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. Vice05
    May 3, 2016
    10
    Absolutely AmaZayn! One of the greatest album ever if not the best. Sick tunes with profound vocal variations, not to mention the mesmerizing high notes especially the severity of G5 note he belted in sHe. We might have a hard time hearing the songs of this calibre again. Personally i can't get enough of Pillowtalk, BeFour, sHe, Flower, dRuNk, TiO, Borderz, Bright, Like a Would.
  2. jack-ling
    May 1, 2016
    10
    There are a bunch of my favorite in this one but i love It's You the most such an ethereal song with those heavenly falsettos. TiO is such a banger. In fact, there's a lot of banger in this album, Wrong, PillowTalk, Befour, Like I Would to name a few. And i really love the intro, Mind Of Mine, it really showcases Zayn's beautiful voice. And there a song, Flower, which he sang in
  3. dereckLaher
    Apr 29, 2016
    10
    loved it it was good, good job Zayn. His vocal ability is undeniable. also the transitions between the songs is smooth. Lyricwise hey are deep. The fact that he has both upbeat and ballads is also great. The icing on the the cake is the Urdu song. This is a solid debut album.
  4. wings_madetofly
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. AMAZING WORK BY ZAYN!! He wanted a new road from old band One Direction to show a new risky move. From sexy 'PILLOWTALK' to ballad 'fOoL fOr YoU'. Or his dad's Urdu 'fLoWeR'.
    You can't miss this brilliant piece of work!! Best album so far with Queen Beyoncé, and ZAYN.    … Expand
  5. zaynslisa
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Mind of Mine is the best thing I've ever heard in my live don't @ me. I cried in the middle of the night listening to it for the first time. Zayn deserves all the Grammy's.
  6. smashmouth
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Very impressive and solid debut album. Mind of Mine showcases Zayn's effortlessly smooth vocals over impeccable production, kudos to Malay Ho, XYZ, and Lennox. It is an atmosphere and beats based album which has a variety of influences, ranging from soul, R&B, pop, and even reggae. One of the album's biggest strengths is the diversity of sonic influences, and how it still maintains aVery impressive and solid debut album. Mind of Mine showcases Zayn's effortlessly smooth vocals over impeccable production, kudos to Malay Ho, XYZ, and Lennox. It is an atmosphere and beats based album which has a variety of influences, ranging from soul, R&B, pop, and even reggae. One of the album's biggest strengths is the diversity of sonic influences, and how it still maintains a singular underlying thematic element to tie the entirety of the record together. Zayn is easily one of the most talented vocalists of his generation, and Mind of Mine further proves this. Effortlessly showcasing a number of G5 notes, Zayn stuns- unsurprisingly. His smooth, decadent tone is one of a kind. And last, but certainly not least, Zayn's inclusion of an entire song (Intermission: Flower) in his native language, Urdu, is a statement in and of itself. In a music industry that is depraved of nearly any Desi individuals, Zayn stands out all on his own as a British-Pakistani Muslim. All in all, Mind of Mine shows glimpses of artistic genius, and what I am sure is a promising career ahead of Zayn. Don't let his boy band roots stray you away from this masterpiece. 10/10.… Expand
  7. Katiexxx
    Apr 12, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Enjoyed this album immensely, especially Wrong and Drunk. Flowers which was in urdu was a really beautiful song as well. Majority of the lyrics were good and most songs had a good beat. Importantly his voice and his high notes were amazing.… Expand
  8. kle0008
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    It seems that many of the negative reviews on this album are due to people just assuming things because Zayn was previously in 1D. If you take the time to actually listen though, it's obvious that he is insanely talented. Disliking 1D's music does not mean you have to dislike Zayn's. I've seen numerous people say that they are not fans of 1D, but that they enjoy Mind of Mine immensely. IIt seems that many of the negative reviews on this album are due to people just assuming things because Zayn was previously in 1D. If you take the time to actually listen though, it's obvious that he is insanely talented. Disliking 1D's music does not mean you have to dislike Zayn's. I've seen numerous people say that they are not fans of 1D, but that they enjoy Mind of Mine immensely. I think everyone should give this album a chance and not listen to it thinking "I will hate this because he was in 1D." There is a wide variety of songs on the album, and his voice sounds great in each one of them. My personal favorites are Drunk and Golden (from the Target edition). I think Flower and Lucozade are interesting songs on the album. Flower was recorded on the spot randomly, while Lucozade was done in just one take. Overall it's a great album and a wonderful start to a solo career.… Expand
  9. petrapetrik
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    Mind of Mine is a genre of it's own. As Zayn himself stated, he is not trying to label himself anything. He is just doing what feels right to him and what makes him happy, and this album is the perfect reflection of that. There is some R'n'B influenced sound to some songs, there are some insanely well produced ballads, there is even some chill Reggae that tastes great with a joint or two.Mind of Mine is a genre of it's own. As Zayn himself stated, he is not trying to label himself anything. He is just doing what feels right to him and what makes him happy, and this album is the perfect reflection of that. There is some R'n'B influenced sound to some songs, there are some insanely well produced ballads, there is even some chill Reggae that tastes great with a joint or two.

    It doesn't happen often that I genuinely like every song on an album, much less an album consisting of 18 songs! But Mind of Mine is a brilliant exception with not a single skippable song. And you cannot listen to it in any other order than the original one, because you'd be missing the absolutely thought through, magical transitioning from song to song. (My favourite is Intermission : Flower to rEaR vIeW and BLUE to BRIGHT)

    Besides the breathtaking production, other worldy, flawless vocals and genuinely strong songs, Mind of Mine deserves 10 extra points for its diversity and experimental elements. Honestly, kudos to Zayn for not restricting himself to one set genre, for not fearing to experiment and for following his heart. It really did pay off!    … Expand
  10. livelaughloving
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    This album is definitely a solid debut. There's a huge range of songs which show off his strong vocal capability filled with funky, well-produced beats. This was not an album made to impress anyone and you can feel its genuineness come through in his raw vocals. You can see it in the little bits of experimentation in different structures of songs and the overall unique sound. Lyrically, heThis album is definitely a solid debut. There's a huge range of songs which show off his strong vocal capability filled with funky, well-produced beats. This was not an album made to impress anyone and you can feel its genuineness come through in his raw vocals. You can see it in the little bits of experimentation in different structures of songs and the overall unique sound. Lyrically, he could improve but nothing feels too 'cheesy' or try-hard, which makes it a lot easier to listen to if one tiny thing doesn't fit. This album deserves a few listens, because you uncover more every time. This may not reach the heights of popularity as one direction did but it definitely appeals to a more mature audience and has an overall funky, chilled-out feel to it. If you're willing to step a little out of your comfort zone this is definitely worth a good listen.… Expand
  11. lullaby15
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    Mind of Mine is a solid debut for a kid that has been creatively stifled for years. His voice is undeniably beautiful, overall this album is fresh and a hope for the new pop scene! I'm looking forward for his tour! really excited!
  12. azul_escuro
    Apr 9, 2016
    7
    O álbum é gostoso de se ouvir,tem um bom fluido e propósito.Os singles são ótimos,mas as melhores músicas são She e Drunk.Elas merecem um videoclipe.
  13. gaiacimun
    Apr 7, 2016
    10
    this album is amazing, i can play it over and over without getting bored. this is definetely a good start for his amazing solo career. very excited to see what the future brings to him and to us
  14. Leeya
    Apr 7, 2016
    10
    Mind Of Mine is an excellent first album, Zayn got soul in his voice; this album is very well produced, he proves that he has talent, a versatile voice, sexy and powerful, I can't pick a favorite song cause they are all different and beautiful. He's a true artist.
  15. Coroinha
    Apr 6, 2016
    7
    ZAYN é a prova viva de que uma cabeça pode pensar melhor do que cinco. Após abandonar seu antigo grupo conhecido como One Direction, ZAYN se liberta do meio pop genérico e exaustivo que tanto o prendia, e, em seu primeiro álbum solo, “Mind of mine”, ele apresenta um trabalho formidável recheado de boas intenções. A princípio o disco se destaca em vários quesitos. As sonoridades de todasZAYN é a prova viva de que uma cabeça pode pensar melhor do que cinco. Após abandonar seu antigo grupo conhecido como One Direction, ZAYN se liberta do meio pop genérico e exaustivo que tanto o prendia, e, em seu primeiro álbum solo, “Mind of mine”, ele apresenta um trabalho formidável recheado de boas intenções. A princípio o disco se destaca em vários quesitos. As sonoridades de todas as 17 faixas são complexas, viciantes e entorpecentes a ponto de te fazer querer mais e mais. Os arranjos assim como as composições são extremamente bem trabalhados, e como se tudo isso não bastasse, a voz sedutora e flexível de ZAYN torna tudo muito mais claro e prazeroso. “PILLOWTALK” e “BeFoUr”, são nitidamente umas das canções mais atraentes do disco, mas é apenas em “Wrong” que ZAYN beira a perfeição juntamente com os vocais bem acoplados de Kehlani. Em alguns momentos, as canções apresentam um potencial não muito bem explorado, o que de maneira alguma as torna ruim, mas deixam de ganhar um pouco a mais de credibilidade. O único breve momento em que o sentido do CD é perdido, é na sétima faixa, “INTERMISSION:FLOWER”. Talvez para alguns fãs que anteriormente acompanhavam o trabalho do 1-D, “Mind of mine” pode ser considerado uma reviravolta chocante e promissora na carreira de um artista com muito talento e com um inevitável grande futuro pela frente. Certamente achamos nossa Beyoncé na versão masculina. (B)… Expand
  16. Angy
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album is fantastic. Zayn is a superlative artist, has a great talent and I believe this is just the beginning of a long career for him. Mind of Mine is one of the best albums of 2016!… Expand
  17. Rusty99
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    Mind of mine is not only an music album. Its the dream of a boy that has been fulfilled in his manhood. Every songs are different and I couldn't skip a single song. All songs are my favorite. I also loved the song Flower sung in Urdu and hoped it would be longer.
  18. Girish93
    Apr 3, 2016
    10
    it's simply the best solo debut album,rather than comparing him to frank ocean to weeknd,who are already acheived big,He never wrote anything with 1D now he's making music what he always want to make
  19. Psikolog
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    His voice is so raw and beautiful, he has a broad vocal range which you can understand from the high notes he hit especially in sHe and BeFoUr. Every song has its own musical structure which is pretty original and pleasant to listen to. Mind Of Mine succeeded to exceed my expectations from a debut album.
  20. MorsiBD
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    nothing much to say...this album is an incredible start for zayn's solo career..it may be a better headstart than Justin Timberlake's level. most of the songs are great, although some lyrics were weak but still there are powerful songs like befour , its you , Rear View , borders, Truth , Lucozade (which is a fantastic freestyle !), no boring meaningless song. which is very good... overallnothing much to say...this album is an incredible start for zayn's solo career..it may be a better headstart than Justin Timberlake's level. most of the songs are great, although some lyrics were weak but still there are powerful songs like befour , its you , Rear View , borders, Truth , Lucozade (which is a fantastic freestyle !), no boring meaningless song. which is very good... overall I really like His album!… Expand
  21. JamieLee154
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    I am not in the age group of his target audience but i have to say the album is so brilliant. I literally opened an account here just to say how good this album is. This young lad has an amazing vocal texture- a real talent right there. There are songs for every mood. Way to go young boy. Incredible.
  22. arantxa_scd
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    A great way for him to start his solo career. The album is showing who he is and what he can offer, the songs are great and he has one of the voices from this generation. Can't wait for his second album.
  23. TommyCastillo
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    The sound and the vocals of this album is absolutely incredible. Zayn did an amazing job for his debut album. He provides different sounds but still the album sounds extremely good as a whole.
  24. zenthra
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect
  25. herapera
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    Most of the tracks on the album aren't songs that might immediately make you want to belt out the lyrics. The complexity of some of them, the new and exciting direction gives them the edge of the listener wanting to listen again and again just to really GET that strange vibe. And after a few listens, you realize that oops, the song just became your favorite. Those songs, like It's You withMost of the tracks on the album aren't songs that might immediately make you want to belt out the lyrics. The complexity of some of them, the new and exciting direction gives them the edge of the listener wanting to listen again and again just to really GET that strange vibe. And after a few listens, you realize that oops, the song just became your favorite. Those songs, like It's You with the hypnotizing chorus and Befour with the soothing yet sexy beats, are a stark contrast to the songs that DO actually make you want to nod your head and let everyone in on. Wrong, Like I Would and Pillowtalk feel like instant hits the moment you listen to them. And of course, my personal favorite thing about the record is just listening to Zayn croon out those heartfelt lyric with a voice like velvet, a voice that just screams 'I'm doing me. I'm real.' So to anyone claiming that Zayn is doing this or doing that to be edgy, to make a statement: he's just being himself and honestly, not giving a **** Which is admirable. So yes, I would definitely recommend this album so you don't miss out on this phenomenon.… Expand
  26. rawanmow
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    Mind Of Mine is the perfect name to describe this album, it feels like a brainstorm, and it works. there's something here for everyone, but it remains cohesive and flows perfectly. in addition, his voice is highlighted in the greatest way, the tracks show his incredible vocal ability and versatility.
  27. suzeysays
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    I was lucky enough to hear an early preview of this album thanks to the lovely folks over at RCA and I went in expecting good things. I couldn't even have begun to imagine just how good it was going to get, though. The singles we were teased with in the run up to the album release were just a fraction of the talent that Malik possesses: from the spine-tingling vocals and beauty ofI was lucky enough to hear an early preview of this album thanks to the lovely folks over at RCA and I went in expecting good things. I couldn't even have begun to imagine just how good it was going to get, though. The singles we were teased with in the run up to the album release were just a fraction of the talent that Malik possesses: from the spine-tingling vocals and beauty of iNtErMiSsIoN: fLoWeR to the lyrical genius of tracks like rEaR vIeW, almost all mixed with the kind of beat that's going to pulse through summer 2016. I had high expectations of Zayn's debut and he exceeded every single one of them. This is only the beginning; I can't wait to see what comes next. Other highlights of the album for me: the unexpected shift of BRIGHT; the unusual structure and pace of lUcOzAdE; and the summer-ready vibe of DO SOMETHING GOOD off the Target exclusive edition. And that's before you even get me started on the vocals and the range that he's got going for him. Mind of Mine is fresh, unique, and set to put Zayn on the map as a solo artist.… Expand
  28. mosey2013
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    Love Mind Of.Mind . I am not a big 1D fan but I have always been impressed with Zayn's voice. All the songs are well produced, the vocals are soaring and nuanced and the lyrics change meaning with each listen. He should be proud of this album. I am very proud of him!!!!! I love " She Don't Love ME" Tio, Befour, Like I would, borderz, bright is my new favorite .
  29. Luna4
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    I didn't know what to expect from this album but it definitely exceeded any of my predictions. In Mind of Mine, Zayn really showed off his vocal abilities with smooth runs, beautiful falsettos, and a thick roughness to his voice that definitely suits him for R&B. This album however, isn't just R&B; it feels like a mixture of R&B, light pop and a side of EDM. Favorites of the albumI didn't know what to expect from this album but it definitely exceeded any of my predictions. In Mind of Mine, Zayn really showed off his vocal abilities with smooth runs, beautiful falsettos, and a thick roughness to his voice that definitely suits him for R&B. This album however, isn't just R&B; it feels like a mixture of R&B, light pop and a side of EDM. Favorites of the album include :She, Drunk, Rear View,Tio, Wrong, and Lucozade. I definitely would recommend this album to others who love music and are interested in some new fresh material to listen to. Zayn really showed a side to him that many didn't know he was capable of. Very strong debut album!… Expand
  30. Nina62
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    Zayn's first solo album is really good and has a koind of chill feelong to it. His vocals are insane especially in iT's You, Blue and INTERMISSION: Flower. Every song is good!! The more I listen to the album, the more I love it.
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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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