If you’re anything like me then you were a little weary about the new One Direction album. I mean, as a five-piece the band was good. They were really good. And millions of screaming young and old men and women would definitely agree with that. After listening to their newest album, Made in the A.M., as a smoldering foursome I will have to say they exceeded my expectations. It’s clear the lads are pulling from their musical influences such as The Beatles, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones then adding their own synthetic pop sound. So let’s go through the album track by track, shall we?
“Hey Angel:” Harry Styles has been teasing us on Twitter with lyrics from this one for the last month and a bit. When it kicks off in the beginning, it gives off major The Verve and Oasis vibes (Noel Gallagher is going to hate me for writing that). As the song progresses, it delves into the pools of “Dear Prudence” by The Beatles. Here’s the best line: “Hey Angel do you look at us and laugh? / When we hold on to the past?”
“Drag Me Down:” This one has been kicking around for a while now. It was the premiere single for this album, and it did not disappoint in the charts. Clearly taking inspiration from The Police, this is another upbeat hit for this British boy band. Additionally, their video for the single was shot at NASA…need I say more? Best line: “If I didn’t have you, I’d never see the sun / you taught me how to be someone yeah.”
“Perfect:” This is the second single from the Made in the A.M. album. This song is widely speculated to be Harry Styles’ recount of his relationship with Taylor Swift. In fact, Louis Tomlinson co-wrote this song with Styles and is said to have confirmed it is about Swift. This song is a great pre-game song before heading out to the club to meet your one night special someone. Best line: “And if you’re looking for someone to write your breakup songs about / Baby, I’m perfect.”
“Infinity:” Coldplay, is that you? The song starts with a very Coldplay-esque vibe that makes you think that you’re about to hear Chris Martin’s voice ring out of your iPod headphones, but no, it’s One Direction’s fourth song on their newest album. I would say this song is a little slower than the first three and a little more serious. I wouldn’t say this is one of my favorites, but I don’t hate it either. It’s one that’s really up in the air for me. Best line: “Oh baby I was there for you / All I ever wanted was the truth.”
“End of the Day:” Like all of the songs before it, it’s upbeat and poppy with a hint of indie thrown in the mix. This one would be one that I would expect from a boy band. It’s bubblegum sweet: the recipe for all boy band hits. Best line: “I told her that I loved her, was not sure if she heard / The roof was pretty windy and she didn’t say a word.”
“If I Could Fly:” Let’s slow it right down, now shall we? The lads sing over a single piano in the background. The crooners’ slow love ballad is one that could make everyone’s heart swell a little. Excuse me while I try to hold back some tears. Best line: “Pay attention, I hope that you listen ’cause I let my guard down / Right now I’m completely defenseless.”
“Long Way Down:” The boys have definitely sandwiched some slow heartbreaking ballads together. This song is a perfect post-breakup, need to cry it out and eat ice cream type of song. It’s beautiful with some pretty fantastic lyrics. I’m impressed. Best line: “I try to forgive you / but I’m struggling because I don’t know how.”
“Never Enough:” After crying your eyes out to the last two songs, the guys pick it back up with fast tempo song that sounds like it came straight from the ’80s. This song shows off some impressive notes from Liam Payne. Best line: “I don’t need my love, you can take it, take it / I don’t need my heart, you can break it, break it.”
“Olivia:” This one has The Beatles’ influence written all over it. It’s that pure ’60s vibe with different musical instruments that we haven’t really heard much of lately. It’s also hard not to think of Willy Wonka when you get to the bridge. Best line: “When you go and I’m alone / you live in my imagination.”
“What a Feeling:” As mentioned, it’s pretty obvious the boys and their producers took real influence from influential bands. This song is no different. I hear a mix of The Police and Fleetwood Mac when it comes to the background music. As a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, it’s hard for me to say that the lyrics are that of Stevie Nicks, but they definitely can hold their own. Best line: “What a feeling to be a king beside you, somehow / I wish I could be there now.”
“Love You Goodbye:” Back to melting my heart, hey boys? This song is again another impeccable post-breakup ballad. It’s one many of us can relate to, especially if you have been through recent heartbreak. All of their voices meld perfectly together, creating some pretty great harmonies. It also begs the question: who are these girls that are breaking all of their hearts? Best line: “Oh why you wearing that to walk out of my life? / oh even though it’s over you should stay the night.”
“I Want to Write You a Song:” A very adorable love song. This song is just the guys with a single guitar telling the love of their life that they want to write them a song. Cue the soundtrack of “awww” from all hopeless romantics out there. This song resembles their previous hit “Little Things” and is a super cutesy. Best line: “I want to write you a song / one to make your heart remember me.”
“History:” It feels like this song is a pre-break-up, begging your lover to not leave you because you’ve got a lot of history type. I actually kind of hate this song. I don’t know if it’s the lyrics or the sitting around the bonfire in Hawaii instruments. Either way, I’m not interested in listening to it more than one time. Best line: “Mini bars, expensive cars, hotel rooms and new tattoos / the good champagne and private planes / but they don’t mean a thing.”
“Temporary Fix:” I absolutely love this one. It’s the sweet, sweet savior from the previous song. The first time I heard this song it reminded me of a track on the band’s last album, No Control. It’s a fun, dancey song that will get you excited to go out and meet random strangers. Or, you know, you could just blast it in your car and sing at the top of your lungs. Either way, it’s great. Best line: “We can roll in the darkness / let me touch you where your heart is.”
“Walking in the Wind:” I know it sounds like it could be about a girl and guy breaking up, but a part of me thinks it’s a sweet goodbye to the band’s former member, Zayn Malik. The simple, wonderful little melody has everything you can want from One D. Styles’ voice is on point in the chorus, and the rest of the lads join in for perfect harmonies. Best line: “Yesterday I went out to celebrate the birthday of a friend / but as we raised our glasses up to make a toast / I realized you were missing.”
“Wolves:” If I had to guess, this song might be one of their next singles off the album. I’m not sure exactly why I feel this way, but I think it’s due to the catchy tune and lyrics that will get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. It’s different than a lot of things on the radio right now which could make it the perfect standalone single. Best line: “In the middle of the night when the wolves come out / headed straight for your heart like a bullet in the dark.”
“A.M.:” The final and title song of the album, “A.M.” is a great nostalgia-perking finale to their album. This song will take you back to those times with all your friends in college or high school when you were up all night talking about nothing. It’s a slow song that was the best way to end their fifth album before their “temporary” hiatus. Best line: “Won’t you stay till the A.M.? / All my favorite conversations always made in the A.M.”