Mind of Mine
by ZAYN
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2016
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1008 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 787 out of 1008
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 1008
  3. Negative: 160 out of 1008
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  1. aimalfarooq
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Mind of Mine is an incredibly versatile, diverse album that draws from an eclectic range of influences, evidencing the fact that Zayn is a chameleon. His vocal texture, his range and the clear Pakistani/Asian techniques he draws from give each song a fascinatingly striking, yet melodious sound. It's not a genre-album - it cannot be pinned down because of its sheer versatility. From grungyMind of Mine is an incredibly versatile, diverse album that draws from an eclectic range of influences, evidencing the fact that Zayn is a chameleon. His vocal texture, his range and the clear Pakistani/Asian techniques he draws from give each song a fascinatingly striking, yet melodious sound. It's not a genre-album - it cannot be pinned down because of its sheer versatility. From grungy rock influences in Befour to qawwali ghazal in Intermission: Flower to piano-driven pop ballads in Fool For You to slick, mature R&B in Wrong, Mind of Mine is an album that has something in it for everyone. No song is a filler. It's moody, it's smooth, and it's come from someone who is eager to reclaim his roots after they were tried to be taken away from him.… Expand
  2. smashmouth
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Very impressive and solid debut album. Mind of Mine showcases Zayn's effortlessly smooth vocals over impeccable production, kudos to Malay Ho, XYZ, and Lennox. It is an atmosphere and beats based album which has a variety of influences, ranging from soul, R&B, pop, and even reggae. One of the album's biggest strengths is the diversity of sonic influences, and how it still maintains aVery impressive and solid debut album. Mind of Mine showcases Zayn's effortlessly smooth vocals over impeccable production, kudos to Malay Ho, XYZ, and Lennox. It is an atmosphere and beats based album which has a variety of influences, ranging from soul, R&B, pop, and even reggae. One of the album's biggest strengths is the diversity of sonic influences, and how it still maintains a singular underlying thematic element to tie the entirety of the record together. Zayn is easily one of the most talented vocalists of his generation, and Mind of Mine further proves this. Effortlessly showcasing a number of G5 notes, Zayn stuns- unsurprisingly. His smooth, decadent tone is one of a kind. And last, but certainly not least, Zayn's inclusion of an entire song (Intermission: Flower) in his native language, Urdu, is a statement in and of itself. In a music industry that is depraved of nearly any Desi individuals, Zayn stands out all on his own as a British-Pakistani Muslim. All in all, Mind of Mine shows glimpses of artistic genius, and what I am sure is a promising career ahead of Zayn. Don't let his boy band roots stray you away from this masterpiece. 10/10.… Expand
  3. mrose2012
    Mar 26, 2016
    10
    Honestly I am not in in One Direction's demographic but I have been waiting on Zayn's album since I heard his voice in one of their songs in about 2013. Mind of Mine is really good. My favorite tracks are " She, She Don't Love Me", Bright , Be Four , TIO, actually all of them . My only complaint is that " Flower " should have been longer. This is an excellent first album.
  4. blaire
    May 13, 2017
    10
    his vocals are insaaanee he has so much soul in him man i feel it. i can't wait for his next album this left me speechless i love every song, find me a better debut album, i'll wait
  5. charix
    Mar 28, 2016
    10
    His vocal ability is undeniable. also the transitions between the songs is smooth. Lyricwise hey are deep. The fact that he has both upbeat and ballads is also great. The icing on the the cake is the Urdu song. This is a solid debut album.
  6. RamonaBunga
    Mar 26, 2016
    10
    There are a bunch of my favorite in this one but i love It's You the most such an ethereal song with those heavenly falsettos. TiO is such a banger. In fact, there's a lot of banger in this album, Wrong, PillowTalk, Befour, Like I Would to name a few. And i really love the intro, Mind Of Mine, it really showcases Zayn's beautiful voice. And there a song, Flower, which he sang in Urdu ifThere are a bunch of my favorite in this one but i love It's You the most such an ethereal song with those heavenly falsettos. TiO is such a banger. In fact, there's a lot of banger in this album, Wrong, PillowTalk, Befour, Like I Would to name a few. And i really love the intro, Mind Of Mine, it really showcases Zayn's beautiful voice. And there a song, Flower, which he sang in Urdu if I'm not mistaken it's refreshingly different. Overall it's such a great album with great song and great voice. I really love it.… Expand
  7. Rorobeatgo
    Mar 25, 2016
    10
    Mind of Mine deviates from Zayns' previous work and displays the growth in his artistry. It's a cohesive body of work that flows completely through; there are no filler tracks. He really chooses carefully when to sing at full strength and when to pull back and his choices are stellar. The only difficulty is picking a favorite!
  8. Katiexxx
    Apr 12, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Enjoyed this album immensely, especially Wrong and Drunk. Flowers which was in urdu was a really beautiful song as well. Majority of the lyrics were good and most songs had a good beat. Importantly his voice and his high notes were amazing.… Expand
  9. Edduardo20
    Mar 2, 2017
    8
    Only Lucozade is better than the entire discography of 1D
    Now we see why Zayn hated the music they did, it's nothing their style. And here we can see his true maturity not only musical but also personal, we see the former integranteser himself.
    The lyrics of the album are perfect for him, the only problem is the rhythm they carry between songs, at one point it becomes a little tedious to    Only Lucozade is better than the entire discography of 1D
    Now we see why Zayn hated the music they did, it's nothing their style. And here we can see his true maturity not only musical but also personal, we see the former integranteser himself.
    The lyrics of the album are perfect for him, the only problem is the rhythm they carry between songs, at one point it becomes a little tedious to hear if you only expect songs "moved" or "pop" since this work and Zayn are anything but Pop Adolescent plastic cofcofOneDirectioncofcof

    Best of all the album: FLOWER    … Expand
  10. Loveofmusic
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Brilliant album. Zayn showcases his raw talent and emotion and makes you feel what he is going through. It's real it's raw and it's relatable. He sings of realizing hurtful and toxic situations and people in his life and takes you on that journey with him. It's extremely poetic and some of the plays on words are incredible and really just add to the album. Amazing album
  11. Laylaa
    May 13, 2017
    10
    To be honest, i don't even know Zayn i only heard pillowtalk on the radio and i thought it was this random artist i didn't know who zayn was or that he was in one direction, however, i decided to give his album a try and let me just say i didn't expect that. It wasn't your typical rnb or pop album. His voice the way he delivers the song is haunting in the best way and the production wasTo be honest, i don't even know Zayn i only heard pillowtalk on the radio and i thought it was this random artist i didn't know who zayn was or that he was in one direction, however, i decided to give his album a try and let me just say i didn't expect that. It wasn't your typical rnb or pop album. His voice the way he delivers the song is haunting in the best way and the production was excellent. For a first try not bad, not bad at all!… Expand
  12. Ninalx
    Mar 31, 2016
    9
    For a debut and no doubt a brainstorm of ideas, the album is amazing. Id say he is the best male vocalist out at the moment with incredible versatility. As for the lyrics, at times are sloppy but overall pretty good and he can only improve from here. Im sure people will right him off without a proper listen and there is so much lazy journalism out there towards this album, but hey, theirFor a debut and no doubt a brainstorm of ideas, the album is amazing. Id say he is the best male vocalist out at the moment with incredible versatility. As for the lyrics, at times are sloppy but overall pretty good and he can only improve from here. Im sure people will right him off without a proper listen and there is so much lazy journalism out there towards this album, but hey, their loss.
    The stand out songs for me are; borderz, blue,drunk, befour and the intermission;flower sang beautifully in Urdu.    … Expand
  13. Wuassabii_1D
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!
  14. Michaelgreen2
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    A solid debut album. Was never a One Direction fan but this album made me into a Zayn fan. Fantastic production and vocals. Lyrics can improve a bit but nevertheless, an impressive debut album.
  15. colorofthemusic
    May 13, 2017
    10
    I remember when I first listened to Zayn's "Pillowtalk" and how much impressed I was and it got stuck in my head for months; that single alone made me really excited and eager for his album, but little did I know what it was coming. Let me just say I wasn't expecting that at all. Mind Of Mine is really one of the most beautiful album I've ever listened to. Till this day I still bop it atI remember when I first listened to Zayn's "Pillowtalk" and how much impressed I was and it got stuck in my head for months; that single alone made me really excited and eager for his album, but little did I know what it was coming. Let me just say I wasn't expecting that at all. Mind Of Mine is really one of the most beautiful album I've ever listened to. Till this day I still bop it at least once per week and I'm still not tired of it. It's really a good and refreshing Pop/Alternative R&B album which really represents him and the music that he wants to do. Zayn delivers vocals and emotions, he really poured himself out in this album and tried to let us in to let us know him more and in my honest and humble opinion he did that. The production was excellent from the intro to the last song and I was really surprised when I realized I didn't actually feel the need to skip a song, not even one. Also I really wanna give him more credits for the lyrics because they're actually really good and I feel like people don't realize it enough. I wasn't expecting to feel all of this from an album, nothing, mostly thinking this is a debut album, but it happened and I was really surprised. Zayn's a real talented artist and he showed it with Mind Of Mine!… Expand
  16. Rebecca1
    May 13, 2017
    10
    For a debut album, it is actually outstanding. And very underrated! Considering the amount of writers and producers used on this album, in comparison to other artists just shows Zayn's talent and he will only improve on the next album. Stand out tracks for me are its you- stunning vocals, productions and heartbreak! I also love blue a lot. If you love slow tracks you'll like that and theFor a debut album, it is actually outstanding. And very underrated! Considering the amount of writers and producers used on this album, in comparison to other artists just shows Zayn's talent and he will only improve on the next album. Stand out tracks for me are its you- stunning vocals, productions and heartbreak! I also love blue a lot. If you love slow tracks you'll like that and the emotion in his voice is immense. Pillowtalk obviously, the success it had just shows its quality and how different it is from the charts. Rear view, truth, befour are also amazing lyrically and clearly serve a purpose. Not that keen on Bright and fool for you, but still, not bad tracks at all. I can imagine them to be stand out tracks for other listeners. That is another amazing thing about this album, so many people point out different tracks as their fave, which is always a good sign. solid album… Expand
  17. Allestrix
    May 13, 2017
    10
    This is a solid debut album. Each songs telling a story, and the transition between songs is so smooth.
    Zayn has incredible vocals, the way he sang the words is beautiful, very Zayn, very different.
    He is also becoming a prominent wordsmith. A lot of his lyrics have deep meanings, they sound like poetry. Each times i heard the album, i learn something new that i might miss before.    This is a solid debut album. Each songs telling a story, and the transition between songs is so smooth.
    Zayn has incredible vocals, the way he sang the words is beautiful, very Zayn, very different.
    He is also becoming a prominent wordsmith. A lot of his lyrics have deep meanings, they sound like poetry. Each times i heard the album, i learn something new that i might miss before.
    Another thing that i like about this album, it has influenced of Zayn's Pakistani culture, it's shown by the way he sang most of the songs. He also sang a song in Urdu, 'Intermission: Flower'
    There's also classical influenced in 'Blue', and heartbreaking ballads like 'It's You' and 'Fool For You'.
    If i need something upbeat, something mellow, something uplifting, something to think about, i'm always coming back to this album.
    Mind of Mine is the album you should give at try, if you're looking something different, something meaningful.    … Expand
  18. xoSammy
    May 13, 2017
    10
    First I would like to note how ugly it is that Harry Styles fans are purposely leaving negative reviews on Zayns masterful solo debut to bring Down Zayns Metacritic score. It is childish and distasteful, and just highlights the abuse Zayn has suffered for most of his career. They would not like it if Zayn fans did this to Harry's album. That said this album is full of melodic melodies andFirst I would like to note how ugly it is that Harry Styles fans are purposely leaving negative reviews on Zayns masterful solo debut to bring Down Zayns Metacritic score. It is childish and distasteful, and just highlights the abuse Zayn has suffered for most of his career. They would not like it if Zayn fans did this to Harry's album. That said this album is full of melodic melodies and the Beautiful voice that is Zayn Malik. Zayn offers a variety on his debut, but one of the clear standouts on this album is him singing in Urdu. It's a standout and shows that Zayn isn't afraid to be different and go against the norm. This album is definitely worth checking out. It should also be noted that Zayns debut single PillowTalk debuted at #1 on both the US and UK charts. A feat that only 11 other artist before him have done, such as Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Beyoncé, Adele and Ed Sheeran. Zayn is also the FIRST male UK solo artist to debut at #1 with their first album. Zayn has since seen another top 5 hit with his duet of I Don't Want ago Live Forever with Taylor Swift. Zayn is currently working in his much anticipated follow up album, so check out Mind of Mine until then.… Expand
  19. clarabella
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Stumbled upon his music lately, and omg i'm so late!! Amazing vocals, soft very soft and yet full of emotion. The sensuality vibes are there even if he's singing with longing for his broken heart. Borderz is now between my top ten of songs dropped of 2016. The ambiance is sublime, everything is magnificent, thank youu.
  20. Jejejanetz
    May 13, 2017
    10
    The type of an album that I'll listening to everyday. His voice is so calming, unique (in a good way). It's so hard to choose one song as favourite cause all the songs are are incredibly good, original and awesome.Good job Zayn keep being original.
  21. dereckLaher
    Apr 29, 2016
    10
    loved it it was good, good job Zayn. His vocal ability is undeniable. also the transitions between the songs is smooth. Lyricwise hey are deep. The fact that he has both upbeat and ballads is also great. The icing on the the cake is the Urdu song. This is a solid debut album.
  22. gaiacimun
    Apr 7, 2016
    10
    this album is amazing, i can play it over and over without getting bored. this is definetely a good start for his amazing solo career. very excited to see what the future brings to him and to us
  23. Vice05
    May 3, 2016
    10
    Absolutely AmaZayn! One of the greatest album ever if not the best. Sick tunes with profound vocal variations, not to mention the mesmerizing high notes especially the severity of G5 note he belted in sHe. We might have a hard time hearing the songs of this calibre again. Personally i can't get enough of Pillowtalk, BeFour, sHe, Flower, dRuNk, TiO, Borderz, Bright, Like a Would.
  24. kailashrajeev
    Feb 10, 2017
    10
    Mind of Mine is really effective in launching Zayn's career as a solo artist. The production and his vocals are just incredible. He pulls off an easy listen even though the album is pretty long. The lyrics could have been better but his vocals and catchy beats make up for it. Every song is beautiful and you can feel the vibes throughout. Definitely sets a grand stage for his upcoming work.
  25. maximiliana
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Sabes ese sentimiento de esperanza luego de malos tiempos? Eso es lo que sentí cuando escuché este álbum. Tiene cierta tristeza y aún así tiene canciones llena de añoranza por un futuro cercano. Me encanta el ambiente general, como se transita entre emociones de pasión y desencanto con una ingenuidad intacta. Hermoso para un debut, le deseo lo mejor.
  26. yulinbarak2001
    May 26, 2017
    10
    El mejor álbum "R&B" del 2016, arrasando con sonidos únicos en su estilo, elegante y glamuroso como lo es "ZAYN". Un álbum que hay que apreciarlo como uno de los ex-actos mas importantes de integrantes de Boybands de la historia, por sus letras y este estilo tan característico como lo es su artista!
  27. wings_madetofly
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. AMAZING WORK BY ZAYN!! He wanted a new road from old band One Direction to show a new risky move. From sexy 'PILLOWTALK' to ballad 'fOoL fOr YoU'. Or his dad's Urdu 'fLoWeR'.
    You can't miss this brilliant piece of work!! Best album so far with Queen Beyoncé, and ZAYN.    … Expand
  28. WANGWEST
    May 31, 2016
    10
    This album is so uniquely lyrical and so rich in production. He has shown a lot of growth from his departure from One Direction and it was worth. This album includes some songs I suggest listening to first such as wrong, befour and drunk.
  29. danielitamv
    Sep 6, 2016
    10
    Es un disco maravilloso y emocional. Se puede sentir todos los sentimientos que Zayn ha puesto en este disco y reflejarte en ellos. 100% recomendable.
  30. hazz
    May 13, 2017
    9
    This guy is going to be great ! His music is honest. I'm amzed by his vocals. Befour , My favorite track are Rear view & befour, the lyrics are absolutely grat and his vocals are o points ! He is going to be great !
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2016
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    May 12, 2017
    70
    His vocal skills help pave over the (rare) moments when the lyrics seem a bit juvenile or the sound feels a little too familiar, and help make Mind of Mine an impressive debut. It's music he couldn't have made with One Direction and while it may not be breaking any new ground, it's new for him and he's talented enough to make that interesting for anyone who likes well-made pop music.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    May 11, 2016
    80
    Mind of Mine leaps right over anything on Justified and carves a path of its own. Next decade’s boybands will doubtless provoke discussion on which of them will break out like this, which one will be a Zayn.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Apr 6, 2016
    60
    Throughout this album, Mr. Malik opts for a low-octane approach, with varying success.
    Read full review
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