Icarus Falls
by ZAYN
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 14, 2018
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Jan 31, 2019
    80
    It’s an inward, headphones-on plug into a young man wrestling with varying levels of success, from codependency and addictive behaviour to self-acceptance. It’s the sound of Zayn grappling with toxic masculinity.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 18, 2018
    80
    The first 12 songs glow with standard praise for a natural, respectful love (rumoured to be about his on/off model girlfriend Gigi Hadid) but things take a darker turn after Malik’s mythical musings (over muted pings of electric guitar) on “Icarus Interlude”, which concludes with him singing that he “lied to the liars”. Both sonically and lyrically, things get more interesting from this point.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Dec 18, 2018
    80
    He’s the most successful former One Direction member with good reason, and this album is a high-water mark for the 25-year-old.
  5. Clash Music
    Dec 20, 2018
    70
    The story of Icarus is one of tragedy, but there’s only signs of success within this offering as ZAYN begins the journey to realising his full potential.
  6. AllMusic
    Dec 18, 2018
    70
    Whatever the artistic intent, Icarus Falls remains a monstrosity--a bountiful gift or a daunting challenge, depending on the listener--that deserves some attention if there's time and patience to spare.
  7. Pitchfork
    Dec 18, 2018
    64
    Icarus Falls, as a high-concept pop album, is fine. It shows off Zayn’s reluctant charisma and love-song-ready voice amid R&B ideas that are fully immersed in the present, for the most part for the better.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 26, 2018
    60
    Once you accept the intimidating length and occasional clumsy lyric (see: “An attack of the mind / like Optimus Prime in his prime”), there’s plenty here to appreciate.
  9. Consequence
    Dec 20, 2018
    58
    Icarus Falls has a lot of songs and some of them are quite good. As a vehicle for blitzing the internet with Zayn singles, the album is totally effective. But the concept is only half-conceived, and the listening experience is repetitive and dull.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Dec 19, 2018
    40
    Across 27 tracks, he tries on so many guises--melancholic balladeer, unabashed chart-chaser, avant-pop visionary--that he fails to ever separate himself from his peers, rendering Icarus Falls a forgettable, albeit expertly produced, travelogue of R&B trends.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2018
90
#90 Most Shared Album of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 477 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 399 out of 477
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 477
  3. Negative: 61 out of 477
  1. sophie901
    Dec 18, 2018
    10
    I was a little put off due to the length of the album, but I still had to give it a chance. I did not listen to the full album at once. II was a little put off due to the length of the album, but I still had to give it a chance. I did not listen to the full album at once. I listened to the first half for a a couple of days, then moved on to the second half. Overall I really enjoyed the production of the songs, and Zayn's silky smooth voice is a pleasure to listen to. He showed off his vocal range really well. This album definitely shows lyrical growth from his debut album. For me, the album could have ended at Insomnia. I find myself skipping the last 3 songs - they're not bad at all, i just think the other songs are so much better. I will still give it a 10/10 simply because i thoroughly enjoyed 99% of the album, and to be honest, i've been having it on repeat constantly. Icarus Falls has quickly entered my list of favourite albums of 2018.… Full Review »
  2. LillliS
    Dec 18, 2018
    10
    Amazing album. Length may put you off but its a cohesive body of work. If 27 feels too long listen to it in 2 parts. Lyrical content isAmazing album. Length may put you off but its a cohesive body of work. If 27 feels too long listen to it in 2 parts. Lyrical content is amazing. Zayn has shown tremendous growth from his first album. Definitely an album that you fall more and more in love with upon more listens. Love it. Stand alone songs include the interlude, Back to Life, Satisfaction, Common and Natural (in no particular order)… Full Review »
  3. Kavya
    Dec 18, 2018
    10
    Overlook the length and sit down with this album on a free night and allow yourself to invest yourself into it. If you feel you don't have theOverlook the length and sit down with this album on a free night and allow yourself to invest yourself into it. If you feel you don't have the time just listen to it in parts and zayn will still manage to charm his way into your heart imo. Very rare do you find an album of this length have different kinds of sounds but somehow still manage to remain cohesive. Never a dull moment. Zayn always impresses with his vocal ability but in this album you realise just how much he can do with his voice and how different he can make it sound. High or low, whether it's his voice or the mood of the song, zayn can make it work. The album starts off seemingly sweet and simple enough (though it's notable that even his love songs are deeper than the usual) until the mid which is marked by the soul crushing 4 minute long interlude. The rest of the album gets heavier and darker almost quickly and is arguably the better part of the album. With stellar production, smooth and effortless vocals which always manage to send a nod to his pakistani heritage, beautifully crafted lyricism and a little help from Greek mythology, zayn has shown that he clearly is a master of his art.… Full Review »
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