One Direction still lives in the hearts of past fangirls who now are ghosts among the living. It’s time for all of us to stand up for our love of these boys via 10 of the most underrated One Direction songs through the years from each of their five albums.
- “Up All Night”
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The OG album that started it all. Up All Night captured the energy and essence of the beginning of this decade. This era of One Direction was definitely peak boyband for the boys, as can be heard in the bubblegum pop sound their songs had.
“Tell Me A Lie“: While Up All Night is chockfull of underrated bops, this song definitely doesn’t get the love it deserves. Songs with fun beats and sad lyrics own my heart and fill my playlists, so “Tell Me a Lie” has been shaping that aesthetic since I was 11.
“Stand Up“: From the moment I met One Direction (not literally) everything changed. Haha, see what I did there? If not, you’re not a true fan. This song is the epitome of the beginning of their careers. “Stand Up” is an absolute hit that kicked off a vibe of its own. This is the type of song I would’ve jammed to at a house party. Also, can we talk about Zayn’s part, including the way he says “chance?” Iconic.
- “Take Me Home”
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As second albums go, it’s reminiscent of their first album’s sound. Tons of bubblegum in Take Me Home, but we also get to experience the boys’ lyrical maturity for the first time in their slower songs. This album had three versions (and the deluxe version is only available in a physical copy) so they were working overtime to give us the content we deserve and we can’t thank them enough for it.Â
“Truly Madly Deeply“: Wow, we said “deluxe edition rights!” while picking our favorite underrated songs from Take Me Home. This song is 100% one of the top One Direction love songs in the game. The lyrics are pure, the instrumentals are soft and don’t even get me started on the harmonies. We were truly blessed.
“Irresistible“: This song made me !! but it was never loved on the way it showed me love. If anyone needs tips on how to love someone and what that feels like, look to this song! I feel stuck within a daydream listening to this song. There is such a sweetness in the words and a sadness to it. It embodies a young love and we adore that.
- “Midnight Memories”
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The intermittent album! One Direction was able to transition through various sounds and we truly stan it. Midnight Memories was one of the albums that entirely switched from their sound in their first two albums. It was a transitory period that went a little harder than the rest but flowed well into their next album Four.
“Happily“: As cheesy as it is, this song puts me in a really good mood. It’s just so sweet and upbeat that I can’t help but smile when listening to it. “Happily” is all about saying “we don’t care” to the people who want to see your relationship fail. It exudes the energy that says “as long as I have you, nothing else matters.” Also, Zayn’s high note. That’s it. Send tweet. (Pro tip: look up the acoustic version — it’s 10x more amazing.)
“Something Great“: “I want you here with me, like how I pictured it, so I don’t have to keep imagining.” Can we talk about relatable? “Something Great” is a song that represents a longing. A longing that we become invested in how we picture certain moments in our lives. Once again, another sad but entirely sweet song by these pure angels. This song reminds me of driving at sunrise or sunset, windows down and smiling as these sweet tunes fill my car. Thank you for the loveliest of songs, boys.
- “FOUR”
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The weird hiccup of a transition that we saw in Midnight Memories was made up for in the sounds of FOUR. This is the album where One Direction was seen as a less of the stereotypical boyband and a little more of a band. Heavier rock influences and mature lyrics are staples of this era.
“Clouds“: This song is incredible based on the instrumental alone. The instrumentals on FOUR are stunning all around, but this one definitely takes the cake. The vocals in this chorus are life-changing and the confidence the lyrics exude is infectious. It’s the kind of breakup song that you want to scream along to with your best friends while the windows are rolled down.
“Change Your Ticket“: THE ENERGY!! This song holds an absolute vibe to it. Imagine the smirks on their faces as they sing this song. It’s one of those upbeat and slightly goofy bops that is also a massive hit. Totally underrated for the amount of vibes it holds. “Change Your Ticket” gives you a “wow” moment and you can’t help but smile and dance along when it comes on. Can we also just mention these vocals? This time around their voices blend nicely throughout without necessarily overpowering each other until Zayn comes in a little later. We love that balance!
- “Made in the A.M.”
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The “see you later” album. Made in the A.M. was the album that gave fans closure to a chapter ending in the boys’ careers. The sweetest of conversations are held within each of these songs. We have been given the gift of love and acknowledgment through this album. Dare I say it is an entirely underrated album on its own? I think – yes.
“I Want to Write You a Song”: I will fight to the death for this song to earn HALF of the playtime the singles from Made in the A.M. earned. This is the kind of song that just makes you want to fall in love — that’s the vibe. I am fighting for the rights of all slow One Direction songs. It’s definitely more delicate than their other songs and I understand that One Direction’s vibe was typically more upbeat, but I could listen to this song every day for the rest of my life and never get sick of it.
“Walking in the Wind“: Another song filled with pure bliss. “Walking in the Wind” reminds me of happiness and nostalgia combined. This is a conversation being had. Within the song, they come to terms with an agreement, something that needs to happen and is mutually agreed upon. It isn’t a sad goodbye, it’s more of a “see ya later” moment with that twinge of hope of their return. The conversation in this song almost gives a closure that either way, they’ll always be there.
When you love One Direction as much as we do, you can admit that there are some songs that we’ve been sleeping on for years. In honor of the decade coming to a close and the influence they’ve had on us for years, we should definitely be giving these songs more love.