One Direction's new album, Made in the AM, was officially released on November 13 (although high quality clips of the songs had been circulating on the Internet for weeks prior). And there's no doubt that it's their best one yet. The band has grown musically over the past five years, and they're no longer the same boyband that sang "What Makes You Beautiful" in 2011. Their new album is filled with tracks that have heavy rock and alternative influences.
It's important to note that this is One Direction's first album without Zayn Malik, who left the band in March. But perhaps that's a good thing. Each song on Made in the AM seems to suit the four remaining members of the band more than their previous albums did.
Plus, it's their last music release before the band goes on a hiatus. For the majority of their career, they've been releasing albums and touring annually. It's a well-deserved rest. And Made in the AM is the best way to say goodbye to an era. The band members have further stated that this album was one of the first they'd written without performing in mind; since they aren't going to tour this album, the songs are less geared towards arenas and stadiums and more for headphones. It's an interesting twist to their sound and perhaps more true to the band members' tastes in music.
Let's take this track by track:
1. Hey Angel - Hey Angel is a soaring song filled with high, arcing vocals and transcendent "oooohs". But in my opinion, it's probably one of the weakest songs on the album. It's a little boring and doesn't make me want to listen to it all the way through.
2. Drag Me Down - this song is undeniably a banger. When it was released in the dead of night in August, One Direction fans everywhere went crazy. The song immediately draws you in with its opening lines and has you feeling some type of way by the chorus. The clapping in the chorus, dramatic piano chords, and beat drop make the song a great pop hit. It's feel-good pop and energetic rock all in one.
3. Perfect - Perfect is one of the most catchy pop songs on the album. A typical boyband anthem, the chorus is loud and emphatic, and the verses are slower but simple. It's the kind of song you want to play when you're driving, where you can chant along to the chorus. The light-hearted subject matter and cute lyrics make the song reminiscent of a Taylor Swift tune (who the song may or may not be about).
4. Infinity - While this song is transcendent and contemplative, the chorus soars. It's a bit boring compared to the other songs on the album, but when you're in the right mood, it's a great song to belt along to.
5. End of the Day - This song immediately hooks you. The opening lines are quick and clever: "party dying downstairs, had nothing left to do, just me, her and, the moon." But the chorus is the best part of this song, it reels you in tight and has you singing along to the defining line: "you're the one that I want at the end of the day." The song doesn't sound like it should work (the chorus and the verses don't really sound like they fit properly) but it does.
6. If I Could Fly - this is the most defining ballad on Made in the AM. Written by Harry Styles, the song has you missing someone you never even had. It's the perfect song to sing along to, and the emotions are palpable. The bridge builds energy into a glory-filled final chorus.
7. Long Way Down - this song is slow and reflective, perhaps contemplating One Direction's success as a band or the demise of a relationship. It's a rock-influenced song that isn't necessarily a standout on the album but definitely a well-written ballad.
8. Never Enough - this song is so incredibly unique that I've never heard anything like it before. The song opens with grunts that belong in a jungle, and the opening verse is fast paced and draws you in right away. The chorus itself is incredibly catchy as well. The boys pull out some impressive vocals on this one.
9. Olivia - such a clever song. The song plays on the name "Olivia" and the phrase "I love ya." The song is immediately catchy and sounds like it could fit in on a Beatles album. There's also a noteworthy string section featured on the song and an interesting Willy Wonka reference.
10. What a Feeling - What a Feeling is a great rock song that sets a mellow vibe throughout. It's a great song to drive to at night, and sounds like it should be in an 80s movie blasting from a boombox. The song captures the feeling of being unable to describe a feeling, if that makes sense.
11. Love You Goodbye - this breakup song, penned by Louis Tomlinson, is about seeing your ex one last time before you're done for good, and something about that idea is so bittersweet it sets a specific tone for the song. The song is very boyband-pop rock, with slow, heavy verses and recurring "hey, hey, hey"'s. The chorus is belting and emphatic, and sounds reminiscent of an Aerosmith type song.
12. I Want to Write You a Song - Band member Liam Payne says he wishes he wrote this song, and it's easy to see why. It's a cutesy good-feeling song that has a light, airy chorus and soft guitar throughout. It's a beautiful song.
13. History - One Direction says they wrote this song for the fans, thanking them for all they've done for them and also looking forward to the future. But I prefer to think that it's about Zayn. The choruses talk about someone who is feeling like they want to "leave this all behind." But in the end, the choruses are for the fans. "We can be the greatest team the world has ever seen," they belt.
14. Temporary Fix - this song is the fast-paced rock song of the album, talking about a friends-with-benefits type of relationship. The song is filled with guitar and quick drums and has a catchy, electrifying vibe.
15. Walking in the Wind - this song is reminiscent of Paul Simon, and actually feels like walking in the wind. The choruses are filled with crooning "ooohs" and soaring lines.
16. Wolves - My personal favorite on the album. It's a catchy song that begins with a cute piano opening and is filled with an emphatic beat and an amazing chorus. The entire song is a feel-good, positive song.
With One Direction's new album, they say goodbye to an era, but leave an opening for them to pick up right where they left off if that's what they want to do. And I hope they do come back, because if Made in the AM is any indication, they have much more to offer.
