Walls
by Louis Tomlinson
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2020
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1475 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,302 out of 1475
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 1475
  3. Negative: 134 out of 1475
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  1. graciedreams
    May 20, 2022
    10
    it's just amazing how he puts all his heart into songs like Two of Us for his mom and Habit for his fans. He clearly conveys beautiful messages in his songs, for sure whoever identifies will know how to appreciate this beautiful album! The writing is mature and has references that only those who follow him closely understand, and it's something beautiful to see. Incredible!
  2. bruna789
    May 25, 2022
    10
    the album it’s incredible surprise me a lot i wasn’t prepare for this his voice is something from another world the lyric and the molody are amazing its not something to hit but something to feel
  3. LexaMacDaly
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    This album is so beautiful. Louis’s writing skills are very well showcased and to officially have a full album with just his voice makes me so happy. This made me smile and it made me cry and I loved it!
  4. i3lawi1999
    Jul 24, 2022
    10
    One of the most underrated albums I have ever listened to. We made it is my favorite, I like only the brave and two of us too, and of course I’m not forgetting always you and fearless. And I can’t wait for Louis’ second album, because I know for sure it would be a mind-blowing.
  5. amantedhistoria
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    Amei tanto, perfect now é a minha música favorita. Louca para o próximo álbum
  6. Goobersnot
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow that independent critic in particular really got this one wrong. This album does have a couple of weak spots, namely Perfect Now, but otherwise it’s really, really good. The title track soars, and bops like Habit and Always You stay stuck in your head for hours after. I’m so interested to see where this young man goes from here.… Expand
  7. Sonalidabir
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Walls, if not a masterpiece, has all the elements of a debut album of someone transitioning from a boy band past on to a solo career.
    I became Louis's fan a little recently after his appearance on James Corden's show where he performed - We Made It. I am from India and am not as much into western music as most people would be. But what attracted me was his voice. He has an unusual and unique voice, which when used well, pulls at your heart strings. His songs seem inspired from his past and the most endearing part of this is his gratitude towards the good and the bad that his life has thrown at him. He is also one of the few artists who have retained their accent in songs, which I think helps in showcasing his identity and authenticity.
    The standouts are Fearless, Walls, Kill My Mind, Two of Us, and Only the Brave.
    I look forward to what he puts forth next and hope he uses his beautiful voice effectively and experiments more in his next record.    … Expand
  8. minierisa
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    So personal and welcoming. Louis really did his best on this album. He opened his heart and gave us a wonderful debut.
  9. Bhavaana
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    Never heard such different range of vocals in a single album.....only the brave is like the cherry on top
  10. Missalg
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Walls is a strong and oddly beautiful debut album. Tomlinson’s unique voice, crystal with a touch of rasp, does credit to both the rocky anthem type like the infectious Kill My Mind and the tender ballad Two of Us. Habit is one that really stayed with me, and the title track is subtle and powerful. In fact, the only song that didn’t really resonate with me was Perfect Now, but it isWalls is a strong and oddly beautiful debut album. Tomlinson’s unique voice, crystal with a touch of rasp, does credit to both the rocky anthem type like the infectious Kill My Mind and the tender ballad Two of Us. Habit is one that really stayed with me, and the title track is subtle and powerful. In fact, the only song that didn’t really resonate with me was Perfect Now, but it is perhaps for a younger audience. In short, this is a nearly perfect debut album from a gifted singer/songwriter.… Expand
  11. agathac
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    good lad with a very nostalgic sound! Listening to his stuff sometimes makes you feel like you're back to the 2000's. Although it's not the most creative album I've ever heard, I can tell he poured his heart into every word of every song, which is very important to me. Real lad with real songs, that's it. Cheers!
  12. youweremybc
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    Louis Tomlinson has come out with his new and first album, and I love every track on it ! The songs hold such deep meaning to them, his sweet voice just makes you think back and can’t help but get emotional. Or at least that’s what I felt. I’m so exceptionally proud of Louis, he’s come very far through many hard times and listening to his music feels special to me. I hope everyone elseLouis Tomlinson has come out with his new and first album, and I love every track on it ! The songs hold such deep meaning to them, his sweet voice just makes you think back and can’t help but get emotional. Or at least that’s what I felt. I’m so exceptionally proud of Louis, he’s come very far through many hard times and listening to his music feels special to me. I hope everyone else enjoys it as well as I did !… Expand
  13. millycam
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    this album is truly beautiful. loving all the guitars and Louis’ voice. there are some real tunes in this record
  14. nadiatomasello
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    I think louis tomlinson did an amazing job with this album, is a really chill one, with beautiful lyrics and a good continuation of his life as a one direction member, with a little oasis vibe, I genuinely love it a lot, I hope he keeps making music.
  15. pinklysmooth7
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    its a really good album. i wont give a ten just cause louis still seem a little lost about what path to really go in his carrer but its okay cause its his first album i guess, its just that some songs kinda break the indie vibe he was trying to go for most of the album. still a very good one, it shows how the dudes super talented. i look forward to his next album as well
  16. marianacf
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    This is a beautiful work made by this talent man for his fans! Every song is well written, these lyrics tell something, it's not mainstream bulls***, it's not for sales. He puts himself in it, that's so important. Maybe it sounds a bit like one direction bc he was the one who wrote most of the band's songs, it's not a bad thing it means he is finding his way to his true self as an artist.
  17. careforyoustill
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Louis Tomlinson did a good job keeping true to himself and not trying to write hits for charts. Sure, a few songs are flawed but there is no way we can ignore he is, in fact, a new artist (on his own). Some lyrics are very deep and personal, Only The Brave is a great tune.
  18. Ninavanopijnen
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kill my mind opens the album beautifully, you immediately feel sucked into Louis’ British roots, with his thick thick accent and magician voice singing a typical Brit pop song. On the album he introduces a sound we haven’t heard from him before, Britpop and indie, in songs like kill my mind, walls and only the brave, meanwhile tomlinson still stays loyal to his pop roots with songs like perfect now, don’t let it break your heart and too young. His voice, even though maybe not the strongest Voice coming out of one direction, sounds magical and suck you into the story he’s telling with his music. Songs like fearless, too young and two of us make it heart to not tear up, while I can imagine perfect now will work empowering for his mainly female fanbase. I thought the album was an excellent, guitar driven album. Tomlinson got a new fan and I can’t wait what the future holds, it can only get better from here.… Expand
  19. leadle
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Louis Tomlinson demonstrates a good level of maturity and growth in terms of his sound throughout his debut album. Coming from someone who has never been a huge One Direction or Louis Tomlinson fan, I am rather impressed. 'Always You' has a very catchy chorus that has been stuck in my head for a day and the single, 'Walls' consists of a nice melody and a great level of production.Louis Tomlinson demonstrates a good level of maturity and growth in terms of his sound throughout his debut album. Coming from someone who has never been a huge One Direction or Louis Tomlinson fan, I am rather impressed. 'Always You' has a very catchy chorus that has been stuck in my head for a day and the single, 'Walls' consists of a nice melody and a great level of production.
    However, I had somewhat of a 'meh' moment while listening to 'Perfect Now', which has a positive message that applies to many of Tomlinson's fanbase, it simply was not for me.
    A notable element of Louis' music is that his voice is quite distinct, in a very positive manner - his timbre is extremely pleasant.
    Overall, I recommend the album to anyone who has a taste for the realm of alternative-rock-pop!
    Great job.    … Expand
  20. JenBi
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Un álbum muy bien hecho, con un sonido muy melódico y entretenido
    Es un album honesto, te explica quién es realmente Louis Tomlison.
  21. SandraGall
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Tomlinson dives into many genres within this album, seemingly with emphasis put on atmospheric feeling on tracks like Kill My Mind and Defenceless paired with smart production combining both guitars and strings on many tracks such as standout favourites like Walls and Habit. It is an album that feels both respectively inspired by past artists, even his own past band, while having authenticTomlinson dives into many genres within this album, seemingly with emphasis put on atmospheric feeling on tracks like Kill My Mind and Defenceless paired with smart production combining both guitars and strings on many tracks such as standout favourites like Walls and Habit. It is an album that feels both respectively inspired by past artists, even his own past band, while having authentic vocal delivery that ensures a very enjoyable listen and a very hopeful future for Tomlinson himself in the music industry.… Expand
  22. Julia2230
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    I didn't even know his name until a week ago, then his fans spammed me on Twitter with the hashtag of walls and intrigued me. this morning I listened to the album without any expectation and instead I was found to be moved and to dance and reflect. I don't really understand the reviews of the newspapers, it seems to me an excellent debut album. You have a new fan Louis Tomlinson!
  23. KPez
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    A great debut. Dipping his toe in to his true musical passion whilst keeping by the 1D fans happy.
  24. BeatrizPerroni
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Honestly the song Two Of Us touched me a lot, I believe there is a great and exciting story behind it. The vocals, rhythms and lyrics of the other songs on the album are incredible. Certainly an album that promises success!
  25. Youareperrrfect
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Every song is sung with such emotion. The studio versions make you feel like you’re listening to a completely different song. It’s all amazing… Expand
  26. earlysunsets
    May 2, 2020
    9
    Fans waited years for Louis' album, and he delivered what he claimed to be an honest album. And you can feel his honesty, especially in songs like Two of us (a beautiful and heartbreaking, but hopeful, ode to his beloved mother, Johanna), Only the brave (the song that closes the album and talks about being bold in a world that harshly tries to confine you), Too young and Don't Let It BreakFans waited years for Louis' album, and he delivered what he claimed to be an honest album. And you can feel his honesty, especially in songs like Two of us (a beautiful and heartbreaking, but hopeful, ode to his beloved mother, Johanna), Only the brave (the song that closes the album and talks about being bold in a world that harshly tries to confine you), Too young and Don't Let It Break Your Heart.
    The whole album is pretty much cheerful and bops like Always you (a song that talks about traveling the world but finding home in one person) with an enthusiastic chorus, the kind of song that you can dance to in your room at night, or in a party surrounded by friends), Don't Let It Break Your Heart and Defenceless set the tone, almost as if Louis is saying "hey, this feeling is bothering and upsetting me, so I'm gonna talk about this and it's gonna be okay". His feelings are too real and the listeners are able to relate to the point of thinking "yeah, you know what? It will be okay".
    The song that entitles the album is a soft melody with a soft lyric leaded by a powerful vocal that has cleared developed and improved throughout the years. Owner of a remarkable voice, his voice is not afraid to reveal the world his feelings, and that's a gift for both Louis and his fans.
    Perhaps the only song, despite of liking it, that I would argue against is Perfect Now. In a world that male point of view regarding the way women are and view themselves are growing more and more obsolete, Perfect Now perhaps will sound a little bit out of date, but it's lovely anyway, especially if you know that Louis has 5 sisters and young fans who might have struggled with self image.
    And speaking once again of the fans, the single We Made It is for them, as Louis himself has claimed in interviews. However, We Made It might as well be about Louis too. Despite of all his personal struggles, all of the harsh critics he received during his 1D days about his voice and the way he is, about not standing out in the band, not getting the credit he deserved, and the difficult prospect of his solo career, he still managed to put out an outstanding album. It also speaks to fans and, more important, includes them, something rare nowadays. Louis considers his fans as being one of his biggest supporters and he knows he's not alone in this journey.
    Overall, the album is really good and honest; an album to cry, to laugh, to smile and to reminisce to. It's not a rollercoaster of emotions, instead, it's an album that does a pretty good job in following a concept and balances its emotions. Hopefully this is only the beginning for Louis Tomlinson. He deserves it. Enjoy it, Louis!    … Expand
  27. ell1998
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    really, really liked it! one or two songs maybe a little less, but overall great vibes. his voice is so unique and soothing and his lyrics hit hard, ‘nothing wakes you up like waking up alone’ ooof i felt that
  28. Jennifer00
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    Beautiful album. Not trying to chase chart success just being his authentic self. Walls, Always you and Defenceless are standout songs. Just a shame reviewers wanted a chart chaser.
  29. KatrinaL
    Feb 2, 2020
    9
    I’m not one of Louis’ fans, so I can understand many hesitations by people to listen to this album. But after listening, I can definitely say that Tomlinson is underrated and overlooked by the general public. In Walls, Louis shows himself through his lyrics and almost every song can be found relatable in some sort of way to individual people (especially songs like ‘Two Of Us’, ‘Walls’, andI’m not one of Louis’ fans, so I can understand many hesitations by people to listen to this album. But after listening, I can definitely say that Tomlinson is underrated and overlooked by the general public. In Walls, Louis shows himself through his lyrics and almost every song can be found relatable in some sort of way to individual people (especially songs like ‘Two Of Us’, ‘Walls’, and ‘Fearless’). If you are a fan of indie music and Oasis-inspired tracks, you’ll love this album. Tomlinson proves that he’s much more than 1D, and I’m thoroughly surprised by this piece by Louis! Don’t always trust the critics: this deserves more than a 50 or 60 score.… Expand
  30. zalicia
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    One of the best albums up to date. The sound that Louis Tomlinson takes on is different compare to today's generic same cord sound. Its melody that haves more then one sound sets on the album. Giving each song a different feeling and with a different story line. Dispite what people say, it's one of the best.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2020
    48
    Try as he may, Tomlinson has not quite progressed from featured voice to solo artist. For all the major changes in his life, his music seems to be stuck in place. You can take the boy out of the boyband, but not the boyband out of the boy.
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  2. Variety
    Jan 31, 2020
    55
    Solo debuts with this much expectation are incredible challenges. While “Walls” isn’t a craven ripoff or an attempt to recapture One Direction highs, it’s not yet clear exactly who Tomlinson is without them.
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  3. AllMusic
    Jan 30, 2020
    60
    Even if the songs on Walls aren't the most distinct or memorable, they come from a place of authenticity that's genuinely heartwarming and enjoyable. Like any other settled adult, he's perfectly content to stick to the reliable and Walls winds up being the most mature and natural of the ex-1D bunch.
    Read full review
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