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Icarus Falls
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  • Record Label:
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Icarus Falls Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 477 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length solo release for the former One Direction singer features guest appearances from Nicki Minaj and Timbaland.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. 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.
  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. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 174 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 183
  3. Negative: 5 out of 183
  1. paigeprivee
    May 16, 2020
    10
    I absolutely love this album, and It's a conceptual masterpiece. This is the perfect sophomore album and I can't wait to see what he does next.
  2. maryourbaby
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    the most amazing album ever done, zayn is the most incradible human alive. that's it. that's the tweet.
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. Itis_me
    Mar 22, 2021
    10
    This album is amazing I suggest to listen to this great album and you'll maybe like Icarus falls
  6. Maha1
    Dec 18, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such an amazing album the production of the songs is so good and Zayn's voice could put you in another world it holds so much emotions which helpes you to feel what he is singing...his vocals are on point. This album shows so much lyrical growth from his debut album " Mind Of Mine " . There is 27 songs on the album but every song is PREFECT like i really can't skip one song or say this one is a bad song and the more i listen to it the more i fall in love with it if you tried to understand ZAYN and what he might have been through you will know how much deep and meaningful the lyrics are ...the whole concept of the album is so brilliant and the fact that Zayn is here for music and not charts makes me respect him even more. In my opinoin Icarus Falls is one of the best albums this year.… Expand
  7. mariam78
    Dec 31, 2018
    10
    the thing about this album is that every song is unique. Literally every song is different from the other, i liked so much flight to thethe thing about this album is that every song is unique. Literally every song is different from the other, i liked so much flight to the stars, all that, you wish you knew, sour diesel, rainberry, insomnia, talk to me... ugh ALL? Yes all. NO skips. It deserves all the success in this world. It shows Zayn's voice so well, his vocals and the lyrics are everything. The producing is very outstanding and better than Mind of mine's one. I truly enjoyed this album. From the first track to the final one. Honestly one of the best albums of 2019. Zayn is very talented and makes excellent music. We need more like him!… Expand
  8. music_muse
    Jan 16, 2021
    0
    Definitely one of the most underrated albums of 2018. Icarus Falls was a concept album and it was just too good. The length of the album isDefinitely one of the most underrated albums of 2018. Icarus Falls was a concept album and it was just too good. The length of the album is the main reason of it being underappreciated, however, it gives the listener satisfying feels when you finish off the 27 tracks. The vocals as always, crazy good.… Expand

See all 183 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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