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Flicker Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 422 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length solo release for the One Direction singer features a guest appearance from Maren Morris and production from Julian Bunetta, Jacquire King, Greg Kurstin, Mike Needle, Matt Rad and Jamie Scott.
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Top Track

This Town
Waking up to kiss you and nobody's there The smell of your perfume still stuck in the air It's hard Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Oct 20, 2017
    80
    One Directioners will no doubt relish every moment of Flicker, but for casual fans potentially wary of the boy band stigma, they can rest assured knowing that Horan has taken a big first step into musical maturity, with his own voice and deep well of emotion.
  2. 60
    At its best, his songwriting is appealingly simple and straightforward: the title track offers an evocative portrait of a relationship that’s breaking down. But at times, Horan’s lyrics let him down a little.
  3. Oct 20, 2017
    60
    It is hard to get overheated about something so determinedly tepid. And yet, dropped amid the frenzy of pop radio, Horan’s songs are immediately distinctive.
  4. 60
    Lyrically, Horan pushes no envelopes, sticking to earnest love plaints and poignant reminiscences for the most part, and even offering to listen to his girl’s problems in “Fire Away”.
  5. Oct 20, 2017
    40
    Its lack of artistic ambition or character of its own is easy to mock, but Horan may well have the last laugh.
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 159
  1. Jan 30, 2020
    10
    Flicker é um álbum para qualquer momento, com letras criativas e melodias compostas para todos os gostos, contando com músicas animadas comoFlicker é um álbum para qualquer momento, com letras criativas e melodias compostas para todos os gostos, contando com músicas animadas como "On the loose" ao mesmo tempo em que músicas emocionantes como a música que nomeia o ábum, "Flicker". Niall Horan prova ser um cantor com talento brilhante e com a capacidade compositora de um artista. Expand
  2. Oct 21, 2017
    10
    I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem of an album. Niall was the 1D guy who flew under the radar, but now he soars on his ownI was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem of an album. Niall was the 1D guy who flew under the radar, but now he soars on his own beautifully crafted melodies and thoughtful, unique lyrics that are rich with imagery and mature beyond his years. A handful of these tunes pay admirable homage to classics of 70s and 80s rock, especially the darker, more mysterious "On the Loose," the infectious and Fleetwood Mac-esque "Since We're Alone," and the absolutely showstopping "Mirrors." These rockier tunes are complimented by a selection of easy-listening, soothing yet full and charismatic melodies. Highlights are the heartbreakingly relatable "Too Much to Ask," the sweet "Fire Away" which gives off an undeniable Cat Stevens vibe, and of course the title track "Flicker," a strings-laden story of holding onto a love that's slowly burning out right before your eyes.

    For reasons unknown, there's a regular version of the album that omits three of the absolute best songs, which are only featured on the Deluxe version. To enjoy this album to its fullest, consider "Flicker (Deluxe)" the only option for you. In addition to the aforementioned "Mirrors," the celebratory Irish-drinking tune "On My Own" is this album's 11 o'clock number and showcases Niall's truly fantastic vocal ability, and "The Tide" is another folk-rocky track that you'll want to blast over and over again, belting out every word.

    Not a One Direction fan? Well, here's a news flash: Niall Horan ain't One Direction. He's an artist all his own with a one-of-a-kind voice and stories to tell through his music that are undoubtedly going to span generations of dedicated listeners. 10/10 for "Flicker (Deluxe)." Go get it, slide into the CD player in your car, roll down the windows, crank the volume, and rock out to a heck of a debut.
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  3. Nov 9, 2017
    10
    It's a really good album, at times raw, other times fun and uplifted, always genuine and refreshing. Whether you knew him from his previousIt's a really good album, at times raw, other times fun and uplifted, always genuine and refreshing. Whether you knew him from his previous One Direction act or you are just discovering him with this Flicker solo album, please welcome Niall Horan as one of the loveliest and most promising artist right now on the scene. Also, don't miss the opportunity of seeing him and band perform live on tour, Niall is a natural performer, his love for it absolutely contagious! Cheers Niall!! Expand
  4. Oct 24, 2017
    10
    One of my favorite albums I've ever heard. Very easy listening to, the lyrics are great and he really has his own style. I'm going to beOne of my favorite albums I've ever heard. Very easy listening to, the lyrics are great and he really has his own style. I'm going to be listening to this album for the rest of my life. Expand
  5. Oct 21, 2017
    10
    ‪Well done Niall,a very solid debut album and if I am honest one of my favorite albums of 2017. Heard it live before ever hearing the studio‪Well done Niall,a very solid debut album and if I am honest one of my favorite albums of 2017. Heard it live before ever hearing the studio version,and it still surprised me. Very honest lyrics and a very good story. ‬ Expand
  6. Oct 20, 2017
    9
    The most consistent post One Direction album released to date, showing Niall's potential as a solo artist. Slow Hands is a certified bop, andThe most consistent post One Direction album released to date, showing Niall's potential as a solo artist. Slow Hands is a certified bop, and there are at least three or four more songs on the album which could easily be big radio singles, including Seeing Blind - a country crossover duet with Maren Morris. There are also some beautifully delicate, personal songs, which feel refreshingly honest in their emotional depth. Stellar production backs up a great voice very well suited to this style of pop rock/folk music. An album with very broad appeal. Expand
  7. Feb 6, 2020
    0
    just extremely boring? listened to the entire album and then forgot it all. however, the title-track is beautiful and i have hopes for hisjust extremely boring? listened to the entire album and then forgot it all. however, the title-track is beautiful and i have hopes for his next album if he follows that path instead of forgettable pop or bad lyrics about dirty laundry. Expand

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