In just five years, they have gone from making videos at the bottom of the X factor stairs, to the top of the charts becoming multi-platinum recording artists. Whether you enjoy their music or not, One Direction reached some undeniable feats.

The original five members, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik all tried out for the X-Factor as solo artists in 2010. Shortly after entering bootcamp, Simon Cowell put all five boys into a group together, giving the world One Direction.

It became prevalent in the weeks after they made their debut as a band on the X-Factor UK, that One Direction was anything but normal. The crowds of fans grew, as did the boys popularity. Although they ended the season of X-Factor in third place, as Zayn Malik said during their exit interview “this isn’t the last of One Direction” and it couldn’t have been any truer.

Since their exit, the boys have successfully released five studio albums—four of which have gone multi–platinum—sold more than 50 million records worldwide, and have had a total of 91 number one hits. To explain the magnitude of One Direction’s fan base, within one week of releasing their first studio album in the United States it went to #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making One Direction the first British group to ever debut #1 in the United States with a debut album.

By no means is it normal or average to be a group for a mere five years, and have the success these five boys have had. In just five years they have released an album-a-year, made two concert films, and gone on four international tours where they played to over 7.5 million fans to date.

Yet what makes One Direction so unique, is not their record breaking sales, or multiple tours, but the relationship between One Direction, the music and their fans.

One Direction attained a level of fame that other artists couldn’t even imagine. Yet unlike some, they give the credit for everything they have to those people who buy their albums and attend their concerts. One Direction wouldn’t be One Direction without the fans that took them from the X-Factor to the top of the Billboard charts. With each album, they strive to get better and produce better songs—as a way of saying thank you to everyone who’s stuck by them—and their latest album, which was released this past Friday, isn’t an exception.

For anyone who’s listened to One Direction’s albums, can attest that with every new album it seemed as though the boys struggled to find “their sound.” "Up All Night" was the perfect British-pop album, "Take Me Home" was the album no one could get out of their heads, because it was literally made up of number one hits.

Midnight Memories was the first glimpse into the One Direction of today, where the rock influences and heavy instrumentals began to play a larger role. Then Four was released and the world stood still, as every fan held their breathe—was this finally it?

Then the unthinkable happened.

Just as history had warned us, but we refused to listen—One Direction went from five boys to four. In March of 2015 Zayn Malik, the shy boy from Bradford—who’s mother needed to pull out of bed on the morning of his audition—left to pursue his own solo career and signed to RCA Records shortly after.

Yet the remaining four, Harry, Niall, Liam and Louis stuck through it all and went on to finish their On The Road Again Tour, and record their fifth studio album titled Made In The A.M.

Without the strong vocals that Zayn brought to the group, fans were curious and slightly nervous about what the fifth album would bring. Over the years, the boys have not only evolved in their musical abilities, but began to write more of their own music—highlighting their maturity and growth through their lyrical abilities.

Made In The A.M. not only emphasizes each boy’s individual talent but also ended the debate about what exactly was One Directions “sound.” Their new album pays tribute to some of their favorite musicians and personal inspirations such as Paul Simon and The Beatles.

While many artists struggle with making music that sounds like the future, One Direction pulled from the past and the outcome is phenomenal. "Made In The A.M." is arguably One Direction’s strongest album, for the first time each song flows into the other making way for a collectively sounder record.

“If I Could Fly” satisfies those who’s personal favorite oldies are songs such as “Little Things” or “Moments.” Whereas “Wolves” gives fans the perfect pop record, with a hit of older inspiration—literally and figuratively. “Olivia” was recorded in Abbey Road Studios and carries the line “you live in my imagination.”

The road has been long for the band dubbed the most “famous band in the world,” yet "Made In The A.M." solidifies that this is still just the beginning for One Direction. Although they have done more than most artists have in their entire career, and are entering a well-deserved break period—Directioners everywhere need not to worry.

“This isn’t the last of One Direction.”

And the proof is in the songs.