Syco EntertainmentFriday, Nov. 13, has arrived.
One Direction released its last album before embarking on hiatus in March (and possibly their final album...ever), and like any true Directioner, we listened to Made in the A.M. start to finish. As fans, we will obviously say that every song is amazing, perfect, wonderful and quite the way to go out, but that won't stop us from ranking each song.
For starters, let's just say the group has graduated from its "What Makes You Beautiful" pop song days and has moved onto tracks that sound like they had the Beatles and the Bee Gees in mind. Sometimes the drumming recalls 1980s Hall and Oates. Despite its influences, Made in the A.M. is a more mature, welcomed change from our beloved foursome.
From least amazing to most amazing, here is our official ranking of the 17-track album:
17) "Drag Me Down" - Yes, the band's first single off their highly anticipated album ranks the lowest on our scale. Compared to 1D's subsequent releases and the entire album as a whole, "Drag Me Down" offers not much more than some good scenery at NASA.
16) "Hey Angel" - The simplistic lyrics make this song fall closer to the bottom of the list but its upbeat melody and repetitive words make us want to roll down car windows and belt it out because we already have everything memorized. Bonus, they sing about riding in cars, so it's totally fitting.
15) "Never Enough" - There's "never enough" grunting in this song. Yes, our loveable foursome gives us their best grunts and chants, but at least there's some nice sax in the background.
14) "Temporary Fix" - If the chorus doesn't have you bopping your head, you're doing it wrong. Another one of the few windows down, sing your heart out kind of bangers on this album.
13) "Walking in the Wind" - This album is all about keeping fans on their toes, and this song is no different. With medium-paced verses, "Walking in the Wind" soon transitions into an upbeat dance-a-thon come the chorus.
12) "Long Way Down" - The men of One Direction have had their hearts broken, whether by Zayn Malik or other gals, but this song makes it clear that it's going to take a while for them to heal. Cue up your cell phone lights or lighters and wave your arms back and forth because this is that song.
11) "What a Feeling" - This is the 1980s in all of its glory. It's like the Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" meets One Direction. Directioners might be caught off guard by this new sound, but we're welcoming it with open arms. If they're going to say goodbye, we're giving them our full attention, including their successful attempts at channeling the past.
10) "A.M." - A reference to the album's name, the song recalls good memories and hopes for a brighter future, if only the subject will stay until the—you guessed it—a.m.
9) "I Want to Write You a Song" - With minimal guitar strumming and lyrics that will inspire romantic gestures from even the coldest hearts, "I Want to Write You a Song" will make you have unrealistic expectations, but prepare to have this slow-paced song on repeat.
8) "Love You Goodbye" - 1D channels their inner rockers to add some power to this breakup ballad, which makes it another full-volume-necessary tune. "If tomorrow you won't be mine / Won't you give it to me one last time." Damn, 1D. Just damn.
7) "Perfect" - Sorry, Taylor Swift. Not only is this song just straight up awesome, the music video is also perfect.
6) "Wolves" - It's just a cheery, pick-me-up that will have you bopping (read: skipping) down the streets with a smile on your face.
5) "Infinity" - Another one of 1D's early singles, "Infinity" is another fantastic breakup-makeup anthem to add into repertoire. These men really understand (or at least are really good at pretending). The instrumental solo also brings this tune a certain je ne sais quoi.
4) "End of the Day" - There has already been a collective freak out about Louis Tomlinson's high note, but what truly makes this song rank high on our list is the fact that it's basically two songs in one. The verses sound completely different from the chorus and vice versa. It's a twofer!
3) "Olivia" - Because we all want to be Olivia. "I live for you / I long for you / Olivia," they sing. With such dedicated lyrics and the spiffy beat, we're on board this track.
2) "If I Could Fly" - It only took one line of this song to reduce us to tears. Getting married soon? Have this be your wedding song. The emotional lyrics will restore your faith in love and give you the hope you need to develop a potential romance with any one of these guys. Grab the tissues because you're going to need the whole box. Also, the solos. The solos.
1) "History" - Obviously the foursome's au revoir to the fans would be No. 1 on our list. Homage aside, this song manages to combine a hopeful goodbye with a Queen "We Are the Champions" vibe. All we can say is, "It's not goodbye. It's I'll see you later."