Obviously, by now, you should know I am a massive One Direction fan, directioner if you will. Too often have I been in a conversation with someone, and they say, "I just never really go into 1D, it's not my thing," which is totally fine! Or, they frankly don't like them at all. That's all totally okay. This post isn't hating on non-fans at all. However, if that person is open-minded, I usually suggest some songs that weren't major singles to them. One Direction has five albums full of songs, a lot that wasn't exclusively promoted and played on mainstream radio. These are the top five songs I recommend people try to listen to before "hating" the One Direction boys! And of course, I was inspired to write this because it is their tenth anniversary, and I have "No Control" (song reference) over how annoying I am today. But, I hope you can enjoy at least these songs with me!
1. What a Feeling
• So, what I usually do is play "What a Feeling" before anything. This song was created on Made in the A.M. album, their fifth and "final" album before the hiatus and after Zayn left the band. "What a Feeling" definitely sounds very inspired by Fleetwood Mac (maybe it's not, but it has the vibes). Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne from One Direction received co-writing credits for this song. They both also mentioned in interviews that "What a Feeling" was their favorite song on Made in the A.M.. Since this was their fifth album, they had a lot of creative control and voice in the writing/creation process. It's genuinely just a fantastic song, whether I am bias or not. I love listening to this song when I'm just driving around on a sunny day. It also is featured in a famous vine where it looks like a dog is driving the car and its spinning uncontrollably on ice (you may have heard it there). Any non-fan I've played this for has at least admitted: "What a Feeling" is actually good.
2. Stockholm syndrome
• This is one of my favorite songs out of One Direction's whole discography. It's featured on their fourth album, Four. Harry Styles co-wrote this song and explained it as the feeling of being trapped. Stockholm syndrome literally means you have empathy for your kidnapper to the point some people feel as if they are in love. They were questioned if the song reflects how they feel artistically in their contracts. Still, Harry said it's more focused on a girl who has extreme desires...Okay, sure. But, this song genuinely is so good to me. I'm not sure why. I think the melody is excellent, and each boy executes their solos perfectly. It's incredibly catchy as well. This album was also their most mature album when the band was still a five-some, so I think it shows the maturity of their sound while keeping to their roots very well.
3. Truly Madly, Deeply
• This song was considered a "bonus" track on their second album, Take Me Home, which was only included when you bought the actual CD. I used to listen to this on repeat on YouTube because it was not on the album if you purchased it digitally or streamed it. One Direction's gift to the fandom today for their 10th anniversary was adding "Truly Madly, Deeply" onto an extended version of Take Me Home! Now we can listen to it whenever, wherever we want! None of the boys wrote this song, but it still is beautiful. One Direction has some really good slow, love songs, but I also feel like since they are so pop-rock that it was difficult for them to really nail the perfect love ballad sometimes. They weren't popular songs on their albums. However, "Truly Madly, Deeply" hit the nail on the head. Add this to your "love songs" playlist because I know you have one, everyone does. Catch my future husband and me dancing to this at my wedding.
4. Right Now
• "Right Now" is by far one of my favorite One Direction songs as well. Therefore, I have a bias opinion when describing this one to you. It is one of my crying songs, to be honest. "Right Now" is apart of One Directions third album, Midnight Memories. During the writing and recording process of Midnight Memories, they were in the midst of their world tour for their second album, Take Me Home. Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles gained co-writing credits for this song. Their third album was when they finally got to grab creative control by the reins and show us what they can do. Their song-writers for their last two albums couldn't make it on tour with them, so they had a lot more freedom when it came to ideas and what they wanted to do with this new album. At the end of the day, "Right Now" is about One Direction's relationship with performing, being on the road, and their fans while also missing their family, friends, and relationships. It's pretty easy to pick up on once you take a listen. The song is powerful and moving as well because while it displays how grateful they are, it also shows what they miss.
5. No Control
• If you have ever kept up with One Direction throughout the years, you would be aware that Louis Tomlinson did not get the most exposure during their songs. He had the least amount of solos even though he wrote many of the songs on the last three albums. However, "No Control" is owned by Louis. He literally carries the song on his back. Louis sings the chorus, and he actually now sings the song solo when he is on tour. Fans were so proud of Louis for this song and loved it so much that they actually created a whole single campaign for it! Fans alone promoted this song on social media and to radio stations to the point it essentially became another "single" without the label, management, or One Direction having to do anything. Louis and Liam Payne also both are mentioned to be co-writers for the song as well. "No Control" is on their fourth album, Four. Louis described as the album staying close to their original sound, but the songs being a bit more edgy and mature. This song is probably what he talked about because it has some innuendos to "mature" activity. I didn't pick up on that part of the song until late considering I submitted this song's lyrics for an English project in high school.. oh well.
That's not even close to all the good songs One Direction has. You don't have to be a fan to acknowledge that something or someone is pretty good! These are just the intro songs I get some of my friends started on when they tell me they aren't fans of One Direction. This probably didn't convert anyone into a "directioner", but anyways, happy 10-year-anniversary to One Direction! This band means so much to me. They brought me joy when I was in some of the darkest spots of my life, and continue to do so. Liking One Direction brought me friends I would have never met or talked to without bonding over our love. I can't thank them enough. Maybe in the next 10 years, I will finally grow out of it (but I doubt it)!
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