So another album review of a band that was also manufactured by the belching music production machine that is The XFactor; Ella Henderson and now One Direction, don’t we treat you here at ItsBizNews. 1D as like Henderson was another act that didn’t win Xfactor but instead came third, trumped by both Rebecca Ferguson and Matt Cardle. 1D have not let this stand in their way as the band is now worth a hefty 25 million with numerous number one hits and albums under their skinny belts. If I’m honest I’m not a big fan but I was happy to listen and was pleasantly surprised. Enjoy!
In my last review I talked about the difficulty of shedding the XFactor label that seems to surround all the stars that are curated and preened by this globally recognised show. It’s known for exuding stagey pop music for the masses as each week every act is singing a Westlife cover, or a Mariah Carey classic. Although newer and more indie hits are being used, back in 2010 1D were belting out the typical Xfactor cliché tunes. But as the band has grown and discovered an addiction to tattoos, both fans and band members have started to grow up and this album appears to be a maturing of the pubescent melodies this band has been churning out for the past few years. In Midnight Memories, the last album, the introduction of power chords and rougher lyrics and singing style helped to move the band towards a rockier feel and it’s obvious that in the new album Four this is where the boys are going with their music.
Steal My Girl, is the first obvious showing of this; the piano ostinatos have a classic rock feel, and the rough feel of Harry’s voice and the wonderful high pitched additions from my favourite 1D member Zayn, (had to pop that in) this one is a winner from the start. I also liked that it’s about keeping your hands off of someone else’s partner as it's a different, moral subject to sing about. Overall it’s a sweet song and it slowly introduces fans to this new found rock feel. Also if you haven’t seen the music video, go check it out, it’s a little odd but I kind of loved it. Ready to run, is the next track on the album and although a steadier pace this one is a belter. With the lines ‘Wherever you are is the place I belong’ and ‘Without you I’ll never make it out alive,’ you can tell this is one to melt the fans hearts into a puddle of loveliness. The chorus is full on and you can’t beat a few ‘woahh-ohhs!’ Now Where do Broken Hearts go really surprised me as it has an 80’s anthem groove going on and the vibe is fresh and modern! You can tell this band is trying to run as far away from its X Factor days as possible. I can see this one being a concert hit with fans screaming and banners waving; one of my favourites I have to admit!
I also loved 18 and it’s not just because it was written by the incredible collaboration of Ed Sheeran and Passenger (could it get any better?!) The guitar riffs have a ‘Sheeran’ feel and the melody is stripped back much like many of the songs that feature on his most recent album X. I also loved that Louis got a little solo at the end. We always hear Harry, Liam or Zayn and it’s nice that he got a break to show off that he can take the centre stage. Girl Almighty is a bit of a filler but once again it will get the girls screaming and crying in synchronisation. With funky guitar chords and riffs a plenty this song fits perfectly with the new found sound of the band. Then we hit Fool’s Gold; two words, cheery and sentimental. It’s got that stereotypical happy but sad feel that I love and the harmonies are wonderfully balanced with the music behind and the boys really get to show off their voices.With lyrics such as 'Yeah I know your love's not real but that's not the way it feels' this is another weepy track.
Night Changes, is a wonderful song to show of Zayn’s beautiful voice during the middle 8 section of the song. Overall the song talks of a girl going to meet a boy for a date but it’s also about growing up and maturing (much like the band in this album!) The lyrics sing 'Her mother doesn't like that kinda dress. Reminds of her of the missing piece of innocence she lost...' The lyrics are so much more soulful than their glory days of ‘that’s what makes her beautiful’ and that makes me so happy because there is obviously more to this band than meets the eye. One thing to mention here when talking about the next song, No Control, is that this album certainly has song material variety. This song talks of the day after the night before and although it’s a little raunchy I know it will once again go down an absolute storm in a packed out stadium! Definitely one to dance around to in your room with you hair on top of your head, and your pjs on! Clouds and Spaces both play around with the same kind of motives; one being about a break up, but with a bit of a kick and one about when your boyfriend or girlfriend is being a little uncaring. They both revolve around shaking those feelings off and getting back on your feet. They are both pretty good songs but nothing to scream praises about. Finally we finish with Stockhold Syndrome which I thought was a little odd. It kind of sings of a metaphorical hostage, it’s a weird way to end the album but, I’m sure all the fans will love it (as they will the entire album)
