It all started in freshman year. My roommate and I had several pictures of One Direction plastered on our door in Trojan Hall. One day, we found a note from a lovely girl named Gabby who lived down the hall. She told us about her love for the band and when we finally met, everything just clicked. We are proud to say One Direction brought us together as not only roommates today, but also best friends. Fast-forward two and a half years, and the rest is history.

Thus, we felt it was only appropriate that we take the time to review and discuss “Made in the A.M.,” One Direction’s fifth and their latest album before their hiatus (not a break-up).

After band member Zayn Malik’s departure in March, One Direction fans around the world worried about the fate of the band as a whole. Could they survive without a crucial member of their team? Who would sing those beautiful high notes and runs? One Direction made a promise to their fans that they would stand strong and deliver the best music that they’ve ever done. And after listening on repeat, we both agree they’ve truly worked hard to deliver a sound that demonstrates they’ve found their niche.

READ MORE: What's Next For Zayn Malik After Leaving One Direction?   

Erasing all bubblegum pop associations with their image, One Direction maturely experiments with light pop, bouncy folk, edgy rock, honest ballads, and indie and retro influences throughout. Here is a track-by-track review of our initial reactions to the deluxe edition.

“Hey Angel”

Brittany Lazar: Harry Styles teased the lyrics in a series of tweets, so naturally I expected a lot more considering all of the hype. While it is a good introduction to their mature vocals, I had a hard time figuring out what the lyrics meant. Styles’ vocals definitely shine, but the music may be a bit overproduced.

Gabrielle Wong: I definitely agree with you in that it is a good track to set the pace of the album. I like how this first track was a pop song to ease the fans into their redefined sound. Although I also had no clue as to what the lyrics meant. “Do you know the reasons why/We look up to the sky?” Please, tell me why Harry…because I truly don’t know.

“Drag Me Down”

BL: As the first single without Zayn, I thought that this song truly made a statement about the strength of the band and their capabilities. I got some Maroon 5 vibes from the beat, and I’m not complaining. This single truly broadened their audience, and even my mom loves it.

GW: I thought this was a great choice for them to put out as the first single from the album, as it seems like the perfect response to those who doubted that they could not be as strong without Zayn. Nobody can truly drag them down. Plus, I love a good head-banger.

 

“Perfect”

BL: This song is just… PERFECT. I had to say it. It’s probably the most pop and reminiscent of their earlier sound, but it’s super catchy with conversational lyrics that have me feeling some type of way. If this is a nod to Taylor Swift’s "Style," I applaud the clever response. “If you’re looking for someone to write your breakup songs about/Baby I’m perfect for you.” Hear that Taylor?

GW: Yeah I love this song, and I notice there are definite nods to “Style” in terms of melody as well as lyrics. Both songs note instances of midnight driving and spontaneous adventures. The upbeat tone of the song fits PERFECTLY (I had to say it too) with the live-for-the-moment attitude of the lyrics.

“Infinity”

BL: This song definitely left me with traces of Coldplay’s music. As one of the singles, I thought it was a good preview of their continuously effortless way of declaring the depths of their love through sincere lyrics.

GW: This song seemed to be like a better version of “Spaces” from their previous album "Four." Not my favorite, but I love the instrumental break that unexpectedly drops in the middle of such a mid-tempo song.

“End of the Day”

BL: I love the verses, I love the chorus, but why don’t they make any sense together? Don’t get me wrong, they’re both wonderful standing alone, but the harsh transitions in tempo really threw me off. Let’s all just appreciate Louis’ high note at the end of the bridge.

GW: The way that this sounds like two songs combined is a little disorienting and confusing for me. The first time I heard it I thought I accidentally skipped to the next song. Not to say that I don’t love it…my favorite line is “Just me, her, and the moon.”

“If I Could Fly”

BL: One word to describe this song: beautiful. This simple stripped down ballad showcases all of their vocal abilities, where each member has their own shining moment. Ohhh, the feels!

GW: Let’s be real, this song should be called “For Your Eyes Only” with the amount of times they say that line. I’m obsessed with the piano chords and really enjoy the part where they each sing a line of the chorus. 

“Long Way Down”

BL: For me, this song is just a filler track with very little substance. It’s a bit boring, and takes me back to their song “Something Great” from “Midnight Memories.” Not terrible, but also not memorable.

GW: Honestly, I like it…but I do agree that it’s not that memorable. Moving on?

“Never Enough”

BL: This song is the JAM. With an upbeat tempo, traces of 80s influences, and sassy vocals, I can’t get enough. “It’s never, it’s never enough.”

GW: Thought I was going to hate this when I first heard the snaps, grunts and little doo-wops at the beginning (“Lion Sleeps Tonight” vibes anyone?). But I find this song so entertaining…I can see why Niall says this is his favorite.

“Olivia”

BL: Why do they have so many songs named after other girls? I’m looking out for a song called “Brittany” on the next album, okay guys? Anyhow, this song takes me back to the Beatles. I love how the hook is so seamlessly executed and how the sequence in the bridge takes me to a fantasy world. 

GW: I also feel like the Beatles influenced this song. Oddly, parts of this also remind me of “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory”—adding to that whimsical sound. Favorite line is definitely, “Summertime and butterflies, all belong to your creation.” All the Olivias out there are lucky, indeed.

“What a Feeling”

BL: I call this one “Fireproof’s” brother. It's no wonder Liam loves it so much. It has some Fleetwood Mac undertones, but I’m not really feeling the whole 70s, groovy vibe.

GW: This song is actually my least favorite on the album. It sounds like something my dad would listen to (sorry, Dad). 

“Love You Goodbye”

BL: When I first heard this song, I thought it could be about Louis’ relationship with his ex, Eleanor. Louis’ authentic writing abilities are evident once again in this laid-back rendition.

GW: It’s definitely one of the sadder tracks on the album. I think the guys really captured the emotions of the song well.

“I Want to Write You a Song”

BL: In this song, I’m obsessed with the fact that I can hear the slides and finger style on guitar. It’s the perfect music to pair with such soft, poetic lyrics. 

GW: Can they serenade me with this now because these lyrics are so SWOONWORTHY. This song is so romantic and the scratching of a pen writing at the end adds an even more perfect touch to the track. 

“History”

BL: My mind automatically went to “Toy Story” when I heard this song. I love the message and the fact that they dedicated it to the fans. Just one listen and you know that they’ll be back after their break. “This is not the end.”

GW:  Yeah, I appreciate that they really had the fans in mind with this song. This is definitely a jam, and it’s even more fun knowing that they brought in fans to record the chorus.

Bonus Tracks:

“Temporary Fix”

BL: With the exception of “No Control,” I feel like they’ve finally done rock right with this track. From the suggestive lyrics to the angsty screams, this one is a winner in my book.

GW: Just like “No Control,” they captured perfectly the way to be suggestive without being vulgar. Kudos to Niall for writing this one. “Let me be your goodnight,” indeed.

“Walking in the Wind”

BL: A pretty mellow song, but like “Long Way Down,” I may just skip it. It’s chill and relaxing, but not really my speed.

GW: Yeah, it’s very subdued and not really a song I can get into. Also, why exactly are they walking in the wind?  

“Wolves”

BL: My favorite part of this song has to be the swift hook and the overall feel-good tone. It’s almost as if I went back in time to the 60s.

GW: Love this song, and I think my favorite part would be how they used the “oooohs” as the calls of the so-called “wolves” trying to steal away a girl.

“A.M.”

BL: This song is as deep and personal as it gets. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye for now, giving the fans an inside look at all of the boys’ memories as a band.  Stand out lyric: “You know I’m always coming back to this place.”

GW: “A.M.” is actually my favorite track, and it’s not just because they say “asses.” This song sets such a nostalgic tone, as we all have had those nights staying up late with friends having meaningful late-night talks. Not only is this significant as being where the title of the album originated, it really captures their personal experiences together as a band.

And that’s a wrap. One Direction, you’ve had to endure quite a lot this year, but at the end of the day, the music is all that matters. We give "Made in the A.M." a solid four out of five stars. Without a doubt, the biggest boy band in the world has made their mark in the best way possible.

Read more of NT's album reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Brittany Lazar here.

Reach Staff Reporter Gabrielle Wong here.