The most popular boy band on the planet has managed to get millions of teenage girls around the world to drool over them yet again. The five familiar frontmen of One Direction—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson—released their second studio album Take Me Home on November 12th in their native UK and November 13th in the U.S. Although it sounds a bit similar to their debut record Up All Night, it is clear that the guys’ voices have changed and that they have attempted to create a new sound for themselves. The four Brits and sole Irishman even went as far as co-writing a few of their brand new, polished tracks.
The lead single on Take Me Home is no stranger to anyone as of right now. “Live While We’re Young” seems to be following in the footsteps of “What Makes You Beautiful,” a song that has been the favorite of teenage girls everywhere since the band’s first debut album in 2011. Skyrocketing to the top of the charts at the end of September when it was released, “Live While We’re Young” is definitely the next huge hit-to-be produced by the English-Irish boy band, as it is a true battle cry for the YOLO generation. The second single released was a sentimental ballad titled “Little Things,” written by Ed Sheeran. Every one of the dreamy band members sings a solo and plays an acoustic guitar, making the quiet tune even more special. It is not hard to predict which of the other tracks will become instant radio hits. “Kiss You” and “Heart Attack” sound about as radio-ready as they ever will be, both earning some serious kudos for the boys of One Direction. The two songs are ridiculously catchy and unique; for each showcases a sound and side of One Direction that fans have never seen.
A stab at a new sound seems to be the main concentration of Take Me Home. “C’mon C’mon,” “Rock Me,” and “I Would” sound especially different than 1D’s previous tunes because they include a hint of Big Time Rush-esque melodies. Very deserving of praise, all three songs simply add more pluses to the well-executed sophomore album of One Direction. The sweet, slower tracks referring to young love add variety to the much-anticipated album. “Last First Kiss” is a standout song simply because it was co-written by the five heartthrobs themselves. The tune is full of the signature “ooooohs” found in love songs, but has its own One Direction twist to it. One of the best additions to the album is “They Don’t Know About Us,” which begins with a beautiful piano, and just when listeners think it is just another heartfelt ballad, it bursts into a track so perfect, boy bands everywhere stop to take a listen.
“Change My Mind” and “Over Again” fill the extra space on the album as sappy, over-romanticized, classic One Direction songs. However, they are still worthy of being listened to. Both are heart wrenching and deeply emotional, as if the five boys of One Direction are down begging on their knees. A bit different from the rest, “Back For You” is somewhat upbeat, and “Summer Love” (another track co-written by the 1D boys) is sweet but not overly lovey-dovey.
Take Me Home has exceeded expectations for fans and critics alike. It is pretty obvious that the album displays One Direction at its finest. Not only have Harry, Niall, Liam, Zayn, and Louis matured, but they have done so in a way that is perfectly fine with everyone. Their new sound and changed voices have captured the attention of more than just screaming teenage girls this time. Unsurprisingly, the world seems to be intrigued by the ever-popular One Direction.
