It's been 10 years since One Direction was formed by Simon Cowell on the X Factor, but it seems like these 10 years have flown by. When "What Makes You Beautiful" was released, I remember fifth grade me watching the music video on a loop trying to decide which of the boys was my favorite (spoiler: I was and still am a Niall girl). Now I'm an incoming college freshman, still jamming out to the entirety of One Direction's discography with my older sister. It's weird to think that so much time has passed between crying in middle school when the news broke Zayn was leaving the band, to now celebrating their 10 year anniversary. It's difficult to narrow down five albums worth of songs into my top 10, but here goes nothing...
Happily
Happily is the first song on this list because I find myself listening to this song on a loop more often than not. The lyrics show the longing of wanting to be with someone who you thought would be with you forever. Power lyrics such as "I don't care what people say when we're together." Showcasing that people should be unapologetic about who they have fallen in love with and shouldn't care about what other have to say about their relationship. This bittersweet song never fails to have me belting out the lyrics and hoping that some of the lyrics will relate to me one day in the near future.
Walking in the Wind
An underrated song from the Made in the A.M album, Walking in the Wind, is able to deliver a nostalgia that I never knew it could. I've cried to this song more times than I can count because I can always link it to a memory. When I first cried to it, it was on my last day of eighth grade. Having grown up with my peers since 2nd grade, the lyrics really touched me. I found myself listening to this more often as I have now graduated high school, thinking of the lyrics, "Goodbyes are bittersweet. But it's not the end, I'll see your face again." When listening to this song I think of those I'm closest to and think whether or not I will be seeing their faces again in the future. The emotion that this song delivers is a true tear-jerker.
They Don't Know About Us
Another song that pulls at my heartstrings, meaning I have cried to it. They Don't Know About Us, talks about a young love that many believe should not have happened. The lyrics discuss what the young love is actually like, showcasing the little things that the pair do when they are together. If you want a song about young love and accepting that not everyone will understand it, then this is a great listen.
18
This B-side track is one that 'till this day I know many of people talk about. A lot of people want to find their love by the age of 18, and honestly if that were to happen, it could be the perfect wedding song. The premise of this song is that the person fell in love at the age of 18 and felt as if they had found the person they are destined to be with. The lyrics of this song are heartfelt such as when Harry belts out, "I have loved you since we were 18, long before we both thought the same thing, all I could do is say that these arms were made for holding you." This song is perfect for hopeless romantics.
Up All Night
"Up All Night" never fails to make me jump up out of my seat. This song has such a carefree and youthful vibe that I love to put on when I want to jam out in my room. It's a great song to dance around to and just let loose!
I Would
This song is mainly about how someone who believes that they would treat their significant other better than their current significant other. The lyrics have underlying urgency, though it still makes you belt out the lyrics. Zayn's background ad-libs really make the song enjoyable.
Better Than Words
A song you could easily vibe to! I think it's safe to say this may be one of the songs that you have to experience live. This song really never fails to get you out of your seat. My personal favorite verses are Niall's and Louis', as we finally got to hear more of their voices in this album.
Home
This song is not officially included in their final album, but it still deserves attention. The overall vibe is so comforting and their voices blend so well together. You hear the strength of all their vocals perfectly. Truly under-appreciated and should have been on their final album.
Girl Almighty
Another very upbeat song that I love. I specifically love the overall feel of this song...the beat blends will with the melody of their vocals. The way Liam says the word "ambulances", gives it a very "fun" feel. To me, this song feels like road trip song where you are screaming these lyrics out with your best friends.
Still The One
In case you haven't caught on, Take Me Home is my favorite One Direction album and "Still the One" may be my favorite song off of that album. The lyrics describe the regrets someone may have for letting someone go, describing how they believe they are still the one for them. The lyrics may be longing, but the beat and melody is one you can both jam to and be sad about. Harry's high note towards the end is one of my favorite parts of the song.
There are countless more songs that should be included because, frankly, their entire discography is a masterpiece. Growing up listening to One Direction makes me realize how much their music has impacted me. It has made me realize that no matter the age or language, music is universal. I think we can all say that we at least appreciate their music. 10 years sounds like so long, yet it flew by in a matter of what felt like seconds. Happy 10-year anniversary to One Direction!
