Walls
by Louis Tomlinson
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2020
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
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  1. 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.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 30, 2020
    60
    Musically ‘Walls’ is a largely conservative album; it’s primarily guitar-led and rarely experiments. ... The album is padded out with a string of forgettable – though not unenjoyable – acoustic whimsies. ... There are the foundations here for a rewarding future.
  3. 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.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Jan 30, 2020
    50
    It’s fair to say Louis can break free as well. That doesn’t happen enough on Walls.
  6. 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.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 30, 2020
    40
    The problem is, the album – so full of drawling balladry and anodyne lyrics – is deeply unremarkable. Listening to it is like wading through a quagmire of banality.

User Reviews

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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
  1. british91s
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    I’m really surprised by the power this guy have in his voice! Songs like Don’t Let It Break Your Heart, Fearless, Two Of Us and DefencelessI’m really surprised by the power this guy have in his voice! Songs like Don’t Let It Break Your Heart, Fearless, Two Of Us and Defenceless are extremely emotional! With a totally unique voice and lyrics full of emotions, Louis Tomlinson came with a beautiful concept that we haven’t seen in a while... This album is genuinely one of the greatest I’ve listened to so far! Ps.: He totally killed with the high notes in Defenceless and Always you… Full Review »
  2. Emmytrust
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    I am an older fan whose love for good music spans multiple genres. The operative word here is “good” music. I haven’t been inspired by muchI am an older fan whose love for good music spans multiple genres. The operative word here is “good” music. I haven’t been inspired by much lately so it was a sheer delight to have come across this gem of an album. The Britpop sound that never should have been out of vogue is back! Meaningful, relatable lyrics are back! I’m interested in new music again because of Louis Tomlinson . Thank you!!!… Full Review »
  3. andressasr
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    On his debut album Louis shows his beautiful and honest compositions with a pure voice. I was surprised by his emotion in Two Of Us and Was.On his debut album Louis shows his beautiful and honest compositions with a pure voice. I was surprised by his emotion in Two Of Us and Was. Always You and Fearless are honest and sound wonderful. And Defenceless and Kill My Mind is an extra climb for the indie.… Full Review »
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