As many may know, the former boy band One Direction was something of a phenomenon. Though the group was only together from 2010-2015, their impact was one to go down in history — at one point even being bigger than The Beatles! Though they’ve been inactive since August of 2015, announcing the group’s hiatus and going solo soon after Zayn Malik left the band, their music has lived on. Having listened to their music for years now, I’ve conjured up a list of my top five 1D songs for those who might know nothing about boy bands.

1.     “I Should Have Kissed You” — Up All Night

This is the last song on their debut album Up All Night, which dropped on May 25th, 2012. It’s a feel good track with a nostalgic taste to it, something I feel would be played in an early 2000’s romcom when the boy fumbles his chance with the girl and regrets it. It’s youthful — given that at the time of this release, the oldest member was around 20 — and a great introduction into this boy band for those who aren’t familiar with them.

2.     “A.M.” — Made In The A.M.

Once again, another ending track — maybe they saved their best songs for last! Made In The A.M. is the band’s last album, and their only album without the talented presence of Zayn Malik. It released November 13th, 2015. However, this is definitely one of their more mature albums. Most of the songs were written with true emotion put into them, as opposed to the typical preppy pop songs fans were used to with their earlier works. This song in particular reminds me of when I first got into their music, that being during the COVID pandemic. I’d stay up till the A.M. listening to their music and therefore it has sentimental value to me. To this day, I might argue it’s one of their most underrated songs.

3.     “Change My Mind” — Take Me Home

The eight track on their sophomore album, Take Me Home dropped on November 12th, 2012. This album is particular is something nostalgic, most if not every song revolving around puppy love — and that is something beautiful. It might be considered a little cheesy, but that’s what made them such heartthrobs all those years ago. This song played live, as seen in several online videos or documentaries, is out of this world! The group’s vocals were something unmatched, even to this day as I catch myself listening to their music more often.

4.     “Something Great” — Midnight Memories

This deeply personal song is the 12th track on their third album, Midnight Memories, released on November 25th, 2013. 1D took more creative liberty with their last three albums, participating more and more with songwriting and such. This makes the song all the more heart wrenching because if one were to read the lyrics, it’s about simply wanting, yearning, for a great love as opposed to the narrative that’s forced upon them. It’s heart achingly beautiful and showcases more of the band’s personal struggles.

5.     “Ready to Run” — FOUR

Last but not least, the second track of their fourth album FOUR which dropped on November 17th, 2014. More than anything, it’s an upbeat song written by two members of the group — Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne. This album is known as one of, if not, the group’s best album of their discography. It presents maturity lyrically and musically overall, but it’s still something lighthearted and memorable. Fun fact: I used one of the lyrics from this song for my high school graduation cap! Can you guess which one?

I figured this piece was a good segue into the true reason I decided to share some of my favorite songs from my favorite band. On October 16th of 2024, former member of One Direction, Liam Payne tragically passed away — leaving fans worldwide devastated. Although I could’ve written more in depth about his terrible death and the conspiracies and assumptions that came with it, I took an approach I’d like to think he would’ve agreed with; instead sharing the wonderful music the group made from a young age and highlighting their talent and hard work. One Direction was something of a comfort for young people around the world. It’s those same adolescents that are now in college or working full time, but feel like those little kids who first listened to 1D when a song of theirs comes on — except now grief stricken. It’s something surreal and unexpected, but something that cannot be changed.

However, there is a profound lyric that’s always stuck with me and I think it may resonate with many others facing any type of grief: “Hey angel, do you look at us and laugh when we hold on to the past?” [“Hey Angel” by One Direction].