Four
by One Direction
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 18, 2014
    60
    It's not all suddenly-grown-up rock music, of course, with tracks like “No Control” and “Fool's Gold” retaining the boys' perky teen-pop charm; and whatever style is adopted, the choruses are all reassuringly collective singalongs.
  2. Rolling Stone
    Nov 18, 2014
    60
    The band mainly shows growth through the music.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 17, 2014
    60
    Four ups the chords a smidgen further.
  5. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Nov 14, 2014
    60
    Instead of using that realization to push ahead, Four represents a step back in both sound and sensibility.
  6. The Guardian
    Nov 14, 2014
    60
    It’s hardly groundbreaking pop, but Four is capably sung and beautifully produced.
  7. The New York Times
    Nov 17, 2014
    50
    One Direction’s best and most fun album since its debut, and yet still curiously distant.
  8. Billboard.com
    Nov 17, 2014
    50
    None of these tracks can match the best cuts on the act's first two albums for sheer catchiness.
  9. Slant Magazine
    Nov 17, 2014
    50
    The album's irresistibly obvious choruses, hackneyed sentiments, and puppy-eyed earnestness can come off as endearing when the songwriting is clever enough, but every misstep is, despite the band's efforts to assert more control over their music, a painful reminder of One Direction's status as a manufactured, focus-grouped pop entity.
  10. Pretty Much Amazing
    Dec 1, 2014
    42
    What’s unfortunate is that songs the group co-wrote are the weakest ones here. The exception is the aforementioned lead single, a Journey-inspired ballad that’s catchy regardless of how much my instincts demand instant dismissal. The other slower, anthemic numbers on the album are not nearly as inspired.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2014
60
#60 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 388 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 248 out of 388
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 388
  3. Negative: 114 out of 388
  1. xDiamondxx
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    'Four' is by far their best album, the compositions, the sound, the album is impeccable, the people like to find fault in 'One Direction''Four' is by far their best album, the compositions, the sound, the album is impeccable, the people like to find fault in 'One Direction' saying that they are a "manufactured" band but refuse to know their job completely and listen to their albums carefully. Beijos da tia do blog… Full Review »
  2. zaimin92
    Nov 17, 2014
    1
    Expecting the best resulting the worst. Kinda disapointed with their latest record. Their first debut Up All Night and the following albumExpecting the best resulting the worst. Kinda disapointed with their latest record. Their first debut Up All Night and the following album Take Me Home million ways better than this. But if you're fan, it's worthy since it maybe their last album. Hopefully not.… Full Review »
  3. MusicXXY
    Nov 17, 2014
    0
    Their most experimental album to date and most biggest failure. The latest record lacks of factors compared to the epic 'Story of My Life' andTheir most experimental album to date and most biggest failure. The latest record lacks of factors compared to the epic 'Story of My Life' and unforgettable fun and catchy beats of 'What Makes You Beautiful'. Some tracks are lyrically mess and forgettable make this album no special. However, it can't be denied that a few tracks are worthy to listen such as '18' thanks to masterpiece touch by Ed Sheeran. Honestly, it still can't change the fact that the album was a big disappointment with no direction ironically by One Direction. Prove me wrong with you next record guys....… Full Review »
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