Yes, One Direction's new album has been released into the world, and not even I was prepared for how good it is. I had to scour the entire city to find myself a copy on release day but it was worth it.
Tracklist:
- Best Song Ever
The first single that I didn't think was going to be on the album, but alas, it is. It really doesn't fit with the rest of the songs so it's good that it's first so it doesn't interrupt the groove of the rest of the album. - Story Of My Life
The second single, a very heartwarming song about family and being away from them. I'm thinking they were trying to ease us into the album with the singles, because this is more like it. - Diana
Not about Princess Di. A song about wanting to see someone happy again. I think this could very well be about the many fans of theirs that are going through a dark time in their lives with lines like, "I speak a different language but I still hear your call." I'm thinking it's the Little Things of the album, but a little less controversial and hopefully less hated. - Midnight Memories
The title track makes me feel like a leather jacket wearing ladykiller that can do anything she damn well pleases. This song has way more electric guitar than any other song they've done and the first time I heard it my jaw dropped in shock. The chorus sounds like Pour Some Sugar On Me, so. They weren't kidding when they said this album would be a bit more rock, a little edgier. - You And I
A slower song with acoustic guitar and eerie echoes, about a love so strong that nothing and no one could break it apart. And then there's a guitar solo and the song reaches a high point and I need to take a deep breath. - Don't Forget Where You Belong
If you know One Direction, you'll understand this one. By no surprise, Niall helped write this one about having fun on the road and being with your best mates, needing nothing else. They are each other's homes and my tears are falling into my cup of tea. A few members of McFly also cowrote this and that makes me very happy. - Strong
It's possibly that this one is my favourite. Louis cowrote this one (and the majority of the album, if we wanna get into that), and it's about feeling better around the one you love, and not feeling like that's a bad thing. Because it isn't, not really. It's hard to admit weakness but One Direction does it flawlessly. The lyrics in this one are very real and oops I'm getting misty-eyed. - Happily
Harry cowrote this one and it sounds very folk inspired, very Harry. A common theme among One Direction songs seems to be, "I don't care what everyone thinks, I like you and that's what matters". It complements the concept of Strong so well and whoever chose the tracklist did a swell job. - Right Now
About being away from your loved one(s), a topic all members of One Direction can relate to. Zayn's voice is killing me slowly. I am picturing this being played on their stadium tour next year. - Little Black Dress
Not what you'd think. This one is probably the heaviest song on the album and I really like it. To sum it up: you're wearing a black dress, who do you look good for? Do you wanna dance with me? Guitar solo and screeches by various band members, this is interesting. - Through The Dark
Very Mumford And Sons-esque guitar rhythm, a nice little song about getting yourself out of a bad place, with or without the help of someone else. They also say the word strong again, which ties it into the other song. Some great solos in this one. - Something Great
This reminds me of a song that I can't place. The boys sing about dreaming up an ideal love but having it not work out that way, but still hoping one day it could. Harmonies. - Little White Lies
"If this room was burning, I wouldn't even notice," a lyric to describe how I felt the first time I listened to this album. It almost a more tasteful and respectful version of Blurred Lines, dare I say it. High-energy song about a girl. - Better Than Words
The most clever of the bunch, this song consists mainly of song titles and expresses that love is better than the words anyone has ever used to explain it. I'm off the wall, beaming, giddy with pride. It almost sounds a bit Western in the beginning. A lot like Love You Like A Love Song, but better because it's One Direction. - Why Don't We Go There
This sounds a lot of Where The Fence Is Low by Lights at some parts. Another electric guitar-heavy song (heavy in terms of One Direction's standards). This song is about doing fun things with someone because why not? - Does He Know?
A song about a girl, her boyfriend knows everything about her except that she's out dancing and she can move. Upbeat song I could definitely see them adding to the Where We Are setlist, also the instrumental is very similar to Jesse's Girl and that's cool. - Alive
Out of the upbeat songs, this is definitely a standout to me. Within the first 2 listens I had the words down and was prancing around my room. Basically stating a few concerns that people have and an ultimate conclusion that if it makes you feel alive, it's alright. And if you believe all the stuff that The Mirror writes about Harry, you could say the first verse is supposed to be about him. - Half A Heart
This one is so beautiful, the beginning sounds a lot like More Than This. Another track about missing a loved one, and feeling glass-half-full without them. They lyrics are well done and the acoustic guitars sound so great. It reminds me of that one quote that I'd link if I could find it that basically says that without the person you love, you can enjoy things but not to the full extent you would if they were there.
This album has so much potential to put together an amazing concert and I'm so excited to see what the boys come up with. The anthemic tunes could shake any stadium.
I've read nothing but positive reviews so far and that fills me with pride because after all, I am a huge fan and it's nice to see them get some recognition for their hard work.
Side note: I don't think it's fair to say they're making "real music" now, that term irks me. They're making music that is more suited to their sound and image as individuals now, and that's what I like to see. The were always making quote unquote real music.
I've read nothing but positive reviews so far and that fills me with pride because after all, I am a huge fan and it's nice to see them get some recognition for their hard work.
Side note: I don't think it's fair to say they're making "real music" now, that term irks me. They're making music that is more suited to their sound and image as individuals now, and that's what I like to see. The were always making quote unquote real music.
I don't know how else to sum it up, 'cause words ain't good enough....