Let’s face it - One Direction isn’t exactly the most favored band in the world. But critics could not deny that their fourth album (creatively and blatantly titled FOUR) is a major sound revolution from their first, second, and even last albums.
The first album, titled Up All Night, featured the typical bubblegum pop of a just-starting-out artist, and earned them legions of teenage fangirls and critics. Their next album, Take Me Home, had a similar sound but more developed lyrics. The third album, Midnight Memories, matured the band, with more guitars and drums. Now, with FOUR, One Direction takes fans back to the 80s with references to The Who, Fleetwood Mac, and Phoenix. In addition, they have co-written all but two songs.
Before the album release on November 17, one of the songs called Fireproof leaked. As I was listening to it, I went through many stages of disbelief. First, I checked my computer to see if the sound was on. Then, I checked my ears to make sure I was hearing correctly. Finally, I checked the artist name to make sure it was actually my favorite band that was sounding...well, bad.
Other fans seemed to be divided on whether or not they liked the new sound. Most shared my opinion, but some took it a step further and proclaimed they were leaving the fandom. Some fans liked it immediately. And some people listened and decided they wanted to be a diehard fan too. Needless to say, the song wasn’t very well received.
After my first experience with the “new” One Direction, I wasn’t too keen on hearing the rest of the album. But when they released their new single, Steal My Girl, and a music video for it, I began getting used to the sound. When their second single, Night Changes, came out, I began liking the sound. Finally, when their album came out, I bought it and began my routine of listening to it a minimum of five times on repeat or however long it took me to learn all the lyrics and the song order.
Some of my favorite songs on the album include Eighteen, Girl Almighty, Fool’s Gold (these three songs coincidentally appear in a row), and Spaces. Critics have praised Fireproof (see third paragraph for my initial opinion), Night Changes, Steal My Girl, and Stockholm Syndrome. Although not my favorites, I like them and all the rest of the songs. For the first time, despite my initial impression, there is not a single thing I disapprove of on this album.
Sure, some songs on FOUR sound similar, but that is inevitable in an era where nearly every type of song style has been experimented. If you have been a fan of One Direction for as long as I have, the album may take some adjusting to. Eventually, you will come to realize the maturing was bound to happen and become incredibly proud of this band’s accomplishments. Six concluding words: extraordinHARRY, phenomNIALL, brilLIAM, amaZAYN, and fabuLOUIS.
By Laura L.
FOUR
One Direction's FOURth album seeks to change the band's image with a rockier sound