Four
by One Direction
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
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  1. HillaryStoph
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    This album is completely amazing; unlike the other Albums of One Diection behind this more seriously while more intelligence. Their songs are harmonious. The five voices come together and complement each other forming a wonderful, spectacular only perfect voice. A positive point is that the more the music was composed by its own members demonstrating more confidence and maturity.
  2. anonymous1baby
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    My rating is inflated if only to combat the fools posting 0's for this album. It's nothing groundbreaking, inspiring, or even noteworthy, but Four is not a zero by any means.

    As far as teen pop goes, this album unfortunately represents the mainstream and is representative of One Direction at this point in time. Given the couple songs worth listening to, I honestly give it a 7.
  3. Sugar
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Some will not even listen to the songs but say they hate it because it's One Direction and their music in the past was incredibly overproduced and auto-tuned with the exception of Midnight Memories, but FOUR... if you give it a chance is actually really great. The songs are stripped back, different from the pop songs being made today and that are charting, has better lyrics and cleverSome will not even listen to the songs but say they hate it because it's One Direction and their music in the past was incredibly overproduced and auto-tuned with the exception of Midnight Memories, but FOUR... if you give it a chance is actually really great. The songs are stripped back, different from the pop songs being made today and that are charting, has better lyrics and clever wordplay and very catchy. Goodjob 1D, in trying to improve your sound and succeeding. My favourite is No Control, Stockholm Syndrome and Clouds but I like every song and I'm never bored because they're all different from each other but all so 1D.… Expand
  4. thamiressss
    Nov 18, 2014
    0
    What Happended with them? "Up All Night" and "Take Me Home" is so much better than this. Even "Midnight Memories" are better than this one. I just wish they did something new, I listen to the full album and I feel like I'm listening to the same song over and over. Super Overrated.
  5. WaldirAchury
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    One Direction presents her new album Four An album full of exciting characters and a familiar sound but managed point amuses us. Songs like "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" "No Control" and "Steal my girl" give a more fun touch to the album . Laden ballads like "Night Changes" and "Fireproof" give it a sweeter touch the album to the point that at some time ou out an occasional tear. Four isOne Direction presents her new album Four An album full of exciting characters and a familiar sound but managed point amuses us. Songs like "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" "No Control" and "Steal my girl" give a more fun touch to the album . Laden ballads like "Night Changes" and "Fireproof" give it a sweeter touch the album to the point that at some time ou out an occasional tear. Four is positioned as a very mature album for the boys of One Direction.… Expand
  6. Pregnant
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    I was never a fan of 1D but I'll give credit where it is due, I see why they're popular now or maybe it is that they've improved so much but they are great singers and FOUR was extremely catchy and well written when my friend made me listen to it. There wasn't a song I disliked, maybe Steal My Girl I didn't care for that much but the others are extremely different and they've gained aI was never a fan of 1D but I'll give credit where it is due, I see why they're popular now or maybe it is that they've improved so much but they are great singers and FOUR was extremely catchy and well written when my friend made me listen to it. There wasn't a song I disliked, maybe Steal My Girl I didn't care for that much but the others are extremely different and they've gained a new fan. Instead of being close-minded and dismissing everything 1D do, give FOUR a good listen.… Expand
  7. Overage
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    A very well written and produced album. What I don't understand is this site, it has gotten a lot of great reviews yet it isn't being added here especially since it's from web sites that you previously used to measure their metacritic score. And zaimin, Up All Night was rubbish and was not them at all, it was too autotuned and overproduced but FOUR shows how beautiful their voices are onA very well written and produced album. What I don't understand is this site, it has gotten a lot of great reviews yet it isn't being added here especially since it's from web sites that you previously used to measure their metacritic score. And zaimin, Up All Night was rubbish and was not them at all, it was too autotuned and overproduced but FOUR shows how beautiful their voices are on their own with great harmonise and the writing is much better with more clever lyrics. This is them, this is how they feel now, the first album was controlled by others and sung by them.… Expand
  8. KriShnaK
    Dec 12, 2014
    7
    What a speed of releasing an album one after another. Like their previous albums this album has all the sounds that you hear often from the boy band. A must listen record. A 7 outta 10.
  9. Liih
    Nov 23, 2014
    10
    If outperformed, by far the best album, they grew, have evolved, the sound is better, then the compositions, so amazing, it's something more mature, more complex, more well prepared, One Direction reached new level
  10. AdelebestTaylor
    Apr 24, 2015
    10
    From a distance you see it's not their best album, but we see a revolution by the band, leaving your comfort zone (bubblegum pop) and going to a Folk, just wish every success for these magnificent guys: D
  11. 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' 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
  12. 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' 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 touchTheir 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....… Expand
  13. 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 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.
  14. AlissonM
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Is their evolution as an artist , expanded borders. Four is the best job of them released so far , with influences from folk shown work from the predecessor Midnight Memories .
  15. Maribelle
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    FOUR is absolutely brilliant and one of the best pop albums of 2014. I love how they progressed through the years and have proven everyones expectations wrong. It is better lyrically and stripped down and they are refreshing from the usual pop music that is being put out today as well as TS. It has a song for everyone because of the variety the album holds from soft sweet sounds with aFOUR is absolutely brilliant and one of the best pop albums of 2014. I love how they progressed through the years and have proven everyones expectations wrong. It is better lyrically and stripped down and they are refreshing from the usual pop music that is being put out today as well as TS. It has a song for everyone because of the variety the album holds from soft sweet sounds with a folky drum beat and smooth harmonise to upbeat sounds with an edge. Also, their voices are a dream and I love how all of their voices are different but comes together so perfectly when they harmonise or sing a chorus as a group.… Expand
  16. arelli
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    the best album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is the best album of them! they evolved greatly, the songs are better, the melodies are the best .... I loved the four!
  17. Muddsjr
    Nov 21, 2014
    4
    It's their most mature album to date, which could suggest something more worth the while in their future. knocking that potentiality aside however, its still an album short of anything particularly new and perhaps, in addition to churning out albums literally one after the other, Four feels somewhat similar to their previous work in some aspects as it simply feels incomplete and overrated.
  18. Thayane
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    good album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! one direction always improving.................................................................
  19. carolsred
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Great album. They still pop, which is very good, because they are pop artists and they will always be pop artists. Some songs are not very good, but other are are extremely amazing. When you hear the album for the first time you really get crazy with the songs. The lyrics and the sound of the songs are much better than their previous albums. Almost the full album was written by them. NowGreat album. They still pop, which is very good, because they are pop artists and they will always be pop artists. Some songs are not very good, but other are are extremely amazing. When you hear the album for the first time you really get crazy with the songs. The lyrics and the sound of the songs are much better than their previous albums. Almost the full album was written by them. Now it feels that they are grown and mature enough to be artists.… Expand
  20. Living
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    I really enjoyed this album. It's filled with catchy pop songs with clever lyrics. I don't know why they chose Steal My Girl as the single when they were far better tracks on the album.
  21. WezzTBC
    Jun 2, 2015
    0
    Please murder me now!!!!!!!!!!! this album is just a crime to music, and the only reason their successful is because teenage girls like fingering themselves while they listen to this album, the ordering is all wrong, the songs are just the same as the past 3 albums which are just about how much they love and respect girls (which they don't). The sooner these guys go the better so we canPlease murder me now!!!!!!!!!!! this album is just a crime to music, and the only reason their successful is because teenage girls like fingering themselves while they listen to this album, the ordering is all wrong, the songs are just the same as the past 3 albums which are just about how much they love and respect girls (which they don't). The sooner these guys go the better so we can finally get some good music on the radio instead on the toyboy Harry Styles.… Expand
  22. CPD98
    Nov 26, 2014
    0
    Al igual que con Justin Bieber, esta música me produce náuseas, es un producto 100% comercial y pasajero para chicas adolescentes, de ese que cuando lo escuchas te apetece cambiar de emisora y no volverlo a escuchar en la vida.
  23. sebastianglz
    Nov 18, 2014
    8
    One Direction's most mature album it's so amazing but it feels so empty. The fact that One Direction came out in 2012 (2011 in the United Kingdom) as a teen boy band with catchy lyrics and songs and, regrettably, with some auto-tune in their debut album "Up All Night" feels so weird if you listen to this album. There are amazing lyrics, amazing sounds, amazing voices and amazing talent ofOne Direction's most mature album it's so amazing but it feels so empty. The fact that One Direction came out in 2012 (2011 in the United Kingdom) as a teen boy band with catchy lyrics and songs and, regrettably, with some auto-tune in their debut album "Up All Night" feels so weird if you listen to this album. There are amazing lyrics, amazing sounds, amazing voices and amazing talent of these five boys, but something is missing. In its fourth studio album they sound completely different and amazing, but they need to work if they want this to work. Higlights of the album: "Fireproof", "Stockholm Syndrome" and "Spaces".… Expand
  24. LaraR
    Dec 5, 2014
    5
    I've never been a fan of One Direction but this album is actually surprisingly tolerable. It's certainly an improvement from the previous songs I've heard from them. Although, I think the problem was that most of the songs had the same feel to them. Maybe some kind of variation would have refined their album greatly but other than that, not bad. I reckon the best ones are probably 'StealI've never been a fan of One Direction but this album is actually surprisingly tolerable. It's certainly an improvement from the previous songs I've heard from them. Although, I think the problem was that most of the songs had the same feel to them. Maybe some kind of variation would have refined their album greatly but other than that, not bad. I reckon the best ones are probably 'Steal My Girl', 'Girl Almighty' and 'Once In a Lifetime'. Hopefully they'll keep up this type of progress in their music.… Expand
  25. mirelle144
    Dec 11, 2014
    2
    The frustrated attempts to appear more mature ended the album, some songs were even good. But others like, steal my girl, could be compared with trash.
  26. Clubsocial
    May 4, 2015
    1
    Katy Perry bursts back onto the scene with her amazing second album that is full to the grim of the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that got herkhkkjhjghjbnnnnn
  27. Rosaria88
    Jun 15, 2015
    1
    eard. They're nothing more than 5 Justin Bieber's and they will never get to the level of previous boys bands they're obviously copying like Backstrehjjjjj
  28. LipeFireworks
    Feb 13, 2017
    9
    Morto com esse hinario, melhor album dos reis, Hinos com 18, Fireeproof amoooo, Steal My Girl lixo sonoro ignorem amores, guarda no fandom, amém Four te amo
  29. lewisgittins
    Jan 17, 2017
    0
    COMPLETE RIP OFF!! Prime example is "change your ticket". The guitar riff is practically identical to "Girls" by The 1975!! They need to start writing origional music instead of ripping off everyone else. Not amused.
  30. MooziikMaster
    Dec 15, 2014
    7
    The world-dominating boy band has been on top since they first squeaked out seemingly innocent songs about modest girls back in 2011. Now, in 2014, the band has taken a massive step out of their normal zone (that zone consisting of songs sung by teenage girls in their bedroom while swooning over life-sized posters of the wind-blown British beauties). With their appropriately titled fourthThe world-dominating boy band has been on top since they first squeaked out seemingly innocent songs about modest girls back in 2011. Now, in 2014, the band has taken a massive step out of their normal zone (that zone consisting of songs sung by teenage girls in their bedroom while swooning over life-sized posters of the wind-blown British beauties). With their appropriately titled fourth album Four, One Direction have smartened up in terms of song arrangement and the quality of their tracks.

    The album starts out with a familiar trope seen on previous Direction albums. The boys are still singing about "that one girl" who they unknowingly objectify and possess with a childish gaze. "Steal My Girl" is meant to come across as a cute track about a boy who wants to protect his girl from someone else taking said girl away from him. Unfortunately, the band falls into a realm of their previous failures with a cheesy attempt at love. However, aside from this preliminary hiccup, the band begins their journey upwards towards a climactic finale.

    From their humble beginnings, One Direction presented themselves as a wholesome boy band who dedicated themselves to the teenage girls who adored them. With this new album, a certain sophistication has entered the music. More memorable rhythms, cleaner instrumentals, and crisper vocalization aids Four to create a pop album with substance. Rather than being a traumatic effort of shallowness that befalls countless other pop artists (cough cough, Sam Smith, despite his angelic voice), One Direction rises above the rest with killer arrangements and blaring rock sounds.

    The album as a whole is a layered affair. Dabbling in both shrieking rock anthems and heart-felt acoustic ballads, the boys have expanded their repertoire in order to appeal to a larger audience. Although the lyrics may have their typical issues, the overall package is something worthwhile. The production of Four is its saving grace. Often times, bands use post-production assistance in the wrong way and overdo their appearance (a recent example of this is The Beastie Boys' Hot Sauce Committee Part 2). One Direction do have assistance in making their sound remain purely pop, yet the pop produced is listenable. If they continue to evolve their music over the years, One Direction may cross streams with a more alternative sound down the road.

    Four is One Direction's best effort to date because of its explosive instrumentations and thoughtful vocal harmonies. Though they may not be The Beatles of our generation, if One Direction are the shining examples of where music is headed, I'm okay with that.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 20, 2014
    67
    [On album's first half] the melodies are sturdy and the lyrics catch. Later, the titles get sillier (''Stockholm Syndrome''), and the guitar-jam vibe turns as dull as every real-life guitar jam. But when Four ends, your ears are guilt-free.
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  3. Spin
    Nov 20, 2014
    70
    Four [is] the most consisting-sounding Direction album yet.
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