With Zayn Malik’s departure in March from One Direction, one might have wondered how the pop band’s future albums would sound and sell amidst his absence.
No fears: One Direction is still doing fine. They took the top spot on the Billboard music charts with their first four albums, and they’re still in the race for number one with their newest album, Made in the A.M.–although, according to billboard.com, Justin Bieber’s Purpose is a close competitor.
As far as the actual music featured on Made in the A.M., the style isn’t that different from the boy band’s past hits. Most songs are upbeat with a few slower ballads, and more than half the lyrics focus on relationships and girls. The language is always clean and quite sweet, aside from one curse word featured in “A.M.,” from the deluxe edition.
Malik was definitely one of the more powerful vocalists of the group, but the other singers compensate for his absence. It’s almost as if nothing’s changed. If anything, the group’s vocals sound more structured and cohesive. If the group wants more vocal complexity and musical variety, Malik’s absence has left them at a loss. But that loss is so minuscule it’s practically irrelevant. If the group’s going for a fluid and simple sound, they’ve mastered it.
As with the other four albums, Made in the A.M. does get predictable at times. There’s a solo with one member, then a chorus with everyone, then more about each member’s ability to charm a girl and make her happy.
But little things save each song from blending together. “History” utilizes clapping as a beat, while “I Want to Write You a Song” features acoustic guitar sounds that serve as a strong, organic base for the whole song. This varies from the first song of the album, “Hey Angel,” which features a subtle instrumental or vocal melody that’s obviously technologically altered.
Overall, Made in the A.M. is well put together. It’s similar to the ones they’ve released in the past, but the members have grown and provide each song with a more mature sound. Despite rumors regarding the band’s temporary split, the group has left fans on a good note with something to hold them over until One Direction becomes fully active again.
Review: One Direction’s ‘Made in the A.M.’ still pleases after Zayn Malik’s split
Anna Lieberman
November 17, 2015
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