Review - One Direction - Midnight Memories

How lucky we are that we’ve all been able to watch One Direction grow up in front of our very eyes. When “What Makes You Beautiful” first came out, I couldn’t have been the only one who thought they’d have a big hit or two and disappear, so I’m not the only one who was wrong. Simon Cowell for the win you guys.

‘Midnight Memories’ is the boyband’s third album in as many years, which is exactly how often they should be releasing CDs. It is a collection of pop rock jams that are enough like what we know them for to satiate their usual legions of fans, but there is also some growth here. Unlike the previous two albums, not every song sounds exactly the same, and is therefore completely forgettable.

1D (or, more realistically their team of producers and songwriters) noticeably borrow from some great pop and rock tunes that have come before them, though one really has to wonder if they are really even aware of the references. “Does He Know” sounds like “Jessie’s Girl” part two; “Diana” features some Police-esque vocalizing; the title track takes the stadium-sized drums from Queen’s “We Will Rock You”; and second single “Story of my Life” is really more of a Mumford & Sons song than something from a boyband.

Let’s be honest: One Direction is never going to put out a “good” album. Is it listenable? Absolutely. Enjoyable? Yes. Really good pop music? Let’s not go too far. ‘Midnight Memories’ is probably the group’s best studio effort yet, and it might even be opening them up to life after the boyband arena has closed.

Listen to: “Story of my Life”, “Midnight Memories”, the rest of the album in the background.

Buy