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. Subijo
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    What's wrong with these so called music critics? Haven't read such deliberate negative reviews in a long time. Good for me I don't go by what I read otherwise I wouldn't have discovered this gem of an album. Great voice, heartfelt lyrics and cool melodies. Especially a few songs like the title track and kill my mind bring back the indie-rock nostalgia of the 90s/2000s. It's a great freshWhat's wrong with these so called music critics? Haven't read such deliberate negative reviews in a long time. Good for me I don't go by what I read otherwise I wouldn't have discovered this gem of an album. Great voice, heartfelt lyrics and cool melodies. Especially a few songs like the title track and kill my mind bring back the indie-rock nostalgia of the 90s/2000s. It's a great fresh sound far away from most of the over produced, fake sounding songs we get these days. But well, radios only play those so I expect this album to get overlooked. In any case, if you get a chance, do listen to this album. Especially Kill My Mind, Walls, Always You, Defenceless and Fearless. And Two of Us. Seems like I listed almost all the tracks lol.… Expand
  2. Agankece
    Jan 31, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Since 1D days, I always thought he's the weakest voice in the band. Then Four happened, and it's safe to say, I'm shook! He co-wrote many of the band' great tunes and I'm in love. He has a way with simple (sometimes cheesy) lyrics but he can make it a banger, then it's gonna stay long in your brain (I mean, Fireproof, anyone?! Or rock influenced like No Control). I became a fan after that (ppl definitely need to listen to non-single songs in Made in the A.M. to know what I'm talking about). AWY, this brings us to Walls, his solo album, which at first listen, I feel like this is a shy version of "Louis the songwriter". I think, he's playing safe here? There are some songs that hit me in the feels (bc Louis has this quality, he doesn't afraid to show his emotions and you CAN feel that in his songs and his voice) like Two of Us, DLIBYH, Defenceless and Only the Brave. The least fave songs maybe We Made It and Perfect Now bc it's repetitive for the former, and lyrically reminds me of WMYB or Little Things for the latter and I don't think it's quite fit in this album. Over all, I like the album's sound and messages. I can't wait for Louis to finally be brighter and braver in the future.… Expand
  3. spectrum23
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    Don't go by the critics reviews, this album is surprisingly good! Some hidden bangers there that weren't released as singles. I was truly surprised to hear Louis in all his glory, after only hearing bits and (small) pieces of him in some one direction songs. But this album brings to the fore his amazing voice, some truly authentic lyrics and great melodies. Especially if you like theDon't go by the critics reviews, this album is surprisingly good! Some hidden bangers there that weren't released as singles. I was truly surprised to hear Louis in all his glory, after only hearing bits and (small) pieces of him in some one direction songs. But this album brings to the fore his amazing voice, some truly authentic lyrics and great melodies. Especially if you like the 90s/oasis vibe, you'd love this album. Great debut, Louis.… Expand
  4. Nh5
    Jan 31, 2020
    4
    Walls is a fantastic body of work. Louis has clearly shown is versatility through songs like ‘Kill My Mind’, ‘Only The Brave’ & ‘Fearless’. Tomlinson has also managed to tug on the heartstrings through songs like ‘Two Of Us’ & ‘Too Young’. Overall an amazing album that takes you on a journey of Louis life through the past ten years . Overall a really enjoyable album!!!
  5. mirabotrous
    Feb 5, 2020
    5
    5 for song writing but missing 5 for ability to sing ...............................................
  6. Menios
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    The massive Oasis inspiration is the easy thing to notice on Walls, as well as the lack of originality. Tomlinson needs to carve his own path soon, as most of his ex-bandmates. He is indeed talented but he needs to make sincere and original music, in order to be taken seriously. I have to admit though that Two of Us is a seriously moving song, maybe his best.
  7. sugarsugar
    Jan 31, 2020
    4
    I casually keep up with the 1D guys out of nostalgia, and I always had a soft spot for Louis. I have to say his voice does better when it’s supported by other vocalists (which I imagine he knows as there are lots of backing vocals on the album); I don’t love the sound of it solo. The songs are pleasant enough overall, but nothing really stands out to me as something I want to listen toI casually keep up with the 1D guys out of nostalgia, and I always had a soft spot for Louis. I have to say his voice does better when it’s supported by other vocalists (which I imagine he knows as there are lots of backing vocals on the album); I don’t love the sound of it solo. The songs are pleasant enough overall, but nothing really stands out to me as something I want to listen to frequently. I think Walls is the best track and it’s basically an Oasis song, so that’s...I know Louis said he’s taken time developing “his” sound, but I feel like he still sounds like either 1D or Oasis on most tracks. I hope he keeps making music though because I’ll keep checking it out.… Expand
  8. vitortfv
    Dec 3, 2020
    5
    Still sounding very One Direction, maybe he needs to experiment more in order to bring something different.
  9. Joel_Freecheck
    May 29, 2020
    6
    A commendable effort by Louis but the album falls short. Weak production and scratchy vocals can't be saved by Louis's adept songwriting.
  10. soundmate
    Apr 20, 2020
    5
    "Walls" is the debut album by English singer Louis Tomlinson. And that is exactly what it is: a debut album. But is this really a debut? Tomlinson has been in the music scene for about ten years, he has had the enough budget and experience to make more than a correct album. So, is this forgivable?
    Normally when any artist releases its first project, he is allowed to play around with some    "Walls" is the debut album by English singer Louis Tomlinson. And that is exactly what it is: a debut album. But is this really a debut? Tomlinson has been in the music scene for about ten years, he has had the enough budget and experience to make more than a correct album. So, is this forgivable?
    Normally when any artist releases its first project, he is allowed to play around with some sounds but not too much. This is supposed to be your presentation letter and must not be very aggressive nor very calm. This is exactly what Tomlinson does in his first record: he sings the most pure pop songs with the help of a background band, little harmonies and a small inoffensive choir.
    Louis has left One Direction but is seems that One Direction hasn't left him. He still uses the band's album formula which mainly consists in recording basic pop songs with partner love as the principal theme .throughout the whole album since writing skills are limited to it. I didn't want to make any comparison with his ex-band companions projects but here I go. Luckily, "Walls" is not as chaotic as Liam Payne's first record (which I gladly consider one of the ten worst albums of 2019) but is far of reaching the charisma of Harry Styles' "Fine Line". Globally "Walls" is oriented on feelings and life. Tomlinson had in mind to write about his mother and sister travelling to heaven, his son etc and I understand the direction he has wanted to take, but I personally found that, musically, the album is very poor and banal. Emotions are not received in the same way if musically it doesn't emphasize the subject enough and it's a shame, because the artist has many things to let out. However I felt at several moments that I was listening to an unambitious, repetitive generic British pop record that we've already heard a million times; I felt like I was definitely listening to a debut album. The songs connect very well with each other but that's because they all sound sadly the same.
    He doesn't need to grow up musically right now but it would be great for the release of his next project since "Walls" is just a nice but decent debut album.    … Expand
  11. Pentamikk
    May 31, 2022
    5
    Louis' debut album is a great example of a singer with ideas, who's scared to carry them out. I think it's painfully obvious Louis isn't comfortable with this best feature, his brilliant voice color. Not once is his voice worth of notice in this album and it's a shame. Louis himself has said he does not like some of the songs on the album, thus, why exactly are they there? I expect muchLouis' debut album is a great example of a singer with ideas, who's scared to carry them out. I think it's painfully obvious Louis isn't comfortable with this best feature, his brilliant voice color. Not once is his voice worth of notice in this album and it's a shame. Louis himself has said he does not like some of the songs on the album, thus, why exactly are they there? I expect much much more from his next album!… Expand
  12. Efsl
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    Really loved Walls, it’s a beautiful album.The production is great and songs like “defenseless” and “walls” have the perfect arrangement. “Always you” I just can imagine playing in every pop radio station. But my favorite of all then is “Only the brave”, whose only problem is that it finishes too soon. My less favorite is “perfect now”, too cliche for my liking. But overall, in a álbumReally loved Walls, it’s a beautiful album.The production is great and songs like “defenseless” and “walls” have the perfect arrangement. “Always you” I just can imagine playing in every pop radio station. But my favorite of all then is “Only the brave”, whose only problem is that it finishes too soon. My less favorite is “perfect now”, too cliche for my liking. But overall, in a álbum with some pretty amazing lyrics, Louis Tomlinson shows why he was the main songwriter in one direction and he also sounds really good and shows a versatility in his voice. Excited do see what louis has in store, he definitely has a lot of potential and talent.… Expand
  13. Prayingfortime
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    If you love singer songwriter pop, with unique vocals, and refreshing, vulnerable lyrics.... this is the album for you. It’s heartfelt without being schmaltzy.... and really a tone of resilience comes through.
  14. iulimaria
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After crafting this album for four years, Louis Tomlinson finally delivered his highly anticipated debut album, which I’ve found to be raw, honest and vulnerable. The theme of the album is finding yourself and your sound after leaving One Direction, grief, and just being unapologetically yourself. His songwriting stands out the most in this album, on tracks such as Two of Us, Only the Brave, Always You and so on and so forth. Definitely worth the four year wait.… Expand
  15. Sammuell
    Jan 31, 2020
    5
    Sorry man, but the album sounds empty. Nothing new. He are still living on One Direction.
  16. Sanjanarose
    Feb 1, 2020
    5
    An honest one. Has got really uplifting songs. I liked the indie vibe. This guys has gone and shown the biggest growth as a singer and song writer
  17. marianacossa
    Jul 30, 2020
    5
    It's incredible how Louis grew up since one direction, his voice is much more confident and the lyrics in all songs make me feel so good. He deserves much better! Appreciate Walls.
  18. Luconics
    Sep 24, 2020
    6
    o Louis é um compositor incrível porém poderia ter trabalhado mais e pensado melhor em algumas coisas desse álbum
  19. Selle
    Jan 22, 2021
    5
    Lyrics are alright but the that alone won't qualify an album as good. Two of us is a great song. But the rest of them are just basic pop songs which are easily forgettable.
  20. Lunanova_21
    Apr 3, 2021
    4
    This album is so bored, the only incredible song is “always you” the rest is so horrible
  21. chromate
    Nov 28, 2021
    4
    "Walls," demonstrates the strength and growth of Tomlinson, maturing past what he had written for his boy-band five years before. Instead of writing about how he wants to take a girl home, or dance with her all night, he plays with expressing his emotions in a more explanatory way, exploring his heart and to what extent that'll go to. It's truly good songwriting, luckily that doesn't mean"Walls," demonstrates the strength and growth of Tomlinson, maturing past what he had written for his boy-band five years before. Instead of writing about how he wants to take a girl home, or dance with her all night, he plays with expressing his emotions in a more explanatory way, exploring his heart and to what extent that'll go to. It's truly good songwriting, luckily that doesn't mean lyrics are contaminated with cliché metaphors. It's not something that would be put into a poetry book, but that's not what it needs to be.

    The issue I have with "Walls," is that it doesn't seem like five years were put into this album. Since One Direction wrapped up in 2015, to the release of this album in 2020, it seems like about ten percent of that time was put into this album. As well, each song has it's own catchy tune, but they all fall under the same category and lack range. Sure, it's good to have a cohesive album, but when it feels like Tomlinson is staying on his side of the court, afraid to test new waters, it's hard to like the album for what it is. After a few dozen listens, you kind of get the whole thing and don't want to listen again.

    When it comes to Tomlinson's voice, I've always admired the uniqueness of it. I found that critiques of his vocals were too conservative, as Tomlinson was able to completely shine when he found his sound as a solo artist. If you want to hear songs where his rich and raspy voice bring the songs to a whole new level in a way that no other artist could, I would recommend "Kill My Mind," "Fearless," or "Defenseless." However, some songs just didn't hit the mark. Especially, and surprisingly, the title track is one of those. Tomlinson is able to reach his high notes, but something about the sound in general makes this song almost unbearable. There isn't a song that doesn't belong on the album, but it still feels plain and gray, kind of like his album cover.

    I'm excited to see what Tomlinson does next.    … Expand
  22. itsmgb
    Jan 3, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it's a amazing, actually a incredible album. the construction of every song and lyric deserves to be listened.… Expand

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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