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. zadajr
    May 12, 2017
    10
    One of the best records in 2016! an excellent debut i loved every song in that album. i gotta say Befour is favorite of all time
    very excited for his seconnd album.
  2. aysh81
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Brilliant album. Contrary to clear bias from some clear one hypocrisy fans this album is not just about sex. Songs like, Truth, Borderz, Blue, Rearview, It's You portray self reflection, woes of love and betrayal, and the effect of constantly having his art stifled. His Mind of Mindd intro and Flower intermission are masterful strokes which bring his culture and heritage into theBrilliant album. Contrary to clear bias from some clear one hypocrisy fans this album is not just about sex. Songs like, Truth, Borderz, Blue, Rearview, It's You portray self reflection, woes of love and betrayal, and the effect of constantly having his art stifled. His Mind of Mindd intro and Flower intermission are masterful strokes which bring his culture and heritage into the mainstream rnb/pop landscape. Zayn has a clear power in his voice which is shown in Pillowtalk and Fool for you, but shows artful restraint and allows the excellent production to shine through where necessary. Zayn also shows the clear commitment and love for his craft, as well as versatility in his range as he melds his fore and background vocals so the listener can have a true experience of his vocals only without relying on other people to provide that effect. Truly a joyful listening experience.… Expand
  3. Loverofmusica
    May 12, 2017
    10
    I decided to finally visit this album this week and I'm so happy I did. This is one of the best debuts I've ever heard. His delivery on Lucozade, It's You, Borderz, and Blue are all so touching. You really feel what he's saying in his songs. And they're not just about sex and drugs which is so refreshing. You can feel and see all of the undertones in all of the songs and not to mention heI decided to finally visit this album this week and I'm so happy I did. This is one of the best debuts I've ever heard. His delivery on Lucozade, It's You, Borderz, and Blue are all so touching. You really feel what he's saying in his songs. And they're not just about sex and drugs which is so refreshing. You can feel and see all of the undertones in all of the songs and not to mention he has an incredibly beautiful voice. This is definitely going down as one of my favorite albums of 2016… Expand
  4. Kdot55
    May 12, 2017
    10
    I was very surprised by this album! ZAYN did a fantastic job! The lyrics and tracklist are a bit wonky at times but being that the album is bit more moody, it somewhat lightens the mood. The standout tracks are INTERMISSION:flower, Borderz, and it's you. Flower is truly so beautiful and hope he has more like it on his other albums. His vocals are huge but not overwhelming and theI was very surprised by this album! ZAYN did a fantastic job! The lyrics and tracklist are a bit wonky at times but being that the album is bit more moody, it somewhat lightens the mood. The standout tracks are INTERMISSION:flower, Borderz, and it's you. Flower is truly so beautiful and hope he has more like it on his other albums. His vocals are huge but not overwhelming and the production is beautiful. You can tell which artists influence him but the album never feels like he's biting their style. It's truly phenomenal and I applaud Zayn for taking a step away from the typical "first to leave a boyband" fake hip hop sound. This album is great. Good work Zayn!… Expand
  5. Lanii
    May 12, 2017
    10
    honest it's THAT album you can't decide a favourite song because it's THAT good...every song you can feel the feelings in them...his vocals? Are crazy...i personally consider him as the best male vocalist of this generation....its worth your money and your time...deserve 20 out of 10
  6. blaire
    May 13, 2017
    10
    his vocals are insaaanee he has so much soul in him man i feel it. i can't wait for his next album this left me speechless i love every song, find me a better debut album, i'll wait
  7. Ultraviolenxe
    May 12, 2017
    10
    An excellent debut album that showcases the versatility of Zayn. He broke out of the bubblegum pop trap of 1D and burst into new life, and it works well. Great production, great lyrics, and phenomenal vocals. This is the world's next big superstar.
  8. ericav
    May 12, 2017
    10
    super late but this album is the best debut i've heard in a while, the smooth transitions of the songs lets you know he really spent his time on it which i appreciate, almost everything nowadays sounds rushed. some of his lyrics are a little on the corny side but most are highly commendable. the production on this album alone especially is enough to render it a quality album, and hissuper late but this album is the best debut i've heard in a while, the smooth transitions of the songs lets you know he really spent his time on it which i appreciate, almost everything nowadays sounds rushed. some of his lyrics are a little on the corny side but most are highly commendable. the production on this album alone especially is enough to render it a quality album, and his voice! i love how he harmonizes with himself using his lower and higher register. a beautiful sound really. i do wish golden wasn't just a target exclusive but otherwise i'd say my top 5 are it's you, drunk, rear view, she don't love me and befour. job well done zayn… Expand
  9. Loveofmusic
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Brilliant album. Zayn showcases his raw talent and emotion and makes you feel what he is going through. It's real it's raw and it's relatable. He sings of realizing hurtful and toxic situations and people in his life and takes you on that journey with him. It's extremely poetic and some of the plays on words are incredible and really just add to the album. Amazing album
  10. aimalfarooq
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Mind of Mine is an incredibly versatile, diverse album that draws from an eclectic range of influences, evidencing the fact that Zayn is a chameleon. His vocal texture, his range and the clear Pakistani/Asian techniques he draws from give each song a fascinatingly striking, yet melodious sound. It's not a genre-album - it cannot be pinned down because of its sheer versatility. From grungyMind of Mine is an incredibly versatile, diverse album that draws from an eclectic range of influences, evidencing the fact that Zayn is a chameleon. His vocal texture, his range and the clear Pakistani/Asian techniques he draws from give each song a fascinatingly striking, yet melodious sound. It's not a genre-album - it cannot be pinned down because of its sheer versatility. From grungy rock influences in Befour to qawwali ghazal in Intermission: Flower to piano-driven pop ballads in Fool For You to slick, mature R&B in Wrong, Mind of Mine is an album that has something in it for everyone. No song is a filler. It's moody, it's smooth, and it's come from someone who is eager to reclaim his roots after they were tried to be taken away from him.… Expand
  11. Sara222
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Real music, great voice, amazing production. A+ on a first album !!!!
    I wasn't expecting that from a debut artist that was in a boyband to be honest but Zayn outdid himself, much respect
  12. 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
  13. colorofthemusic
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I remember when I first listened to Zayn's "Pillowtalk" and how much impressed I was and it got stuck in my head for months; that single alone made me really excited and eager for his album, but little did I know what it was coming. Let me just say I wasn't expecting that at all. Mind Of Mine is really one of the most beautiful album I've ever listened to. Till this day I still bop it atI remember when I first listened to Zayn's "Pillowtalk" and how much impressed I was and it got stuck in my head for months; that single alone made me really excited and eager for his album, but little did I know what it was coming. Let me just say I wasn't expecting that at all. Mind Of Mine is really one of the most beautiful album I've ever listened to. Till this day I still bop it at least once per week and I'm still not tired of it. It's really a good and refreshing Pop/Alternative R&B album which really represents him and the music that he wants to do. Zayn delivers vocals and emotions, he really poured himself out in this album and tried to let us in to let us know him more and in my honest and humble opinion he did that. The production was excellent from the intro to the last song and I was really surprised when I realized I didn't actually feel the need to skip a song, not even one. Also I really wanna give him more credits for the lyrics because they're actually really good and I feel like people don't realize it enough. I wasn't expecting to feel all of this from an album, nothing, mostly thinking this is a debut album, but it happened and I was really surprised. Zayn's a real talented artist and he showed it with Mind Of Mine!… Expand
  14. Ile
    May 13, 2017
    10
    i love this album. His vocals are perfect. Every song is so different and I also love the lyrics, in my opinion very deep and very personal. Zayn Malik did a very good job for his first album. I'm waiting his second album!
  15. maximiliana
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Sabes ese sentimiento de esperanza luego de malos tiempos? Eso es lo que sentí cuando escuché este álbum. Tiene cierta tristeza y aún así tiene canciones llena de añoranza por un futuro cercano. Me encanta el ambiente general, como se transita entre emociones de pasión y desencanto con una ingenuidad intacta. Hermoso para un debut, le deseo lo mejor.
  16. Rebecca1
    May 13, 2017
    10
    For a debut album, it is actually outstanding. And very underrated! Considering the amount of writers and producers used on this album, in comparison to other artists just shows Zayn's talent and he will only improve on the next album. Stand out tracks for me are its you- stunning vocals, productions and heartbreak! I also love blue a lot. If you love slow tracks you'll like that and theFor a debut album, it is actually outstanding. And very underrated! Considering the amount of writers and producers used on this album, in comparison to other artists just shows Zayn's talent and he will only improve on the next album. Stand out tracks for me are its you- stunning vocals, productions and heartbreak! I also love blue a lot. If you love slow tracks you'll like that and the emotion in his voice is immense. Pillowtalk obviously, the success it had just shows its quality and how different it is from the charts. Rear view, truth, befour are also amazing lyrically and clearly serve a purpose. Not that keen on Bright and fool for you, but still, not bad tracks at all. I can imagine them to be stand out tracks for other listeners. That is another amazing thing about this album, so many people point out different tracks as their fave, which is always a good sign. solid album… Expand
  17. Allestrix
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This is a solid debut album. Each songs telling a story, and the transition between songs is so smooth.
    Zayn has incredible vocals, the way he sang the words is beautiful, very Zayn, very different.
    He is also becoming a prominent wordsmith. A lot of his lyrics have deep meanings, they sound like poetry. Each times i heard the album, i learn something new that i might miss before.    This is a solid debut album. Each songs telling a story, and the transition between songs is so smooth.
    Zayn has incredible vocals, the way he sang the words is beautiful, very Zayn, very different.
    He is also becoming a prominent wordsmith. A lot of his lyrics have deep meanings, they sound like poetry. Each times i heard the album, i learn something new that i might miss before.
    Another thing that i like about this album, it has influenced of Zayn's Pakistani culture, it's shown by the way he sang most of the songs. He also sang a song in Urdu, 'Intermission: Flower'
    There's also classical influenced in 'Blue', and heartbreaking ballads like 'It's You' and 'Fool For You'.
    If i need something upbeat, something mellow, something uplifting, something to think about, i'm always coming back to this album.
    Mind of Mine is the album you should give at try, if you're looking something different, something meaningful.    … Expand
  18. 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!
  19. xoSammy
    May 13, 2017
    10
    First I would like to note how ugly it is that Harry Styles fans are purposely leaving negative reviews on Zayns masterful solo debut to bring Down Zayns Metacritic score. It is childish and distasteful, and just highlights the abuse Zayn has suffered for most of his career. They would not like it if Zayn fans did this to Harry's album. That said this album is full of melodic melodies andFirst I would like to note how ugly it is that Harry Styles fans are purposely leaving negative reviews on Zayns masterful solo debut to bring Down Zayns Metacritic score. It is childish and distasteful, and just highlights the abuse Zayn has suffered for most of his career. They would not like it if Zayn fans did this to Harry's album. That said this album is full of melodic melodies and the Beautiful voice that is Zayn Malik. Zayn offers a variety on his debut, but one of the clear standouts on this album is him singing in Urdu. It's a standout and shows that Zayn isn't afraid to be different and go against the norm. This album is definitely worth checking out. It should also be noted that Zayns debut single PillowTalk debuted at #1 on both the US and UK charts. A feat that only 11 other artist before him have done, such as Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Beyoncé, Adele and Ed Sheeran. Zayn is also the FIRST male UK solo artist to debut at #1 with their first album. Zayn has since seen another top 5 hit with his duet of I Don't Want ago Live Forever with Taylor Swift. Zayn is currently working in his much anticipated follow up album, so check out Mind of Mine until then.… Expand
  20. clarabella
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Stumbled upon his music lately, and omg i'm so late!! Amazing vocals, soft very soft and yet full of emotion. The sensuality vibes are there even if he's singing with longing for his broken heart. Borderz is now between my top ten of songs dropped of 2016. The ambiance is sublime, everything is magnificent, thank youu.
  21. Aishaaa
    May 15, 2017
    10
    Zayn's album will be the best debut ever. OKAY. He did THAT. Every song on here is brilliant. The lyrics are perfect. Truly an A-list vocalist. Still pissed it didn't get nominated for a Grammy because this is truly Grammy worthy any ways Grammys don't define talents but my mans deserved
  22. Jejejanetz
    May 13, 2017
    10
    The type of an album that I'll listening to everyday. His voice is so calming, unique (in a good way). It's so hard to choose one song as favourite cause all the songs are are incredibly good, original and awesome.Good job Zayn keep being original.
  23. Ztitch
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Amazing album. Every single song has something different, really diverse. I'm surprised because usually I don't like listening to albums entirely because i'm always disapointed by most of the song, except the lead songs. But here ... I can appreciate his voice but also the quality of the songs. Really impressive for a debut, great job. Look forward for the next one !
  24. anabels
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This album is well thought and it's gorgeous. It's a gorgeous album. What I love the most about it is how personal it feels. I can feel everything he was feeling it while writing it and while singing it. His absolute flawless delivery helps with that. Honestly, this guy is one of the best singers of this generation, not only because of his range, but because of his soul. And he's soThis album is well thought and it's gorgeous. It's a gorgeous album. What I love the most about it is how personal it feels. I can feel everything he was feeling it while writing it and while singing it. His absolute flawless delivery helps with that. Honestly, this guy is one of the best singers of this generation, not only because of his range, but because of his soul. And he's so versatile! The way he emotes is outstanding! You want sadness? He gives you that. You want sexy? Leave it to him to know what to do. You want the desperation of wanting to break free? Yes, he also does that quite well. This album is someone discovering themselves and what they're capable of doing. It's beautiful. The lyrics are really good. I love how he uses metaphors so frequently, and even tho, it might seem confusing at times there's always a story there. This album has so many layers, it's such a delight. I've been listening to this album for months and I find new things about it every time I listen to it. It ages like fine wine. Also, it's beautiful how he included an urdu song as an ode to his roots. This is why Zayn is so different from any of his peers. And this is why he has a place in the industry. The way he values his craft is inspiring. Mind of Mine is definetly one of my favourite things in the world. Looking forward to Zayn's next record.… Expand
  25. Halim6916
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I was never a huge fan of RnB music, but after discovering Zayn's album today, it peaked my interest. It's always amazing to see a man of colour do amazingly well in the music industry. But I wanted to listen to the album from a neutral point of view. And I was at first very skeptical because he was in the former One Direction band, whose music I found to be very dull and slightlyI was never a huge fan of RnB music, but after discovering Zayn's album today, it peaked my interest. It's always amazing to see a man of colour do amazingly well in the music industry. But I wanted to listen to the album from a neutral point of view. And I was at first very skeptical because he was in the former One Direction band, whose music I found to be very dull and slightly childish.

    After having listened to It's You and Lucozade, I saw a lot of depth in his voice. The tone of his voice struck me and gave me goosebumps all over. It was like immaculate conception. The high notes in the music were surprisingly beautiful and mysterious - being a huge rock fan - it reminded me of something only a Freddie Mercury could achieve. I didn't expect this from a former 1D member. I really didn't.

    The iconic Pillowtalk of course is what stood out to me. The style was very unique and it was a splendid job by the artist. Like I Would had me immediately 'bopping' my head as some youngsters like to say these days.

    Overall, I have been left speechless by how good this album is. And want to know if Zayn will be releasing more music in the near future. If so, I very much look forward to it and hope to see an evolution because he has enormous potential.    … Expand
  26. sana-
    May 13, 2017
    10
    fantastic debut album, very well produced, amazing vocals, well-written lyrics.
    i love the transition between the songs. Flower is one of my favorite song ever.
    well done zayn ! can't wait for your second album !
  27. rahe
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I've never been a fan of One Direction or even had the interest to listen to their songs but the derparture of a muslim brown guy made me curious. I didn't even know there was a person of color in that band! Not knowing any of One Direction's songs, I gave ZAYN a try and instantly fell in love with his sound. From R&B to reggae, Zayn shows his versatility as a singer. The upbeat danceI've never been a fan of One Direction or even had the interest to listen to their songs but the derparture of a muslim brown guy made me curious. I didn't even know there was a person of color in that band! Not knowing any of One Direction's songs, I gave ZAYN a try and instantly fell in love with his sound. From R&B to reggae, Zayn shows his versatility as a singer. The upbeat dance songs like TiO, Pillowtalk, Wrong and She are probably the public's favorite but Fool For You, Bordersz, Truth, It's You and the reggae influenced track Do Something Good are hidden gems.… Expand
  28. MindOfMineStan
    May 13, 2017
    10
    hey guys, all i wanna talk here is about Mind Of Mine, this album is really too perfect and we don't deserve it, zayn put all his heart into this and i'm really proud of him, he's really too talented and creative, every song has a meaning and a story, every lyric and the vocals are so **** good. I mean i watched a lot of Mind Of Mine reaction on youtube and everyone liked it so i am,hey guys, all i wanna talk here is about Mind Of Mine, this album is really too perfect and we don't deserve it, zayn put all his heart into this and i'm really proud of him, he's really too talented and creative, every song has a meaning and a story, every lyric and the vocals are so **** good. I mean i watched a lot of Mind Of Mine reaction on youtube and everyone liked it so i am, when zayn released the album i listen to it and suddenly started crying, not be dramatic or something bu it's the truth, it's so emotional to me, to see him doing what he loves by writing every lyric and his choices to every beat, his vocals his high notes for me are too perfect. i know the album take a lot of time to be made and when it's comes it's a **** masterpiece made by a **** legend aka zayn malik. My favorite songs on the album : 1. ALL 2. OF 3. THEM zayn wrote more than 50 songs but he give us only 20 songs SO I'M SO THANKFUL god bless this angel and his life, he deserves happiness and love, protection and hope. maybe i'm too extra for this, but it's my opinion anyway can't wait to see his singing the songs live on tour he will do it I KNOW THAT, i'm from zquad and i will stay forever. Finally, those who didn't like just **** off and don't leave a petty comment bc we stan talent bye.… Expand
  29. anxhelashamku
    Jun 5, 2017
    10
    This album is a vocal & lyrical masterpiece which deserved so much more. Zayn did
    THAT
    perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect
  30. mysticblack
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When I first heard pillowtalk I loved it. But at that point I didn't know who Zayn was. So like I do with any top 10 song, I listened to it and moved on. However one day while I was going through some instagram posts I came across a snippet of Zayn's song "Golden". The meaning of the lyrics and his voice was so beautiful that it convinced me to give his album a try. The album was truly a masterpiece. My favorites are "pillowtalk, golden, befour, she, drunk, rear view, tio" and the only feature on the album "wrong". Songs like "fool for you, borderz, blue, truth, lucozade and she don't love me" are works of art on their own right. "Like I would" is a bop while "bright" was an unexpected surprise of the good kind. The ballad "It's you" is so beautiful and to this day I don't know how it's possible for a man to hit the notes in that song. Even after I've seen him do it live. The song "flower" which he sang in order to honor his heritage was truly a novel experience. Specially to see something of asian culture being created by a man who grew up in the western culture. And last but not least the intro "mind of mindd". Lots of people don't pay attention to it since it's a simple verse. But there's a power in it that I can't put into words. All in all "Mind of Mine" was one amazing debut album that truly showcased Zayn's vocal ability and diversity in music.… 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.
    Read full review
  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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