It’s Friday the 13th, usually a very unlucky day for most people, but today the music industry decided they’d change that. Multiple artists released new music today, and that includes the biggest boy band in the world: One Direction.
Made in the A.M. is One Direction’s fifth (and probably final) studio album. Yep, you heard that right, final. After all the buzz around their album has settled, the boys, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson are taking a much needed “break”. No one has said how long this break is going to last, but let’s be honest, these things never end up how we want them to and I’m guessing they might end up calling it quits.
The good thing about this whole situation though, is the new album. I don’t care if you’ve been a 1D fan from the beginning, slowly made your way over to the dark side through the years, or even if they just aren’t your cup of tea, you need to give these tracks a listen. Honestly, they’re pretty fantastic. The boys have really grown up a bit since the “What Makes You Beautiful” days and their sound has matured with them.
To truly give you all an insight on the new album here’s a breakdown of each song so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth a listen. Keep in mind, these days you don’t have to spend money to listen to any of these songs (though I did in fact buy the album because I loved it so much). You can head over to Spotify and listen for free!
1: “Hey Angel”: 1D start the album off with a super funky beat, which has been said to sound a bit like U2. I think it’s all the “ooh”s going on in the background. It’s not my favorite of the album and I don’t think it should have been the first track that people hear, but I’m a big fan of the bridge.
2: “Drag Me Down”: I’m sure you’ve all had this stuck in your head at one point since it’s been on the radio for a while now as the first single off the CD. It’s a great tune and quite frankly, a jam. You can check out a video of the guys preparing to take over outer space as well as the rest of the universe in their music video.
3: “Perfect”: This song was also released a while ago on iTunes and has a music video as well. If you really listen to the lyrics, it’s kind of sad; I mean it’s pretty much about how hard it is to be in a relationship with someone in the spotlight, but if you like “having secret little rendezvous” than they’re perfect for you. I think this is one of my favorites off the album and is totally worth a listen. Also, most Directioners think it’s written about Taylor Swift, who dated Harry Styles a while ago.
4: “Infinity”: I LOVE this one. It’s a sad ballad, but it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a very One Direction sounding song though, if that makes sense. It was also released a couple of weeks ago and it’s been a big hit with the Directioners. If you are in the mood to cry over a lost love and eat lots of ice cream, this song is for you. Trust me.
5: “End of the Day”: This track kind of sounds like “Steal My Girl”, which was a single off 1D’s last album Four. It still has its own vibe though and is a good jam.
6: “If I Could Fly”: Another great ballad. The boys have some pretty amazing vocals on this one where you just want to wear some headphones and listen real deep. Pair this one with “Infinity” and be ready to have a good cry.
7: “Long Way Down”: For all you non-Directioners out there, you should try this tune out. It doesn’t follow the typical 1D sound. It’s a slow song with strong vocals and clever lyrics, another one of my favorites. It doesn’t sound like any other 1D song out there and it’s a nice change.
8: “Never Enough”: Speaking of songs that don’t sound like One Direction songs… This track is very different musically and would be a great dance song. It’s hard not dancing a little bit to this one. It’s probably the most different sounding song on the album and is very unique. I’m a fan of the strange loops they’ve put into the melody.
9: “Olivia”: I wonder how many Directioners out there have the name Olivia, and if they’re okay. Someone should check on them. Can you imagine having the world’s biggest heartthrobs singing “I love you Olivia” like this? Anyway, this one is another track that sounds nothing like a 1D song. It sounds like it belongs in an old musical where the main character is in love with the other main character who happens to be named Olivia. I’m not sure if that made sense to anyone but me, but I do love this song.
10: “What a Feeling”: Another song for the non-Directioners. Also, Louis’ vocals in that first verse? *swoons* I’m a fan. You’ll like this one no matter who you are, I swear. It might be my personal favorite, but I don’t think I’m ready to choose just yet.
11: “Love You Goodbye”: Since I preordered the album, I got to listen to this song a few days ago because it was released early and it really got me hyped for the album. It’s a sad but beautiful song about seeing your ex after you’ve broken up but you are still in love with them. You might as well add this one to your crying playlist too.
12: “I Want to Write You a Song”: I’m okay with that, 1D. I think this one is pretty straightforward, really. It’s a beautiful little tune with a beautiful acoustic guitar playing throughout. This also would have been an amazing song for a solo artist but the boys do a wonderful job of splitting up verses. I just have to mention Louis again and Niall as well because they’ve come a long way from not having any solos while the boys were on X Factor and both of their vocals are amazing on this track.
13: “History”: This song is adorable because it’s dedicated to the fans and how much they mean to the guys. Also, musically it’s just great. It’s kind of like a song you’d sing around the campfire, including the clapping along bits. I’m sure this one is going to be a fan favorite.
There are four more tracks on the Deluxe version of the CD that are all just as great as the songs above, but you’re going to have to go create your own ideas on those ones. Overall, I have to say a congratulations is in order for the boys because these tracks are unbelievable. If you weren’t a fan of 1D before, you might be now. Just in time for the “break,” right?
You can find Made in the A.M. on iTunes (both normal and deluxe versions) as well as on Spotify for free, or try purchasing your very own hard copy at a store like Target or Walmart. For those of you living in the city, our very own Newbury Comics will carry it too. Target will be selling special copies of the album with each boy having their own individual covers (kind of copying their past tour mates 5 Seconds of Summer’s newest album if you as me, but that’s okay).