One Direction has become one of the most influential bands of our generation. Made in the A.M., released November 2015, is their latest album, but the band will not be touring. This album is also the first since Zayn Malik split from the band. By my judgement, One Direction has not let this departure ruin their excellent sound.  I’d go so far as to say, they are even better than the Zayn years.

Most Likely to Get Stuck in Your Head: “Drag Me Down”

Released in July, “Drag Me Down” was the first song on Made In the A.M. More importantly, it was the first song released since Malik’s departure from the group. From the looks of it, One Direction certainly doesn’t need Malik. “Drag Me Down” has an infectious, fast-paced rhythm. It was the perfect choice for the first release as it’s catchy sound peaked Directioners and Non-Directioners’ curiosities. It seemed like everyone just had to hear the rest of the album after hearing this song. I found myself humming the tune in class while I did work. Of all the songs that have gotten stuck in my head, this one’s my favorite.

Best Message: “End of the Day”

The flow of this song is definitely not my favorite. The chorus and the verse don’t seem to match in rhythm, and it’s off-putting. With that being said, this song does have an excellent message.

“All I know at the end of the day is you want what you want and you say what you say

And you’ll follow your heart even though it’ll break

Sometimes

All I know at the end of the day is love who you love

There ain’t no other way

If there’s something I’ve learnt from a million mistakes

You’re the one that I want at the end of the day”

Listening to this song helped me be at peace with decisions I’ve had to make in my life. It was also helpful to hear that making a lot of mistakes is okay.

Most Relatable: “Infinity”

“Infinity” is a painfully accurate representation of missing a loved one. It’s moving chorus gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. The crescendo of percussion at the end is just right to close it.

“How many nights does it take to count the stars?

That’s the time it would take to fix my heart

…How many nights have you wished someone would stay?

Lie awake only hoping they’re okay

I never counted all of mine

If I tried, I know it would feel like infinity”

Best to Play at a Party: “Temporary Fix”

“Temporary Fix” buzzes with electricity. Niall Horan talks about this song in a video on the One Direction YouTube Channel. When collaborating with Tom Branes, Ben Kohn, Peter Kelleher and Wayne Hector, Horan said this song was put on the album because, “We had ballads, we had mid-tempos, and we were missing something like ‘Little Black Dress,’ that kind of rock song.” Listening to this song makes me want to jump up and down. Its got a great vibe to it; One Direction has definitely matured. You can bet I’ll have this playing at my birthday party.

Best Sing-Along Song: “History”

“History” screams “Sing along with me!” The campfire feel makes this song so iconic. It doesn’t solely rely on the chorus either. The song starts with fantastic guitar work that’ll make you want to clap along. By the second chorus, you’ll have the lyrics down. Louis Tomlinson’s repetitive line “This is not the end,” pulls at fan’s heartstrings by reminding them that the break 1D will be taking in the next year is disappointing, but not permanent.

“This is not the end

We can make it you know it, you know

You and me got a whole lot of history

We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen”

Most Emotional: “If I Could Fly”

The first time I heard “If I Could Fly,” I knew it was going to be my favorite. Harry Styles’ vocals really bring out the intensity of the emotion in the song. The listener is taken through a series of beautiful melodic phrases about someone desperately missing their lover. The build-up and addition of instruments and other voices in the bridge suddenly slows to one voice and a piano. Styles then delivers the heartbreaking line, “[I] Hope that you don’t run from me,” and you can practically hear every teenage girl melting into a puddle.

“If I could fly

I’d be coming right back home to you

I think I might give up everything

Just ask me to”

Best Love Song: “I Want to Write You a Song”

The lyrics in “I Want to Write You a Song” are single-handedly the sweetest words I’ve ever heard come from a boy’s mouth. One Direction certainly nails their slow tracks. Their comparison between listener and beautiful things will have you blushing and trying to hide a smile. Try to tell me you don’t dream of your future husband serenading you with this after listening to it.

“I want to write you a song

One as beautiful as you are sweet

Just a hint of pain

For the feeling that I get when you are gone”

Most Unique: “Olivia”

“Olivia” is so different from anything One Direction has made before. It almost reminded me of a broadway ballad in the verses. “This song totally sounds like a Beatles song in the best way possible,” said Shira Benozilio from the Hollywood Life Blog. My favorite part is the chorus when it gets sparkly and longing. This is definitely a feel-good song.

“I live for you, I long for you, Olivia

I’ve been idolizing the light in your eyes, Olivia

I live for you, I long for you, Olivia

Don’t let me go”

Honorable Mention: “Never Enough”

While “Never Enough” did not exactly fit the criteria of the above categories, I couldn’t not mention it. The first time I heard it I could not wipe the smile off my face. The vibrant tempo and tribal theme will make you want to get up and dance. This song is right up there with my favorites.