto todos os dias, desde pillowtalk até golden. parabens zayn iconico
  3. sugoisugoi
    May 13, 2017
    10
    zayn actually surprised me with his album. i'm a person who thought only harry was gonna make solo music and no one else, then zayn came out with MoM and i was shocked, also a little apprehensive, after much forethought i finally relinquished and listen to his album. it struck me to my core! the mood of his lyrics paired with the moodyness of his vocals sent me into a trance (i guess thiszayn actually surprised me with his album. i'm a person who thought only harry was gonna make solo music and no one else, then zayn came out with MoM and i was shocked, also a little apprehensive, after much forethought i finally relinquished and listen to his album. it struck me to my core! the mood of his lyrics paired with the moodyness of his vocals sent me into a trance (i guess this is what doing drugs feels like). also with much of his songs, there is this vulnerability, a truth that pours out that i can only respect. it is true artistry… Expand
  4. jamesleeah
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I came to his music because Pillowtalk and even if it's a lot different from what i expected at first i have to say it's mavellous. This is the kind of album to listen with the lights off, very intimate. He's without a doubt a promise of the music.
  5. crynomore
    May 13, 2017
    10
    mind of mine shows how talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique zayn is (as gaga would say).
  6. Primaverosa
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Moody, changing, sexy and even inspiring is what this album represent as whole. It's a great example of being inspired by amazing artists without copying them. I'm pretty sure of what will come in the future will be better, an i'm waiting (in the meantime i'll be here listening MoM and enjoying it a lot).
  7. charlotteellie
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Solid debut album from someone who clearly had a lot to say and hadn't been able to truly express himself in his previous gig as part of One Direction. The album feels like a peek into Zayn's mind, as the title suggests, and a glimpse into the emotions he felt as he struggled with life and love and fame. Mind of Mine is melancholic in many places, but also hopeful at times. The album hasSolid debut album from someone who clearly had a lot to say and hadn't been able to truly express himself in his previous gig as part of One Direction. The album feels like a peek into Zayn's mind, as the title suggests, and a glimpse into the emotions he felt as he struggled with life and love and fame. Mind of Mine is melancholic in many places, but also hopeful at times. The album has many layers and the more I listen, then more I feel like I discover bits and pieces of who Zayn is. It truly deserves multiple plays before you decide if you like it or not because it's such a long, multifaceted album. It feels like one is taking a journey with Zayn as you listen to it from start to finish. And the production is great. Malay Ho is truly one of the greats.

    Zayn's voice is angelic on tracks like It's You and Intermission: Flower. The urdu on Flower is particularly haunting and beautiful. Stand out tracks for me are Befour (probably one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time), Drunk (a summer anthem if I've ever heard one), Rear View (a tragically honest song about going through hard times and trying not to look back), and Lucozade (a crazy spit fire track that was recorded in one take).

    If you like darker Pop/R&B you will definitely enjoy this album. Even if that's not your type of music, everyone can appreciate Zayn's vocal ability. His falsettos in particularly truly shine throughout the album. Definitely one of the top male vocalists around right now.    … Expand
  8. permalik
    May 13, 2017
    10
    one of my favorite albums of all time. i'm so glad zayn was finally able to release music he actually likes. i particularly love flower, befour and borderz.
    keep the good work zayn ! i can't wait to listen to your second album, which i'm sure will be a masterpiece as well !
  9. dasada
    May 13, 2017
    9
    "Zayn Malik has finally shown the world what he can do, and we ought to be glad that he did. This album is a surefire way to get in the mood, but also catchy enough for just chilling and "blazing on that new found haze" like Zayn does in the song "lUcOzAdE." "Mind of Mine" successfully showcases Malik's shining talent and recognizes the sweet and sensual aspect of R&B.
  10. ube1kenobi
    May 13, 2017
    9
    After one year of its release MoM is still a banger when played in my car. You can feel his blood, sweat, and tears in this album...the frustration of getting his voice out there when in 1D, yeah he was there, but was heavily muted (e.g. backup vocals). Here he shows his strengths in this album, but in return (that is outside from the album) we also saw his vulnerability. It's a shame thatAfter one year of its release MoM is still a banger when played in my car. You can feel his blood, sweat, and tears in this album...the frustration of getting his voice out there when in 1D, yeah he was there, but was heavily muted (e.g. backup vocals). Here he shows his strengths in this album, but in return (that is outside from the album) we also saw his vulnerability. It's a shame that his anxiety crippled him to perform in public, but when he does, I'm sure it music to the audiences' ears. My daughter introduced me to 1D and Zayn was my instant favorite because of the soulful voice he exuded when he sang for/with the group. In my opinion, he put a glue to that group (and that became apparent when he left and the group released Made in the AM). That said, my fave song in the album is Rear View, followed by Take it Off (TiO), and Like I would...just smooth in every way for me. His voice reaches into my soul, something that's been lacking in music lately. I hope for the best for Zayn, looking forward to hear what else he wants to release to the world.… Expand
  11. mona1990
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Album has a confessional vibe and it seems it tries to convey all the feelings of self doubt and of feeiling completely lost and alone but again for the first time able to express himself. It really conveys this melancholy of regret and hope, when you are at the crossroads in your life. For me the most raw song on there is Lucozade and the lyrics " I`m tryna **** but the words won´t comeAlbum has a confessional vibe and it seems it tries to convey all the feelings of self doubt and of feeiling completely lost and alone but again for the first time able to express himself. It really conveys this melancholy of regret and hope, when you are at the crossroads in your life. For me the most raw song on there is Lucozade and the lyrics " I`m tryna **** but the words won´t come out" represent how he felt I think before writing this album. It is really great debut album in my opinion.… Expand
  12. leonara
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Great mix of up-tempo production and soulful, jazzy production. Lyrics are great too. Zayn did it again. Favourite songs: WRONG. TIO. LUCOZADE. Cemented himself as one of the greatest.
  13. TE25
    May 13, 2017
    10
    After one year of his album being out im honestly still in love. There is a song for every mood. The transition into another song was done so beautiful, you can tell that was something he took his time and thought about. His vocal were out of this world(he definitely should have been the golden boy of 1D instead of that Harry) Any one could play this album the whole wat through withoutAfter one year of his album being out im honestly still in love. There is a song for every mood. The transition into another song was done so beautiful, you can tell that was something he took his time and thought about. His vocal were out of this world(he definitely should have been the golden boy of 1D instead of that Harry) Any one could play this album the whole wat through without skipping a song, its not generic, it is authentic and different. Some 1D fans my not appreciate it because they are use to that generic pop music and do not want to experience something new.… Expand
  14. alessiay
    May 13, 2017
    10
    i looooooooooooooooooove him, he's so talented and a truly artist its like the best album of the decade just with listening the high notes and the song where he sings in Urdu, he's a king
  15. kris1990
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I love this album . My favorites are TIO, She , Fool for You, Drunk and Befour, I am waiting for his second album . Truly an artist to watch . I have Mind of Mine on repeat. Excellent work !!! He is a strong lyricist , his play on words and nuance is commendable .
  16. eattea
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Zayn is proving the world how angelic his voice is. the intro was so good, i felt as if i was flying in the air as the cool breeze blows my hair. Drunk blue she pillowtalk wow
  17. Amandal
    May 13, 2017
    10
    another great project from Zayn, this is an immaculate mainstream approach, while it may have some weak tracks, and when i say weak i mean above average still, it's really impressive the consistency he has. awesome project.
  18. Hasinaforutan
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Zayns album is something entirely different. I am so glad that there are actually artists who put out respectable music (towards women) but still keep it real and nice to listen to. It does not happen often that I like a whole album, every song and every lyric on it. Only a few artists achieved that, and now I can add Zayn to them. I was completely blown away by how thoughtful, deep andZayns album is something entirely different. I am so glad that there are actually artists who put out respectable music (towards women) but still keep it real and nice to listen to. It does not happen often that I like a whole album, every song and every lyric on it. Only a few artists achieved that, and now I can add Zayn to them. I was completely blown away by how thoughtful, deep and meaningful the lyrics and every beat of each song is. My favorites are Bordersz, It's you, Rear View, Pillowtalk, Blue, golden, Do something good and Lucozade. His vocals are really nice to listen to and one year later, I am still listening to his whole album on a regular basis. I was not a fan of One Direction, quite the opposite, but even then I was fascinated by Zayn. I really liked his "Let me love you" by Mario cover, his vocals were really nice even back then. After he left I kept my eyes on him because I wanted to see what kind of music he would release. Well the wait got paid off real good, and he even improved alot to the better. I am very happy that my image of him indeed has proven to be true. He can definitely count on me when he tours or releases a new album, i am all on his side. I took my time to write this review because I saw a few people saying the album is all about sex, whereas 7 out of 18 tracks at most may include sex in a relationship, which is again real may I add.… Expand
  19. alessiag710
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Zayn is so awesome, unique, talented, amazing, brilliant, never the same, its the most handsome guy in the world, humble, beautiful, kind, incredible and spectacular, he saved the music industry with this album and some people should go to the **** verga if they say the opposite.
  20. alexiagonzalez
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Zayn with this album literally save the music industry, a truly talented, brilliant, awesome, amazing incredible, show stopping, spectacular and unique artist
  21. AnumMinal
    May 13, 2017
    10
    every song is unique and beautiful, i love how he added an Urdu song into his debut album. Some angelic voice he has got ! would love to hear him live.
  22. danish_dito
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. its one of the best solo debut in decades .....melody is so good...this guy self produced album with new producers ..... its just beginning for him ...zayn is going to be so big no one can even imagine… Expand
  23. aishah
    May 13, 2017
    10
    There are few albums which I've listened to on repeat since their release and Mind of Mine is one of the only ones. ZAYN showcases his ethereal vocals with coherent lyrics on the entire album. Each track shows tremendous raw emotion which moves me every time. (My faves being intermission: FLOWER and Lucozade) ZAYN has grown as an artist and person over the years and I’m so excited to seeThere are few albums which I've listened to on repeat since their release and Mind of Mine is one of the only ones. ZAYN showcases his ethereal vocals with coherent lyrics on the entire album. Each track shows tremendous raw emotion which moves me every time. (My faves being intermission: FLOWER and Lucozade) ZAYN has grown as an artist and person over the years and I’m so excited to see what’s next for him.… Expand
  24. jasnutter
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Very emotionally potent and carelessly sexy. Zayn showcases amazing vocal flair, skillfully incorporates influences from and elements of south asian music into his songs. Mind of mine is soulful, evocative and you feel all his longing, loss, at times apathy and confusion, and his quiet regrets. He's let out very deep and heavy emotional content but he has brilliant delivery of fun, sexyVery emotionally potent and carelessly sexy. Zayn showcases amazing vocal flair, skillfully incorporates influences from and elements of south asian music into his songs. Mind of mine is soulful, evocative and you feel all his longing, loss, at times apathy and confusion, and his quiet regrets. He's let out very deep and heavy emotional content but he has brilliant delivery of fun, sexy songs like She and Bright. Mind of mine speaks Zayn's mind with all his inspiring style, surprising and delightful turns of creativity, and his beautiful voice . An intimate and thrilling album.… Expand
  25. Gabriellamc
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This best album for sure. I knew that Zayn would do well and go the route of the artist, being true and authentic in his music! Most 1d ex-members cannot relate!
  26. evphoniious
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I think that what most people fail to see is the depth in all of his songs. It's an album just about sex, most of his songs are basically his rawest thoughts about his past life experiences, if you pay attention to his lyrics there's so much more apart from that sexual innuendo some songs have. I'm amused by his vocal and writing skills, love the different styles of his songs and hisI think that what most people fail to see is the depth in all of his songs. It's an album just about sex, most of his songs are basically his rawest thoughts about his past life experiences, if you pay attention to his lyrics there's so much more apart from that sexual innuendo some songs have. I'm amused by his vocal and writing skills, love the different styles of his songs and his boldness to sing a song in Urdu in his debut album. An album you can listen from start to finish without skipping a song.… Expand
  27. iulimti
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Zayn's album is seriously one of a kind. He doesn't stick to just one genre and shows that he is mad talented at both writing at singing. His voice is something that you can't forget quite easily and it just gets stuck in your head. Zayn is one of those people who actually has a story to tell and doesn't just put meaningless words on paper, like other overhyped artists. Definitely the bestZayn's album is seriously one of a kind. He doesn't stick to just one genre and shows that he is mad talented at both writing at singing. His voice is something that you can't forget quite easily and it just gets stuck in your head. Zayn is one of those people who actually has a story to tell and doesn't just put meaningless words on paper, like other overhyped artists. Definitely the best debut album and clearly one of the best album of 2016. Z2 will be amazing, he's coming to save the music industry once again with his crazy talent!… Expand
  28. Mad_dog
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Wow this guys talent blew me away wasn't expecting it to be that good. Zayn really proved himself as an artist i see a bright future for this kid. Well done!
  29. Laylaa
    May 13, 2017
    10
    To be honest, i don't even know Zayn i only heard pillowtalk on the radio and i thought it was this random artist i didn't know who zayn was or that he was in one direction, however, i decided to give his album a try and let me just say i didn't expect that. It wasn't your typical rnb or pop album. His voice the way he delivers the song is haunting in the best way and the production wasTo be honest, i don't even know Zayn i only heard pillowtalk on the radio and i thought it was this random artist i didn't know who zayn was or that he was in one direction, however, i decided to give his album a try and let me just say i didn't expect that. It wasn't your typical rnb or pop album. His voice the way he delivers the song is haunting in the best way and the production was excellent. For a first try not bad, not bad at all!… Expand
  30. Aloca
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hinario, acclaimed, appreciated, respected, envied, well criticized, record-breaking. Zayn shows voice, versatility, talent and originality in this masterpiece… Expand
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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.
    Read full review
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