I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend one of the “First Listen” events, in which One Direction's new album was premiered for small groups of fans 10 days before the actual album release. Complete with special behind the seasons footage, spanning all the way back to 2012, it was definitely an incredible experience. Every song took me by surprise with how immediately I fell in love. Each time a song started, it became my new favorite. Since the nature of a first listen is to provide a select group of people a chance to hear the album, in hopes that they will share their positive opinions and convince others to give it a try, I felt like it was necessary for me to share my thoughts. At this point, the album has already been released (released date: November 13) but if you haven’t heard it yet and still need a bit of convincing, let me help you out.

This very well may be One Direction’s best album to date. Harry spoke about how they actually sat down this time and decided what was going to happen. Once everyone was on the same page, they set out to achieve their goals, and Harry believes they did so entirely. It is clear how intentionally this album was constructed. With each album the boy’s sound grew more mature, but none as much as this one. Many believe this could be the last album, but I disagree. This album, as others have suggested, leaves the band with a perfect place to pick up when they are ready. Until then, Made in the A.M will keep fans and critics alike very occupied until then.

Upon first listen, the thing that struck me was how different every song was. Each boy had a part in writing on this album and their respective styles showed through very clearly. As they explained each track, they discussed their inspirations and influences, ranging from all different artists that they have admired over the years. I think this is the reason each song is so different. There was a lot of freedom to write songs however they wanted, based on what inspired them. Harry drew on influences that were personal to him, such as Paul Simon and The Beatles, whereas Niall focused more on rock, citing “Sex on Fire.” Louis and Liam have become a successful writing duo on these past few albums and this album their own sound has truly developed. The pair of them really drew on personal events in their lives and it shows in songs such “Love You Goodbye” and “Long Way Down.” This album definitely showcased each member’s talents and musical interests in a way that their other albums may not have.

When I think about the lyrics on this album, the word that continually comes to mind is thoughtful. It is clear that there is purpose behind every word. They are not just catchy, but rather insightful and meaningful in a way that continues to surprise even their writer and producer, Julian Bunetta. He said in a recent interview that he has listened to this album more than anyone else ever will and he is continually discovering new things that slipped by him all the times before. It is worth it to note that 13 out of the 17 songs on the album were written by Louis, Liam, Harry, or Niall.

There are similar lyrical themes running through this album that have been seen in past album. Most notably are the nautical references, which began as early as Midnight Memories, their third studio album, with the line “my hands, your hands, tied up like two ships.” This theme continued into their next album, Four. The debut single “Ready to Run” featured the line “then there’s me inside a sinking boat, running out of time,” while album track “Fool’s Gold” also referenced boats in the line “I’m like a boat on the water. You’re the rays on the waves that calm my mind.” Made in the A.M did not disappoint. The first single “Drag Me Down” included the line “I’ve got a river for a soul and baby you’re a boat” twice in the song. This theme is furthered in “I Want to Write You a Song,” in which a whole verse is dedicated to building a boat. It is also noteworthy to add that nautical themes also run through the boy’s tattoos. Harry has both a ship and an anchor, while Louis sports some sailing rope and a compass.

Another theme that has permeated One Direction albums is the topic of a selfless love. Of course this is to be expected of any artist. Themes of love and relationships are essential to music and this album provides some very sentimental lines that are sure to touch many people. I’ve always found lyrics to be very important, sometimes more important than the instrumental. I was pleasantly surprised by how many wonderful lines jumped out at me right away.

The more I listen to the album, the more I love it. Each time I listen to a song I feel myself growing fonder of it. I think that is a mark of an outstanding album. I believe that every track on the album will be considered my favorite at some point and that’s all we can really ask of our favorite artists. This album is absolutely stunning. I would recommend that everyone, not only One Direction fans, give it a listen. They may be pleasantly surprised.