Courtesy: Facebook.com
Every generation has one: the floppy haired, bright-eyed, charming boy band that sends teenage girls into hysteria. For the past four years, the ever-so-popular One Direction has been breaking the hearts of teenyboppers worldwide and dominating the music scene. Fresh off a sold-out stadium tour across the nation, One Direction gave fans one more reason to celebrate Monday as they released their highly anticipated fourth album, which is appropriately named “Four.”
This new collaboration from the British boy-band is proof that change is inevitable, even for the beloved quintet. Void of their usual degree of pop and playfulness, “Four” introduces a more mature and grounded side of the boys, taking influences from not only ‘70s funk and melancholic rock but also Americana folk. No longer geared towards prepubescent girls of the “What Makes You Beautiful” era, “Four” places One Direction on the road toward becoming serious contenders in the music world.
But never fear, loyal Directioners.
The boys may have traded in their signature matching outfits and synth-soaked pop ballads for a more individualized and polished folk-rock persona, but this new album demonstrates they are aiming for a more mature crowd. “Four” exhibits freedom in the creative department, as the artists penned many of the songs themselves on the 16-track album. The hopes, dreams and fears of band members Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson are evident in the lyrics of each new track. The fluff and frills may be gone, but five fresh-faced rock gods are emerging.
One Direction gives listeners a taste of what is to come in their first single and album opener “Steal My Girl.” Teeming with playful guitar licks and an underlying piano refrains, “Steal My Girl” proves to be the perfect teaser for old and new fans alike. The essential “nah nah nah nah” and Zayn Malik’s high notes seal the deal as the group croons a warning for all men to keep off their women.
Fast forward to the fifth track on “Four.” This tune almost dares listeners not to tap their foot and sing along. The infectious “Girl Almighty” is complete with acoustic guitar hooks and incredible vocals that make one wonder, “Could these really be the same lads that sang ‘One Thing?’”
Heartthrob Harry Styles takes the reins on the ‘80s rock-esque anthem “Stockholm Syndrome,” which outlines the tale of a restrictive relationship.
“I won’t act my age, no, I won’t act my age,” declared the boys on their final track of “Four” titled, fittingly, “Act My Age.”
This glorious protest to growing up demonstrates that the darling quintet is still not above making a little trouble, even in their transition to a more mature style. One Direction’s tribute to staying young, wild and free will surely become the mantra of angsty teens behind closed bedroom doors across the world.
For all you One Direction skeptics, let this be the turning point. Now is the time to give this band a listen; One Direction is definitely on a roller coaster musical journey headed for the top. So, download the album, grab your earbuds and ride along.
