“From George Michael to Robbie Williams to Abz from 5ive, everyone loves a boyband escapee. The compelling narrative for Zayn Malik’s debut solo album – ‘pouting pop rebel defies tyrannical high-trousered ruler’ – was written before he’d recorded a note. It’s why lead single ‘Pillowtalk’ seemed fit to burst with previously repressed sexuality. The buzzcuts, the leather jackets and the selfies with ”
“In some ways, it works; the songs on Mind of Mine certainly skew towards more mature content and a sleeker, less bubblegum-y pop sound that's implemented expertly by producer Malay on silky smooth PBR&B-lite ballads like "It's You." It works less well on cuts like Kehlani collaboration "Wrong," which is gratingly heavy-handed with the Auto Tune--a problem that again rears its whiny head on "Fool for You."”
“Lacking compelling hooks, a unifying mood, or a clear narrative, former One Direction member Zayn's debut Mind of Mine is a definitive step away from One Direction towards nowhere in particular.”
“Zayn Malik, formerly of famed boy band One Direction, releases his debut commercial album with Mind of Mine.”
