We are amid a boyband renaissance. Every generation has its definitive boyband (or two). They reach insurmountable heights of success and subsequently call it quits, ushering in a few quiet years on the boyband front. Currently, K-pop is running the boyband department, but *NSYNC has recently announced their comeback–which will no doubt make waves. That being said, we don’t need any more boybands right now, but if there is one that we are “patiently” waiting on to announce a reunion, it’s One Direction.
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The 1D boys had it all in the 2010s. It’s no surprise that they decided to shelve their career as a group. Where do you go after you’ve played almost every major stadium, sold oodles of albums, and even taken over full cities?
Each of the band members has found success in their solo careers–which will also tide us over until the fivesome decides to regroup. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at the group’s five studio albums. Find our definitive ranking, below.
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5. Take Me Home
One Direction’s second studio album, Take Me Home, was undoubtedly a level-up for the pop group. It stepped things up from the youthful innocence of their debut and pushed them into more mature waters. However, when looking at the album as a whole, it all gets a little monotonous. Don’t get us wrong, there are some high points–namely, “Last First Kiss,” “Little Things,” and “Heart Attack.” But, the bird’s eye view of the record, sees it all fade into one note–albeit an anthemic one.
4. Up All Night
Coming in at No. 2 is the band’s debut album, Up All Night. Though they certainly shared more complex efforts later in their career, it’s the naive approach to music-making that makes this album worthwhile. It’s nostalgic and endearing. As far as debut albums go, Up All Night is a pretty fine effort.
3. Midnight Memories
We’re giving their third album, Midnight Memories, the No. 3 spot. Midnight Memories was their most mature record at the time. The jump from Take Me Home is stark. Despite there only being a year gap between the two records, it feels like a concrete moment in which “the boys” grew into men. They wear ’80s pop influences on their sleeve, adding something grittier to their pure pop tones.
2. Made In The A.M.
Pitting Made In The A.M. and Four against one another is a fickle task. They are both stellar records with near-perfect tracklists. Nevertheless, we have to put Made In The A.M at No. 2. It’s the only album to not feature Zayn Malik. Even though the rest of the boys continued on in fine fashion, we can’t help but miss soaring high notes from Malik on this record.
1. Four
We venture to declare Four as One Direction’s best album. Their final effort with Malik, Four took the ’80s pop inspirations on Midnight Memories and perfected them. Elsewhere there are folkie, singer-songwriter tones that play to great appeal. Four seems to be the closest the group got to combining their individual inspirations under one roof.
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