How musicians change their sound: A look at the progression of One Direction (Editorial)

Chart toppers like “Story of My Life,” “Kiss You,” and “Midnight Memories,” and fan favorites such as “Nobody Compares,” “One Thing,” and “Heart Attack,” all originated with the smash 2011 hit “What Makes You Beautiful.” One Direction has received nothing but tremendous support from their fans (dubbed directioners) over the few years they have been a group. The highly anticipated album FOUR had a high bar set for it among fans considering their three previous albums (Up All Night [2012], Take Me Home [2012], Midnight Memories [2013]) each peaked at number one on Billboards. FOUR is projected to also have that magnitude of success, but will not be officially announced on Billboard until November 26.

The quality of One Direction’s music and their general sound progression varies depending on whose opinion is coming through. Rolling Stone magazine has reviewed each album and given comments ranging from “One Direction is simply five pretty guys with a few decent songs and not much personality. Call them One Dimension” to crediting them with “a logjam of lousy ballads” with little change as the sound develops. Any supporter would highly disagree. When One Direction was starting out and making a name and reputation for their group, it was exciting for fans to tell apart who was singing, but as the boys become more involved, it is electrifying to know who wrote what lyrics or song. As the members of 1D get older and have more of a voice in their work, a change is clear and a large majority of fans love the sound progression.

Their debut music was that of a typical boy band, and was honestly not much more than catchy pop songs sung by some attractive Europeans. The vocal patterns and harmonization have improved drastically from album to album, as does the actual music behind the voices. Each member of One Direction has credited their inspiration to older groups and artists, primarily those popular in the 1980s, and each song has a stronger 80s vibe and a splash of 70s influence that is highly appreciated by loyal fans. The recent Rolling Stone review of FOUR also acknowledges the similarities. In their review, many songs off the album, such as “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Where do Broken Hearts Go” are paired with an older artist the author is positively reminded of.

As a huge fan of the original One Direction music, I highly enjoy the new sound. Yes, I don’t like to admit just how much Louis, Liam, Niall, Zayn, and Harry are all growing up, but the music they are creating now is amazing and it’s what the boys want to produce. Not only can I be proud of them as people (they haven’t done anything too stupid in the media even with the pressure they’re constantly under), but I can belt out their music with genuine happiness and satisfaction.

Changes of this type can be found with any and every artist that releases more than two or three albums, especially if they write at least some of the music they sing. Similar changes can be observed in all genres and artists ranging from Taylor Swift to Fall Out Boy to Vanilla Ice and many others. Some fans embrace the change as their idols grow up and others reject it. I personally feel more connected to my favorite artists’ music when it has grown because it’s almost like it has grown up with me and nothing is more satisfying than a connection of that magnitude and I without a doubt feel that connection with One Direction.

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2014-2015 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.