One Direction’s highly anticipated fourth studio album hit stores yesterday, and it’s already number 1 in 100 countries. Is it really that good? Continue reading to find out!
The album starts off with “Steal My Girl” One Direction’s first single and a perfect transition song between their older pop music and the new sound of FOUR. It’s powerful piano line and catchy lyrics are bound to make it a hit among fans. “Ready to Run,” the album’s second track, has a sort of Phil Collins sound to it and sounds like it would fit on Tarzan’s soundtrack. That being said, it’s one of my favorites on the album.
It wouldn’t be a One Direction album without some powerful ballads, and they bring them in “18” (written by none other than Ed Sheeran) and the album’s second single “Night Changes.” There are actually quite a few slow songs, including “Fool’s Gold,” “Spaces,” and “Clouds,” but they also have some dance-worthy tunes in “Girl Almighty,” “No Control,” and “Stockholm Syndrome” (a personal favorite of mine). Lastly is “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “Fireproof” which both have catchy beats and smooth lyrics that will draw you in quickly.
If you buy the Ultimate Edition you receive four extra tracks, and I must say it is well worth it. “Once in a Lifetime” is another strong ballad, while “Illusion” features beautiful harmonies and beats. “Change Your Ticket” immediately sounds like a song by The 1975, which makes perfect sense considering Matt Healy was one of the main songwriters on the song. The last extra track “Act My Age” is a bit silly, but in my opinion is absolutely infectious. I love it!
One Direction has definitely proved that they want to be taken seriously with this next album, and the strong lyrics and sophisticated tracks show just how much they’ve grown as a band. FOUR is an impressive album, and I would definitely recommend buying it!