One Direction is almost two years into their hiatus or, as I like to call it, the overwhelming and emotionally traumatic Great Flood of singles, tour dates, and albums. As each member decided to explore completely different genres (someone please explain to me how they were ever in a band), their respective albums require excessively specific settings and moods. So, per demand, here are the ONLY correct ways to listen to each album for the first time, because I love to take everything just a little too seriously:Â
1. Harry Styles:Â The self-titled album must be experienced in your room, face down on the bed, listening through headphones with the volume turned 3/4 of the way up. The only light permitted is the illumination of three burning candles and/or one strand of faerie lights.
2. Niall Horan: Flicker calls for an aimless walk through the woods on a cool autumn morning. The required uniform is a chunky jewel-toned sweater, flat chelsea boots, and a travel mug of tea or coffee. Alternatively, you could just stare out a bus window for an hour but ONLY if it’s raining!!!
3. Louis Tomlinson:Â You should play this album (which doesn’t even have a release date yet but it’s nice to be prepared) while slowly getting ready for a party you’re only excited for because you had a rough day. Play it through laptop speakers as you pat glitter on your face and dance in the mirror and shed a few tears.
4. Liam Payne:Â Honestly, you’ll probably just hear bits of it every time you go to the club and will be able to drunkenly piece it all together after like 3 months. (This isn’t even Liam shade I firmly believe this is what he wants.)
*DISCLAIMER* I chose to exclude Zayn from this list ONLY because he released Mind of Mine over a year ago and I failed to consider proper lighting and ambiance because my feelings were still hurt. I would like to make it abundantly clear that all animosity has since vanished and I would still die for him if given the chance.Â