In 2015, messages of love and gratitude shared by the boy band One Direction topped Twitter’s charts. Members accounted for half of the 10 most re-circulated tweets, including the three most popular. Their latest album is Made In The A.M. They’ve come a long way from the days of What Makes You Beautiful.
The opening song “Hey Angel” is hypnotic. It is more suited for lounge listening or while driving than as a stadium anthem. “Drag Me Down” is a party song with a good vibe. “Perfect” is a typical classic love song with a catchy chorus. “Infinity” is a heartbreak ballad (How many nights does it take to count the stars?/ That’s the time it would take to fix my heart). “End of the Day” has a perfect blend of chorus, melody and lyrics.
“If I Could Fly” is a soft, slow and sad song of love, longing and absence. It begins as piano ballad with strings added as the song progresses. “Long Way Down” is yet another ballad, perhaps ideal to listen on a long, lonely night journey. “Never Enough” appears to be an experimental song combining doo-wop of nonsensical syllables, rock with a little electronica thrown in between.
“Olivia” is one of the fast and peppy standout songs in the album, though a bit whacky and defies genre classification. “What a Feeling” is a breezy chillout song. “Love You Goodbye” is the second break-up ballad of the album. “I Want to Write You a Song” is a folksy, guitar-based romantic song ideal for listening by the fireside in a camp. In sum and substance, One Direction have developed their own style and sound, and this album defines it well.
