Three albums in three years, the global music phenomenon and boyband of the moment - One Direction - is more than prolific, it’s almost a myth how they could materialise new record
Midnight Memories when busy touring the world, making fans hyperventilate and hiding from paparazzi.
Well, the trick is to record the album on the road during their sold-out tour. It may sound insanely rush and inhumane (the boys were often woken up mid sleep to record a line or two), yet, it’s a wise move to keep the 1D hype going. Having showbiz veteran Simon Cowell as manager, the team probably knows that teenage fans will soon grow out of the boys and need to be constantly reminded the existence and relevance of their idols. Not wasting any time of the golden five years of boybandhood, the band of course will catch every opportunity to monetise themselves while popularity and demand lasts.
Just like their previous efforts
Up All Night (2011) and
Take Me Home (2012), the new album is filled with anthematic, uplifting pops that, although not as catchy and memorable, are still singalongable. Those expecting much of novelty in their music will be left disappointed as
the band wouldn’t risk upsetting the precious fans by steering away from the tried and tested sound of upbeat, catchy, full-of-life dance pop music. However, to instil some new elements to keep the fans interested, the band infuses alternative folk (not unlike Mumford & Sons) and 80s rock in
Midnight Memories, resulting an "edgier and slightly rockier tone" as the band described.
This round, the boys, especially Liam, Louis and Niall, are more involved in composing and penning the songs while the themes are slightly more mature but still PG. Although the former x-factor contestants are proved decent singers, there isn’t any breakthrough in vocal performance as if they didn’t put much thought on the delivery.
Lead single and album opener "Best Song Ever" is energetic, playful, loud, instantly likeable...it’s anything but their best song, not ever. The beats resemble of their megahit “What Makes You Beautiful” is equally irresistible to shake to. Zayn’s falsetto towards the end is impressive while the shrieks scattered are quite annoying.
Followup single "Story of My Life” is a mid-tempo folk-pop that gives emotional chills. It starts with acoustic, jangly guitar and when the pulsing drum beats come in, the beautifully-written song takes off to a soaring chorus with delightful harmony. One of the best effort in this album.
Liam and Louis helped composed "Diana", a 80s rock number with heavily synthed and stomping beats. Title track "Midnight Memories" is a full on stadium rock effort with groovy guitar that gets you clap along right away. It’s a bit rowdy and, definitely, a crowd pleaser.
Yet another anthemic song is "Don't Forget Where You Belong". Co-penned by Niall and the boys of pop band McFly, this soft rock number overflows with sentiments of being always away from home. “Strong”, co-written by Louis, has a calm and hypnotising beginning that evolves into a rock ballad of love and connection.
Then comes the refreshing (well, at least to 1D fans) “Happily”, a folk-inspired number with stampeding percussion and big chorus. The beats and mood are reminiscent of works of The Lumineers. It’s ridiculously catchy and fun to sing along to.
After that, the album gets repetitive with dynamic, inoffensive numbers and starts losing audience’s attention. “Right Now” is an echoey, rhythmic pop co-written by Ryan Tedder and it sounds, rightfully, more One Republic than One Direction. “Through the Dark” is another mixture of folk and pop while “Little White Lies” is just an average dance music with synthesized sounds and a dub-step feel.
The lengthy album of 14 tracks looks like a strategy to compensate for the overall mediocre quality. It’s unlikely the new album will earn One Direction many new fans, yet, fans of the hottest boy band in the world will like everything they made no matter what.
